And the reviews are starting to roll in!
Here's my setup:
The speakers are 9ft apart so couldn't get closer and keep both in the frame. Before anyone says anything, that "brick" wall is all acoustic foam. The bottom of the speakers are 23" from the floor which is perfect for ear level of the smaller drivers. I haven't tried swapping the speakers so the small drivers are on the inside and don't know if there is any audio wisdom about that choice; input welcome. You are also seeing some cat proofing: the screens on either side in back of the console and weighted mats over the cables.
The system is all streaming with Roon exclusively. A Weiss DAC501 4ch (Mk II) => Orchard Audio monoblocs at 250watts into 8 ohms (Ganfet). These are the ones with the torroidal transformers and 130,000 uF of capacitance. They are sweet. The Weiss acts as streamer, DAC, and preamp. The speakers are, well, you know.... they are on 8" Rythmik powered woofers with high pass at 44hz so the dual KEF KC62 subs behind them can do their duty without too much overlap. The room is open concept and larger side of moderate size. I measure and generate convolution files with Focus Fidelity software. The stuff on the left side of the top shelf is for the TV: Roku, an equalizer, and an analog to digital converter since the Weiss doesn't have analog inputs.
I played the speakers for a solid week in the garage to make sure the drivers were sufficiently loosened up before sitting down with them. Immediately, the spaciousness, gentle clarity, and vivid vocals were evident when I did. I had some difficulty with the bass though. Blame it on the room I guess. It was too strong and a bit boomy. This is without the woofers and subs. But once I let Focus Fidelity tune the frequency response and timing, it all fell into place. They are special and I am even more pleased with them than I expected. Imaging and sound stage are excellent. I'm coming from full range Omega Super Alnico Monitors and these image even better.
All good, but only two niggles. One is a single box of 72 pounds (one pound for each of my years!). Two boxes, even strapped together for shipping, would make them more manageable for us older folks. The second is no nameplate or badge! Danny, any plans for having some made? If not, I may have to get an engraver to make a couple of small, rectangular metal plates with GR Research on them to go below the larger driver.
Congratulations to Danny, Ron, and crew. This is a major accomplishment. I'd like to see Jay from Jay's Iyagi do a review of the Allie's. It would make a good follow-up to his earlier review of the Encore's.
Cheers! ......Pete
