For several years now, GR Research has offered the O-3 in kit version. I recently purchased a pair that had already been built and just wanted to report that I am EXTREMELY impressed with the O-3's. They have far exceeded my expectations. I thought I had good sound before, but these speakers are on a completely different level. I use them primarily for 2-channel listening, but they also serve as my fronts for HT.
My goal was to purchase a speaker that Danny designed. It didn’t matter which one, as long as it fit my rather low budget, used high quality crossover components, and was a floor stander. After playing around with placement, the transparency, detail, and dynamics are the best I've heard. It's amazing that these "little" speakers can sound so big. Virtually every CD sounds more realistic. The upright bass has rich texture and no boominess at all. The sound stage is huge! The music is thicker and fuller, but with greater clarity. Musicality is incredible. The emotional connection to the music is all there. After my listening session, I ordered a Regina Carter CD which I had previously sold even though I liked it, but I knew my previous system wasn't accurately portraying the violin. The O-3’s handled the challenge without breaking a sweat.
It seems that an omnidirectional speaker with great imaging would be an oxymoron, but it ain't. It's hard to believe, but the O-3's have amazing imaging characteristics. I never would have considered purchasing omnidirectional speakers, but the O-3’s have changed my mind about going unconventional. The music sounds great, even if you’re standing behind the speakers! I didn't think it mattered, but it does -- no sweet spot is very sweet, indeed.
