I read the build thread after the review thread. Both the builder and Amir appeared determined to test the lowest possible performance version of the speaker. Amir insisted that because no damping material (No Rez or otherwise) was included in the kit, none should be used. The thread continues with a mix of:
1. Some members objecting to the approach of “playing dumb” and not building the speakers the way anyone with any experience would naturally do. This includes using No Rez where Danny recommends it.
2. Other members insisting to building this at the rock bottom price, insisting that the upgrade options are limitless.
3. Other members recommending to do a genuine test of the speaker with No Rez after testing without damping material. Others noted they said the same thing about the CNote kit but they never retested it. Amir made remarks that if Danny, Madisound, or Parts Express did not specifically include damping material in the kit that there was no way the builder could know what damping material to use.
4. Members quoting text from Danny’s site, poking fun and saying they can’t wait to comment on the test.
In other words, other than a few members who urged them to build the speaker as is properly should in the interest in hearing the speaker as the designer intended (within reason) Amir, the builder, and a plurality of members were insisting on building the speaker as literally described, knowing that it will not perform as built. The builder did add some damping material, but the process appeared to be disingenuous. Anyone purchasing the XLS Encore kit will know about it from Danny’s site or the AC forum. I can’t think of any reasonable person who would build this speaker without consulting the build threads or numerous other thread discussing the speaker.
I like this speaker. Built and finished by a cabinet maker with standard upgrades makes this a $1,000 speaker. Do the work yourself and it is half that. I also know that it isn’t perfect. Hell, Danny knows and admits it isn’t perfect and will tell you in what ways.