Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's

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zybar

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #20 on: 23 Jun 2008, 10:50 pm »


Don't kill me on this one guys, just thinking aloud.
I've already been publicly chastised in the past for having the audacity to utter these words, but can you say......

"flavor of the month"??

 :dunno:

Just wondering......I hope noone gets their knickers in an uproar.
In the years I've been on this board I've certainly seen plenty of that!
Gear hyped to the frenzied point, then rapid cooling, then nary a word.
I realize us audio-phools are an insecure lot and are constantly seeking confirmation and the holy grail, and I understand full well this is the underpinning of the phenomena.

If you like the gear.....fine.
But I find the whole Pied Piper and lemming routine just a bit tiring.

Peace...out!    :thumb:

John,

My knickers are all knotted up now!!   :rotflmao: :rotflmao:   

Clearly the CS2's had a lot of buzz and positive momentum following last year's RMAF.  I am sure many of the purchases were based on that buzz as well as the desire to try something a little different.  For some people, the buzz didn't match their own observations, so they subsequently sold them.  I also think

I do know that some people who purchased the CS2's from me while I was a dealer still have their CS2's and some don't.  Me personally, I still have my CS2's and all the comments I made over the last 9 months still hold true.  I really like them and think they are a great speaker.  Of course, I will sell them at some point in the future (could be tomorrow, could be 2 years from now), but that won't change or invalidate the comments I made along the way.

Having had a chance to get to know Clayton (aka Mr. Emerald Physics), I certainly hope that he has continued success and that his newest projects are as successful as the CS2's have been.

George

toobluvr

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #21 on: 23 Jun 2008, 11:32 pm »


Don't kill me on this one guys, just thinking aloud.
I've already been publicly chastised in the past for having the audacity to utter these words, but can you say......

"flavor of the month"??

 :dunno:

Just wondering......I hope noone gets their knickers in an uproar.
In the years I've been on this board I've certainly seen plenty of that!
Gear hyped to the frenzied point, then rapid cooling, then nary a word.
I realize us audio-phools are an insecure lot and are constantly seeking confirmation and the holy grail, and I understand full well this is the underpinning of the phenomena.

If you like the gear.....fine.
But I find the whole Pied Piper and lemming routine just a bit tiring.

Peace...out!    :thumb:

John,

My knickers are all knotted up now!!   :rotflmao: :rotflmao:   

Clearly the CS2's had a lot of buzz and positive momentum following last year's RMAF.  I am sure many of the purchases were based on that buzz as well as the desire to try something a little different.  For some people, the buzz didn't match their own observations, so they subsequently sold them.  I also think

I do know that some people who purchased the CS2's from me while I was a dealer still have their CS2's and some don't.  Me personally, I still have my CS2's and all the comments I made over the last 9 months still hold true.  I really like them and think they are a great speaker.  Of course, I will sell them at some point in the future (could be tomorrow, could be 2 years from now), but that won't change or invalidate the comments I made along the way.

Having had a chance to get to know Clayton (aka Mr. Emerald Physics), I certainly hope that he has continued success and that his newest projects are as successful as the CS2's have been.

George

This hobby is really funny...and sometimes hard to figure out.

 :scratch:

I know they must be good, George....cause I know your ears and your tastes.  And other people whose ears I trust also have glowing things to say about the EP.  And as you know, I am mightily impressed with Vandy 5A's, and for you to find the EP even close tells me they must be good.

But if all I had to go by was my own experience, I would never wanna hear them again!
Kindof reminds me of my experience with the Merlin VSM...remember?   
When everyone was drooling all over them, I couldn't get them out of my place fast enough!

Anyways...back to the EP.
I actually had them in my main system for a good extended listen....several weeks.  I borrowed them from my local audio buddy who has owned stuff I can only dream about.  I also heard them in his system with associated gear in a different price league altogether, and they sounded pretty good.  Based on that listen, I thought they performed beyond their price point and were good value.

But in my system,  I was completely unimpressed.  And everyone that heard them felt the same, including experienced audio hobbiests.  In my system and in my room I found them soft, veiled and completely boring.  Not only were they not giant killers for me, I actually preferred my speakers that have a lower list price.

And I also felt the stated sensitivity was a huge exaggeration.  I have had enough speakers in here to have a good feel for speaker efficiency, and they sounded more like about 85 or 86 db. 

But despite my own personal experience, I have no doubt they are VG because:

*  they sounded pretty good at my buddy's place, with minimal tweaking or fuss

*  I know your taste and you hold them in such high regard and describe them exactly opposite to what I heard, and you actually mention them in the same breath as the mighty Vandy 5A.

