[catastrofe]

This is a public thank-you for Jim and Mary's hospitality yesterday.  The Salks graciously invited me into their home to audition the SS10 and HT2-TL.  Of course, after listening to the SoundScapes there was no need to switch to the HTs.

After about 1 1/2 hours of listening and discussion, Jim gave me a tour of his production facility.  Lots of good stuff going on.  Mary suggested I listen to a pair of Song Towers that were getting ready to ship.  These speakers were about 5 feet apart in the middle of an all concrete room and they still sounded fantastic. . .I couldn't believe it.

Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the quality of Jim's work.  I listened to Thiel CS3.7s on Thursday, and Von Schweikert VR5 Anniversaries last night.  I'm buying the SoundScapes.

Now, what veneer to order. . .

Thanks Jim & Mary!!!

Bob

[mr_bill]

Hi Bob,
Great comments.
How does the HT2 TL compare to the Thiel and Von Schwiekert VR5 annie?
You must like the SS10 better than the Thiel and VR5 annie?

[catastrofe]

Hey Mr. Bill,

I didn't listen to the HT2-TL, so I can't really say.  For me, the SS10 was the best choice of the 3 (Thiel, VSA, and Salk).

HTH!

Bob 

[fsimms]

I took the same wonderful trip a couple of months ago.  It was very special.  It only cost me $10K.  I see it cost you the same. LOL

Bob
EDIT: Of course I will always have some incredible speakers as a souvenir of the awesome trip. 

[Nuance]

Wow, congrats to you, catastrofe.  That is too cool!

[OgOgilby]

Hey Mr. Bill,

I didn't listen to the HT2-TL, so I can't really say.  For me, the SS10 was the best choice of the 3 (Thiel, VSA, and Salk).

HTH!

Bob

Congrats Bob!

What aspect of the sound influenced your choice of Jim's SS10's over the Thiel's and the VSA's?

[gthomas]

  OK Bob I have to know~~  How does my HT3s measure up yo the ones you have heard?

        Gene

[catastrofe]

Og,

In my mind it was really a question of balance.  I feel the SS10s play lower and with more authority than the other 2 speakers.  They also have excellent mids and highs.  With the VSAs, there's one particular track that seemed to lack information I can hear on my current speakers (Thiel CS1.6s), and through both the SS10s and 3.7s.

This could all be a matter of room and/or system synergy.  Until these babies are in my room with my equipment, who knows?!

Gene,

Hard to tell from the brief time I spent at your place, although the HT3 definitely plays lower than the 3.7s.

BTW, I ordered Cocobolo with a hand-rubbed gloss, just like Jim's demo pair.  I'm hoping he can find some unusual veneer so that they really stand-out.

[floresjc]

catastrofe -

If you have something specific in mind, you could always purchase the veneer and have it shipped to Jim. Thats what I did when searching for the perfect bubinga finish. But judging by his body of work, he can probably find you something like what you had in mind