In my initial review,
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=23735,
I felt the Bella's were not fully burned in, and I decided to give them more playing time before making my final evaluation. But even by then, I realized that they had achieved a higher level of performance over the Essence.
With nearly 200 hours of burn-in, the Bellas have evolved into a very impressive speaker. Without waiting until the end of my review, I will state right away that I believe the Response Audio mod to the Essence is well worth the investment. If I were an Essence owner, I'd be thrilled to know I could take my already great speaker and turn it into a significantly better speaker.
Now if you are interested in some details, this is what I heard:
I should first point out that I had to use my 4 pillar 24" tall sand filled steel speaker stands. They are very good stands, but too tall for the Bellas. The Bellas should have been at least 4-6" lower to get the tweeter at or below ear level. It also gets the midbass lower to the floor, which may help enhance the low-end response.
Another observation is the highly effective waveguide. It really helps to project strongly into the room, which I think has a lot to do with the large soundstage and dynamic punch of the Bella. However, for me I was not accustomed to this, so I personally preferred the Bellas set up with significant toe-in - about 35-40 degrees. Changing toe-in / toe-out can make a big difference in the way the Bella will perform for you.
I first compared the Bella directly to my ProAc Response 2.5 floorstanders. This is what my ProAc looks like if you haven't seen one.
Next to it is my former, and still favorite, Dynaudio Special 25. I got the 2.5 at a really good price because of the chip near the bottom. If you want to see what a Bella looks like, Bill has taken some great photos on his website:
http://www.responseaudio.com/bellaspeakergallery.htmHere's one photo from his site:
As I point out my impressions, bear in mind that these comments are based on how one speaker sounded in relation to the other, and not necessarily how I would describe the speaker if I were comparing it to some other speaker.
These are my notes from the ProAC/Bella comparisonThe ProAc's are lush, warm, mellow, and laid back in comparison to the Bella. Compared to some other speaker this would probably not be the case.
The Bella is clean, cool, clear, and more forward.
Each speaker is what I would consider high-rez. They each provide lots of information and allow the listener to hear deeply into the recording. With the ProAc, the beauty is in the midrange. With the Bella, the beauty is in the neutrality.
The low frequency response seemed fairly close. This was somewhat surpising, because the Bella's response is listed at 50hz -2db. The ProAc's have very good bass for a speaker its size, and I believe is publicized in the low 30's or upper 20's. However, the Bella's bass is punchier with greater perceived speed. Don't expect these results, however, until you've gotten at least 100 hours on them.
The Bella's have much more power handling capacity than the ProAc's. They can really crank out the spl's with ease. The Bella's can really rock - big time!
Each speaker is hi-rez. They each have the ability to dig deeply into the recording and extract the low level details. With the ProAc the beauty is in the midrange. With the Bella, the beauty is in the neutrality.
The ProAc had a list price of $4500. The Bella is currently available for 10% of its introductory price of $2100.
These are my notes from the Essence/Bella comparisonBearing in mind that the Essence and Bella use the same drivers and same cabinets, they share a certain degree of similarity in the sonic signature. The Bella just takes it all to another level.
The Bella is more resolving. It is readily apparent that when listening to the Bella that a veil has been lifted. Individual notes are more easily distinguished. When listening to cymbals or triangles, the striking of these instruments are crisper and more distinct.
Performers on the soundstage are more clearly defined with greater separation between them. It is easier to visualize a virtual stage in front of you
The texture and timbre of instruments and voice are a more lifelike and realistic.
Finally, the bass is better defined. The plucking of the strings and the resonance of the wood body are more lifelike. This ranks very high for me because I love stand-up bass. Too many speakers and too many systems just don't get the bass right. It may be deep and punchy, but lacking in complex woody timbre that breathes life into the music.
Actually, one final observation. The Bella sounded less boxy, which I think was the result of elimination of the ringing resonance I noted in the Essence, probably accomplished in some measure by the use of better damping material in the cabinets.
My best advice to anyone would be to definitely give the Essence a try - why not with SP Technology's fabulous audition offer, and if you like it, you would really like what Response Audio does in transforming it into the Bella.