*  I know you would only sell a product that you strongly believe in, and one that offers great value.

I figured they didn't work for me because of some kindof anomaly in my setup or room, or maybe some non-simpatico ampage?  Who knows......

Just goes to show how a supposedly great piece of gear can yield wildly different results in different circumstances.   Hard to figure sometimes.

John

zybar

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #22 on: 24 Jun 2008, 12:01 am »
This hobby is really funny...and sometimes hard to figure out.

 :scratch:

I know they must be good, George....cause I know your ears and your tastes.  And other people whose ears I trust also have glowing things to say about the EP.  And as you know, I am mightily impressed with Vandy 5A's, and for you to find the EP even close tells me they must be good.

But if all I had to go by was my own experience, I would never wanna hear them again!
Kindof reminds me of my experience with the Merlin VSM...remember?   
When everyone was drooling all over them, I couldn't get them out of my place fast enough!

Anyways...back to the EP.
I actually had them in my main system for a good extended listen....several weeks.  I borrowed them from my local audio buddy who has owned stuff I can only dream about.  I also heard them in his system with associated gear in a different price league altogether, and they sounded pretty good.  Based on that listen, I thought they performed beyond their price point and were good value.

But in my system,  I was completely unimpressed.  And everyone that heard them felt the same, including experienced audio hobbiests.  In my system and in my room I found them soft, veiled and completely boring.  Not only were they not giant killers for me, I actually preferred my speakers that have a lower list price.

And I also felt the stated sensitivity was a huge exaggeration.  I have had enough speakers in here to have a good feel for speaker efficiency, and they sounded more like about 85 or 86 db. 

But despite my own personal experience, I have no doubt they are VG because:

*  they sounded pretty good at my buddy's place, with minimal tweaking or fuss

*  I know your taste and you hold them in such high regard and describe them exactly opposite to what I heard, and you actually mention them in the same breath as the mighty Vandy 5A.

*  I know you would only sell a product that you strongly believe in, and one that offers great value.

I figured they didn't work for me because of some kindof anomaly in my setup or room, or maybe some non-simpatico ampage?  Who knows......

Just goes to show how a supposedly great piece of gear can yield wildly different results in different circumstances.   Hard to figure sometimes.

John


John,

Some great points as always.

What I like about your post is you are able to get your viewpoint across without totally discounting or putting down my viewpoint.  :thumb:

Neither viewpoint is right or wrong and both can coexist quite nicely.

In terms of the sensitivity comment...I wonder if the DCX was setup properly?  It can be used to seriously cut the db's (by more than 10 db's if I remember correctly) and might explain what you heard.  Not trying to say your observations were incorrect, just offering a potential explanation. 

As for the CS2's sounding good in one room and not another...we both have heard this numerous times with speakers from Coincident, Gallo, Silverline, and Merlin to just name a few.  That's why it is so important to hear speakers in your own room with your own gear to truly make a decision.  But you already know that!   :wink:

George


playntheblues

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #23 on: 24 Jun 2008, 12:21 am »
I have been asked to post here since I have owned these speakers.  First off I bought these from George when he was a dealer and his service is first class without exception!  :thumb:  I believe the design with the wave guide and OB etc. is very good.  It is always a treacherous  road to navigate when lots of members like something that wasn't your (my) favorite.  However I feel it is important to give both sides in fairness to anyone looking to buy these speakers. 

The negatives for me were, the compression driver and the overly boasted bass.  There wasn't too much bass but because of the bass boast everything I input (SATV, DVD, SB) into the DCX clipped at one point or another.   I had an extreme modded DCX with everything and as nice as the design is and as much potential as they have.  They are not there yet IMHO, perhaps down the road, I personally believe with better drivers and a better OXer something other than the DCX (it may be the EQed bass and not the DCX) these could be very very good speakers.  At $3,500.00 I think there are much better alternatives on the market right now.  With the new 10K version I would have to look long and hard at the market in that price range.

There it is, I said it and I certainly hope I didn't offend anyone.  These are my opinions in my room with my equipment.  Has anyone else had the same thoughts?

Respectfully
Guy

toobluvr

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #24 on: 24 Jun 2008, 12:32 am »

......In terms of the sensitivity comment...I wonder if the DCX was setup properly?  It can be used to seriously cut the db's (by more than 10 db's if I remember correctly) and might explain what you heard.  Not trying to say your observations were incorrect, just offering a potential explanation. 

