Just bought these speakers, as i wanted to experience what open baffle was about. The sound reminds me of the best attributes of classic British speakers combined with that box-less presentation of Magnepans. I rarely talk about synergy, but in this case the problem is that my amp and these speakers are so similar that it becomes too much of a good thing. One or the other can stay in the system, and my preference is to keep the amp as it was a custom build by a very good friend of mine.
The speakers use 2 Sterling Silver co-ax drivers with the optional open back frame, which is a $300 upgrade. Crazy price, but where are you going to get it? There are two Auggie 10" bass drivers per panel. The co-ax uses the Radian diaphrams for a detailed top end. The crossover network is a custom build package with Alpha Core ribbon wire air core coils, Clarity capacitors, and Millls wire round resistors. The baffles are custom build by Mike Kelley and are works of art. Here is a link to the build thread of these speakers
http://www.hawthorneaudio.us/forums/...php?f=2&t=4262What you got in this package is $2200 worth of drivers. A custom crossover that would cost $300 in parts if built today. A baffle that Mike built one of, and fire sale priced at $1100 in this package. So this is a legitimate $3500 to $4000 speaker. I bought it for $1100, and that is what I would sell it for. You will need a pair of plate amplifiers to run the bass drivers, but I might be able to help you with that.
The sound reminds me of what is the best attributes of British speakers, a full and pure midrange, a top end that is clear and smooth, and a full bass that does not boom or lag. The sound stage is just huge, and well focused. There is a lot to like about this speaker, but my system is just not the right combo for it. I can only afford one pair of speakers, so I am looking to recover my cash and pass along a great deal.
Two things to consider. The baffle does have a small crack, as the Wenge wood has a propensity to do this. Mike looked at the photo of the affected area, and says it is structurally sound, ,and a cosmetic repair can be affected by a good woodworker. I can provide an image of that if needed.
Secondly, I would give preference to a local sale of some arrangement. These are works of art, and I would hate to see them damaged. But, they are a stackable baffle, and can be disassembled. If you are willing to pay for the materials and time to ship, I may be persuaded to do that. But that is something that cannot happen in a day, it would take a bit of time to source all the materials to do so. Wouldn't be cheap either, as we are talking some big boxes.
Price is $1100 for $3500+ speaker system.
