[jsalk]

Earlier this year, we were getting requests to develop versions of our various ribbon-based speakers with RAAL tweeters.  So, around February or so, we started working on a version of our HT1-TL using the RAAL 140 tweeter.

Here are the results...



After these were complete, we decided to go ahead and work up RAAL versions of all of our ribbon-based speakers.  But since we had developed a custom RAAL for use in our new flagship SoundScape design, we thought we it would make more sense to use that version in all of our speakers.

So, while it was a good idea, this speaker design became an orphan looking for a reason to exist.  It seemed a shame to let it go to waste, so we just added it to the Available for Immediate Delivery page.  While we will not be offering this exact combination of drivers on an on-going basis, this should make a real nice pair for someone.

- Jim

[Nuance]

Those are smokin'!  What veneer is that?

[ArthurDent]

Very Sweet, as usual Jim.   

[Construct]

Beautiful design!  That veneer is indeed gorgeous!  The gold phase plug pops against the white driver and the veneered cabinet.

[jsalk]

Those are smokin'!  What veneer is that?

It is cinnamon burl.

- Jim

[Big Red Machine]

They sound great boys!  If I was in need of a third system I would consider these for sure.  Super smooth and pretty darn good bass for a single driver.  Eye candy too.

[DMurphy]

Just a word on these speaks--These were intended for a private party who specified a woofer that just didn't work out (boy--did it not work out).  He also specified the tweeter, which is the BiG Daddy RAAL, capable of operation down to 1600 Hz due to its longer ribbon element.  The flip side of that is somewhat reduced vertical dispersion--it's just physics.  I loved working with the drivers, since they essentially have perfect frequency response over the ranges they were asked to handle.  Everyone who has heard these speakers has commented on the midrange reproduction.  It might be the best of all the Salk speakers other than the SoundScape, which adds an open back and the outstanding Accuton to the mix.  The very top frequencies don't have quite the sparkle you might get with a shorter ribbon (particularly if you stand up).  But I think a lot of people would consider that a minor and very acceptable trade-off  considering its performance over 97% of the frequency range.

[jd3]

Just a word on these speaks--These were intended for a private party who specified a woofer that just didn't work out (boy--did it not work out).  He also specified the tweeter, which is the BiG Daddy RAAL, capable of operation down to 1600 Hz due to its longer ribbon element.  The flip side of that is somewhat reduced vertical dispersion--it's just physics.  I loved working with the drivers, since they essentially have perfect frequency response over the ranges they were asked to handle.  Everyone who has heard these speakers has commented on the midrange reproduction.  It might be the best of all the Salk speakers other than the SoundScape, which adds an open back and the outstanding Accuton to the mix.  The very top frequencies don't have quite the sparkle you might get with a shorter ribbon (particularly if you stand up).  But I think a lot of people would consider that a minor and very acceptable trade-off  considering its performance over 97% of the frequency range.

Dennis, I bought these from Jim based on your comments.  I was going to go with an HT-1TL (despite BRM's protestations that I should go with the HT2-TL!) but as these were available and you praised their midrange so much, I decided to go with them.  Having heard the Soundscapes, I'd have to agree with your assessment.  They are really 'Soundscape-like' in their midrange presentation...they're really super smooth with gobs of detail.  I'm very happy I went with them, and I've got a 'one of a kind' pair that also happen to look as fantastic as they sound.  (Though buying them did prevent me from attending RMAF this year, but it was worth it!)   Thanks Dennis (and of course Jim!)  

[DMurphy]

That's great.   Usually my remarks cost Jim sales, so I'm happy to chalk one up on the opposite side of the scales.  I'm not sure why the midrange has such a special quality--it must be due to the RAAL operating as low as it does.