As for the CS2's sounding good in one room and not another...we both have heard this numerous times with speakers from Coincident, Gallo, Silverline, and Merlin to just name a few.  That's why it is so important to hear speakers in your own room with your own gear to truly make a decision.  But you already know that!   :wink:
le.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=949&pos=2

George



I had the same thought about the crossover/equalizer......that it was not set up correctly.  So I looked into it, figured it all out, and made sure all settings were "flat".  Then I selected the "correct" pre-programmed setting for my situation as per the manual.  Matter of fact, spkr distance from front wall, and the rest of my room dimensions were almost identical to the stated ideal for one of the settings.....#3 I think.  But it's been awhile so I'm not 100% sure.   It sounded so dead, soft, and recessed that I actually had to goose (= increase) both the bass and the treble by 8 db to get any kind of decent energy out of them!

The other thing is my buddy used the same equalizer at his place and the CS2 sounded good there.
He did not touch it before handing it off to me, so I don't think it was an equalizer setting problem.

The room may be to blame, but every speaker I have had in here has sounded at least good....and most sound excellent.   As you can see in my setup, I can place them well into the room and away from boundaries.






That leaves the finger of blame on the amps, or maybe cabling.
Possibly not a matcho simpatico.

The mystery remains...and will probably stay unsolved!

 :dunno:




« Last Edit: 24 Jun 2008, 02:51 am by toobluvr »

doug s.

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #25 on: 24 Jun 2008, 02:22 am »
Dave
Thanks for the details about the sub search; sounds like it was quite an ordeal.  It reminds me of a friend who recently said he's happy not to have to integrate a sub.  My current room is the best I've ever had: new construction '07, the floor & wall behind the speakers are concrete.  I expect the room will remain solid even while accomodating a low-mid-20 Hz sub.  I passed on a great deal on matching OEM subs; they are cosmetic gems but would probably have less power & a higher cutoff than the planned custom subs.

I forgot your amp has five channels, one more than required to power the CS2s. 
i have yet to come across a pair of speakers i couldn't seamlessly blend w/my subs.  the trick (imo), is to have a pair of subs, a quality electronic x-over to cross w/your mains; & a pink noise generator & equalizer to be able to dial it all in.  i couldn't imagine using subs & running your mains full-range; & i couldn't imagine running a single sub.

now, i am running a deqx, which pretty-much dials everything in for you, bit it is a pita, compared to a simple electronic x-over system...

ymmv,

doug s.

James Romeyn

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #26 on: 24 Jun 2008, 04:23 pm »
Apologies if seeming off topic; my audio-engineer friend who recommended the CS2s opined they may benefit from the addition of a sub.   

Doug
Many thanks; your optimism & recommendations match mine.  The mains will indeed be high-pass crossed as you recommend.  One of the great things about the preamp employed is its tunable remote-control transparent-in-operation bass/treble.  The bass control will shelve down the bass for the mains, then the sub amp/xo/parametric EQ will be tuned appropriately.  If the 270Hz bass turnover frequency is too high (I think it will be fine), the other option to remove bass from the mains is to alter the value of the coupling cap on the Atma-Shere S-30 Mk3 amp. 

Currently there is no audible bass mud.  Down to the cutoff (estimate low-mid 40Hz range) the bass has super pitch definition & is perfectly integrated w/ the rest of the music & soundfield.  The goal is to get to the low-20s & maintain status quo w/ the rest of the performance.     

topround

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #27 on: 25 Jun 2008, 01:58 am »
Last night before turning in, she asked if I needed to buy anything else, specifically different amps or maybe power conditioning?

Who is this woman?   I need to marry her :lol: :lol: :lol:

She obviously is not from this planet

James Romeyn

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #28 on: 25 Jun 2008, 02:18 am »
Has anyone measured the CS2 in-room low-frequency (f3) cutoff?

zybar

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #29 on: 25 Jun 2008, 02:20 am »
Has anyone measured the CS2 in-room low-frequency (f3) cutoff?

If my memory serves me correctly, it was mid 20's in my room.

I will remeasure with a Velodyne SMS-1 in the next week or two and post the results.

