Positive-Feedback Sapphire XL Pre - Review

Mike Dzurko · « **on:** 19 Jan 2006, 04:33 pm »

In the latest issue (#23), Rick Gardner writes:

“ACI Sapphire XLs exceed any reasonable expectation for a speaker this small and this keenly priced. “

“But, and hear this clearly, the Sapphire XLs are a truly meritorious product and worthy of consideration for discerning audiophiles”

There’s lots more good stuff, check it out here:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue23/sapphire_xl.htm

Anonymous · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 07:58 pm »

Quote

Over the next bit I am going to be working on dialing in the set up, and playing with the subs. I will keep you posted. But, and hear this clearly, the Sapphire XLs are a truly meritorious product and worthy of consideration for discerning audiophiles who have:

1. A small space and cranky neighbors.

That's me

Mike, get those puppies out to me

I've been integrating the Titan with some Def Tech mini speakers, but it's not exactly a match made in heaven. Got a center to go with them?

[/quote]

John B · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 08:00 pm »

Forgot to sign in...see above post

John B · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 08:12 pm »

Marbles,

In response to your PM. I'm an audio guy...plain and simple. Anything else people choose to read into me is their assumption; not anything to do with what I'm about or who I am. Hope that clears things up.

Mike Dzurko · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 09:00 pm »

Quote from: Anonymous

Quote
Over the next bit I am going to be working on dialing in the set up, and playing with the subs. I will keep you posted. But, and hear this clearly, the Sapphire XLs are a truly meritorious product and worthy of consideration for discerning audiophiles who have:

1. A small space and cranky neighbors.

That's me Mike, get those puppies out to me I've been integrating the Titan with some Def Tech mini speakers, but it's not exactly a match made in heaven. Got a center to go with them?

[/quote]

John:

Do you have a set on order? If so we'll gladly get them out to you . . . We've got two centers, the Protege and Essence that match up quite well, and yes, there's an XL center in the works for later this year

jbhungvt · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 09:55 pm »

"Whatever anyone else may say about small tube amps with single digit power ratings for this speaker, I suggest you ignore them. These girls need high octane to sing."

That's the quote I got out of the review.
I didn't think the Sapphire XL need that much power to sing. I heard the Saphhire xl using a 30wpc prima luna tube amp and it sang to my satisfaction.
Maybe more power will make it sing even more?

Anonymous · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 10:09 pm »

Quote from: jbhungvt

"Whatever anyone else may say about small tube amps with single digit power ratings for this speaker, I suggest you ignore them. These girls need high octane to sing."

That's the quote I got out of the review.
I didn't think the Sapphire XL need that much power to sing. I heard the Saphhire xl using a 30wpc prima luna tube amp and it sang to my satisfaction.
Maybe more power will make it sing even more?

30 is not a single digit. I think he was referring to flea powered SET amps (of the 3-5W variety). That being said, I would LUUURVE to see what the PrimaLuna, Onix or Jolida tube amps do for the XLs. And while I'm at it, see how it all sounds with Gregg Straley's Reality Cables!!!

Hmmmmm, if wishes were horses then beggars would ride...Gotta start saving...SIGH!

ajayrav · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 10:17 pm »

Woops! the post above was mine! Guess I forgot I wasn't signed in....

Anonymous · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 11:03 pm »

The Sapphires work well with dual digit tube amps like the custom Jolida 3205 from Response Audio or the Grommes 360, 50/60 watts respectively. However, if you want to really hear them sing try a Luminance Audio KST-150 (150 watts @ 8 ohms) or NuForce Ref9's (160 watts @ 8 ohms)) with a Modwright preamp. Now your talking and add a fast musical subwoofer like the Force and you have some sweet, sweet sound.

Being a dealer, I'm glad the reviewers are backing up my statement. Anyone wanting to hear them in the Northern IL/Southern WI area feel free to give me a call or send me an email. Your more than welcome to come by and see why the reviewers are raving about this speaker.

Joe

JAMn Joe · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 11:05 pm »

Forgot to login, the above post is mine.

