[morik]

I understand that several people on this forum have upgraded from the Veracity HT3 to the SS8.

I am considering purchasing one or the other, and am interested in hearing impressions about the differences between them.

I do have 2 great subwoofers (Rhythmik F15HPs), which I could use to bolster the low end for the HT3s (and further bolster the SS8s if I wanted).

Thanks!

[audiotom]

Not a direct comparison but I thought it might shed some insight


I have stepped up from the HT3s to Soundscape 10s

If the new ht3s are using the latest RAAL tweeter that will enhance the high end. The older ribbon is no slouch. The older version that I have has a seamless frequency response top to bottom.
The HT3 is a phenominal speaker and will go down low enough to capture all but the most subsonic musical notes, unless you are using the speakers in a home theatre setup, you can go without a sub imho.
The Ht3s are an excellent speaker and do not disappoint.

That being said, the Soundscape drivers and cabinets have taken the SALK sound further.
The top end is ethereal - just floats effortlessly. Same excellent tonal balance, and an authoritative low end that needs to be heard.  If it were me, I would want to make that jump knowing this was the latest cutting edge work and at a more affordable price than the ss10/12. I was halfway through the build process when the ss8s came out, so who knows what I would have ended up with if they were an option

The ss8s have a much higher speaker sensitivity at 87 db, so they will be easier to drive

Pm Pete -  big red machine, he has lived with both speakers
Also check out his  thread on the ss8s, it was a very enthusiastic yes!

If you can stretch you wallet, i would wait till I could go with the ss8s

[Big Red Machine]

The 8's are wayyyyyy easier to drive, have flatter overall response, and tighter bass due to the twin 8 inch woofers.  For just a little bit more dough you have a superb speaker.

And only blasphemers use subs with their floorstanding stereo speakers!  There are a few here who do and I am still beating them down.

[ratso]

and we think you're blasphemous for not using them 

[jlupine]

How do the dynamics and frequency range compare at low levels (say, <75dB) ?

[benguin]

I understand that several people on this forum have upgraded from the Veracity HT3 to the SS8.

I am considering purchasing one or the other, and am interested in hearing impressions about the differences between them.

I do have 2 great subwoofers (Rhythmik F15HPs), which I could use to bolster the low end for the HT3s (and further bolster the SS8s if I wanted).

Thanks!

Coincidently, I posted about this very issue on another board:
We were lucky enough to hear the HT3 and SS8 back to back at Salk. You've probably already compared the specs- the SS8 is a bit easier to drive (87db vs 84 db), so that would explain the recommended amplification difference. The other core differences are the Accuton midrange vs W18EX and the 2-8" woofers plus passives vs the 10" woofer. The weight may be a factor if you have to move them around much- 126 lbs vs 87 lbs.

Without the sub- we heard definite differences between the SuperchargedST and HT3 on fullness of sound, then another major step with the SS8s. HOWEVER, with the addition of your subs I am not sure if you would have a truly 'cost effective' difference in anything other than a side by side direct comparison. Both systems were VERY good. But as you would expect from the driver differences, you do have sonic differences for the price.

One thing that may or not be a factor for you, if I am recalling correctly, Jim had said the SS8s were much more tolerant of placement. I think that is probably due to the passive 12"s radiating much more broadly. When I walked around various locations during the audtion, the SS8 did not reveal any significant hot or dead zones. Again, with your two-sub set up, this may not be nearly as critical for bass interaction.

From what we heard, I don't think you can go wrong- it will just come down to which flavor of sound you may like and the $$.

Of course, the bad side is now I know I'll get chided by Big Red Machine for ordering a Salk/Rythmik to go with my SS8s!

  -- Ben

[Austin08]

One thing I have to say is if you buy the SS8 now then there is no ”what if....” after though later. (of course it is all depend on your financial situation). Just my 2cts.

[morik]

Thanks guys. I decided to go with the SS8--though I'll likely continue to live in sin, and cross them over to my subwoofers. I'll play around with it and see how I like them with & without, but I do know I love these Rythmiks...

[Nuance]

Congrats morik! 

Rythmik makes a great subwoofer, so no sinning involved there.  I too cross to dual subs, but not because of my speakers; I do it to help take the room out of the equation, and also so I can apply PEQ to the ULF's.  You've got a great plan, though: try both and go with which you prefer.  I look forward to your completion day, pictures and your impressions.  Welcome to the Salk family!

[oneinthepipe]

And only blasphemers use subs with their floorstanding stereo speakers!  There are a few here who do and I am still beating them down.

I rarely have an opinion that differs from that of BRM, a man whose opinions rarely change  and who has owned or used more audio gear than any other person except our wonderful colleague Zybar    ,  but...

Jeff Bagby designed a sub for me using one 15" driver and two 15" passive radiators in a 5 cubic foot (ID) box. 

I built four subs, using 3/4" MDF laminated to  3/4" Baltic Birch.  I am using separate electronic crossovers for the left and right channels, set @ 70hz, and the mid-range on my HT2-TL mains has become much cleaner.  And the subs go low, low, even lower, and even lower than that     .  I have tons of bass traps, and absolutely no boominess.  Just deep, subtle, and flat (as I can get it) bass.

But I still want the SS8.

[Nuance]

I rarely have an opinion that differs from that of BRM, a man whose opinions rarely change  and who has owned or used more audio gear than any other person except our wonderful colleague Zybar    ,  but...

Jeff Bagby designed a sub for me using one 15" driver and two 15" passive radiators in a 5 cubic foot (ID) box. 

I built four subs, using 3/4" MDF laminated to  3/4" Baltic Birch.  I am using separate electronic crossovers for the left and right channels, set @ 70hz, and the mid-range on my HT2-TL mains has become much cleaner.  And the subs go low, low, even lower, and even lower than that     .  I have tons of bass traps, and absolutely no boominess.  Just deep, subtle, and flat (as I can get it) bass.

But I still want the SS8.

Well yeah, of course - I want them too.   It's good to see you posting; I hope you've been well buddy.

[Atlplasma]

What is the entry-level on the SS8. About $8K?

[Nuance]

What is the entry-level on the SS8. About $8K?

Yes.