George

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #30 on: 25 Jun 2008, 02:26 am »
Does it "sound" or "feel" like it makes serious power down that low (mid-20s) in the room?  If yes, that seems very impressive for a OB design w/ only two 12s (or 15s, sorry I forgot).  IIRC even the Legacy Whisper did not make serious power down that low (four-15s per ch; even an employee at Legacy suggested it really needs a sub).     

zybar

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #31 on: 25 Jun 2008, 02:32 am »
Does it "sound" or "feel" like it makes serious power down that low (mid-20s) in the room?  If yes, that seems very impressive for a OB design w/ only two 12s (or 15s, sorry I forgot).  IIRC even the Legacy Whisper did not make serious power down that low (four-15s per ch; even an employee at Legacy suggested it really needs a sub).     

Not sure what you mean by "makes serious power"  :scratch:

The output level into the 20's is basically on par (or down just a few db's) when compared to a 1kHz tone (this is accomplished by EQ).

Do the the CS2's thump you in the chest or pin you to your chair the way some conventional box speakers or subs do?  NOPE.  :nono:

Of course, one could argue that the bass that you do get, does some things that most conventional box speakers can't do.   aa

Like everything in audio, make your trade-offs and enjoy the music.


George

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #32 on: 25 Jun 2008, 02:44 am »
George
I nkow what you are talking about.  My current speaker goes to maybe the mid-40s but I also know it doesn't make power the same way at that frequency like a larger speaker does.  The excursion for a OB dual 12 below 30Hz must be humoungous.  Did you ever consider adding a sub of any kind, even below 30 Hz, or ?  Recently heard a nice Italian floorstander; the dealer had a nice sub employed (REL, one of my favorites) crossed IIRC about 25 Hz or thereabouts. 

jkelly

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #33 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:08 am »
I don't have the CS2 but since I played with driving the woofer and b200 with
different amps on a OB project, I found it a little tough to set the levels correctly
for the 2 drivers.  I was always thinking I was a little too soft or loud on the bass driver.

Does the CS2 come wth a program to set the levels or do you dial it in by ear?
Any tricks?

zybar

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #34 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:10 am »
I don't have the CS2 but since I played with driving the woofer and b200 with
different amps on a OB project, I found it a little tough to set the levels correctly
for the 2 drivers.  I was always thinking I was a little too soft or loud on the bass driver.

Does the CS2 come wth a program to set the levels or do you dial it in by ear?
Any tricks?


The CS2's come with the crossover and EQ settings already programmed into the DCX-2496.

Just plug and play.

George

doak

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #35 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:21 am »
I don't have the CS2 but since I played with driving the woofer and b200 with
different amps on a OB project, I found it a little tough to set the levels correctly
for the 2 drivers.  I was always thinking I was a little too soft or loud on the bass driver.

Does the CS2 come with a program to set the levels or do you dial it in by ear?
Any tricks?


The CS2's come with the crossover and EQ settings already programmed into the DCX-2496.

Just plug and play.

George

I'll add that even when using the "preprogrammed" settings the DCX-2496 is still tweakable in many ways - you can tweak these settings on all 4 output channels if you are so inclined. You can even tweak the gain on the two input channels - very flexible.  I've played around with this and ended up with some very minor/subtle changes that I think have helped in my room with my system.

Doak

jkelly

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #36 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:23 am »
If you are running different amps for the bottom and the top wouldn't
you have to adjust the volume levels so the woofer output blends
with the horn output?  Or do you just run the amps full and it will
be close enough?

doug s.

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #37 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:23 am »
I don't have the CS2 but since I played with driving the woofer and b200 with
different amps on a OB project, I found it a little tough to set the levels correctly
for the 2 drivers.  I was always thinking I was a little too soft or loud on the bass driver.

Does the CS2 come wth a program to set the levels or do you dial it in by ear?
Any tricks?


completely off topic, but i can't help it - your avatar made me do it!   :green:  one of my rides:


doug s.

doak

Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #38 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:26 am »
If you are running different amps for the bottom and the top wouldn't
you have to adjust the volume levels so the woofer output blends
with the horn output?  Or do you just run the amps full and it will
be close enough?

This is exactly what I've done.   :wink:

Doak

zybar

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Re: Very "Positive" review of the Emerald Physics CS2's
« Reply #39 on: 27 Jun 2008, 01:26 am »
If you are running different amps for the bottom and the top wouldn't
you have to adjust the volume levels so the woofer output blends
with the horn output?  Or do you just run the amps full and it will
be close enough?

I run different amps, but I also have a highly modified DCX-2496 that allows for more adjustments than the stock DCX.   aa

With the Jan Didden kit (http://www.linearaudio.nl/6chan-1.htm) I can perfectly blend the woofers with the compression tweeter in the analog domain (not losing any bits).

George