I'm not sure I really like this being able to post as a guest, it's too easy to mess up.

Joe

Glenn S. · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 11:50 pm »

If you've seen some of Rick's writings over the years he is definitely a fan of big and pricy full range speakers. That he likes the Xapphires at all is amazing, that he loves them really says a lot! Okay, question; why is it a PRE review?

John B · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 02:12 am »

Quote

John:

Do you have a set on order?

You've got mail Mike

guest · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 11:17 pm »

as stated if your an apt. dweller the sapphire's go above and beyond. bass feedback from recent recordings are very tight.

a force in my opinion is only needed if one listens to older jazz recordings and perhaps some classical. the xl's to me sound great with movies w/out 5.1 or 2.1

if one has the additional $$$$$ the force will compliment your system. it's not a requirement - just a more focused sound.

Mike Dzurko · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 05:00 pm »

Quote from: Glenn S.

If you've seen some of Rick's writings over the years he is definitely a fan of big and pricy full range speakers. That he likes the Xapphires at all is amazing, that he loves them really says a lot! Okay, question; why is it a PRE review?

Glenn, you are so right. Rick most definitely leans towards large and expensive speakers. 10K is a budget speaker to him

It's a Pre review because he plans on writing more as he tries different amps, AND as he integrates a pair of Force subs to create a killer $3K full-range system . . . it will be a fun journey for sure!

balji · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Feb 2006, 04:11 am »

Decipher this:

Recently I Auditioned Sapphires to someone and here are the Particulars.

Room Size: 20 by 32 by 8.

Separation: 9', with ACI Talismans also standing next to each Sapphire on the outside

Listening Spot: 12 feet from the center.

CD Player: Modwright Denon 3910.
Preamp: Modwright SWL 9.0 SE
Amps: Nuforce Ref 9

The listener had no idea which speakers were hooked up yet to the system.

I played an SACD (Dianna Krall) and Piano started playing, vocals hence forth, I had the volume set to comfortably loud levels and it filled up the whole 600 square feet room and from a listening position of 12 feet, the music was completely full and I asked my listener then, tell me which speakers do you think are "ON" and can he feel the lack of any musical depth or frequency or warmth?

He couldn't tell yet which speakers were producing the sound but he loved the clarity and fullness and warmth in the music!!!

Then I asked him to look away and I switched to the Talismans.

Only then he could realize that the previous speakers were the XLs as the sound stage even got bigger and warmer.

He could tell from my smile that I was proud to be an ACI dealer.

Another instance:

Has any one come accross MJ's Invincible? It wasnt that popular album and I had forgotten about it but I remembered one song had exceptional beats, so I dug it up and played it.

You wont believe what I am going to say next. The engineering on this CD is better than any SACD or any DVD-A that i have ever listened to. I realised the full Potential of XLs and the whole system, Song after song.

If everyone out there were MJ fan, I could sell 100 XLs every day!!!!

Harry P · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Feb 2006, 02:45 pm »

Balji, that ability to completely disappear and simply project a great soundstage is something I've noticed in every ACI speaker I've heard. Maybe tax time will give me the chance to order a set of Sapphire XLs

Mike Dzurko · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Mar 2006, 08:34 pm »

The last two paragraphs for the latest installment of Rick"s ongoing review in Positive Feedback:

"The Dussan/ACI combo is a match made in heaven and you can get them BOTH for right at 2k. This means a complete system for around $3500, with appropriate source, cabling, and other ancillaries, maybe even less. Wanna add some additional excitement? Add one or two of the eyebrow-raising, tres inexpensive ACI "Force" (soon appearing as XL) subs (review under way) and you have a full range, full rage, and fully satisfying audio system of extraordinary value. Price to benefit, this is about as good as it gets short of rolling your own. I am picky as hell, and I have had hours of fret-free enjoyment from this combo on both music and film.

Let me emphasize this. This is NOT a budget sounding system. This is not hair shirt compromise audio. This is real hi fi, and real fun!"

Here's the whole thing:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue24/dussun.htm