Green Mountain Audio - "Europa" Speakers

Chris_B · « **Reply #20 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 05:19 am »

I just recieved my Europas today and put them through their paces with a little jazz and female vocals. I bought a dealer's demo pair so they have around 100 hours on them so far. I remember reading that Roy recommends a good 300 hour break in period before they realy come into their own. How did your improve after 100 hours?

My initial impressions are that they sound incredibly natural. My other speakers always sounded bright and harsh on some music. The Europas have tamed probably 95% of this and the other 5% is likely due to other system issues. Do you think there will be a further smoothing out of the harshness as the speakers fully break in?

I am impressed with the bass. For a monitor, the Europas can provide a solid low end punch. I am looking forward to the rest of the break in period and seeing what the Europas can do.

Also, since since I don't have an owner's manual yet, what is the correct height for the Europa's tweeter in relation to your ear in the listening position? When I first talked to Roy, he rattled off the formula but I forgot.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #21 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 01:04 pm »

NB , Thanks ! And Mini's doing nicely also ! ! Chris_ B , natural and very detailed is what I'm hearing. Smooth. Bass is very good for a 6" speaker.They can take a lot of watts! I can play the Europa's at a loud volume , and no breaking up, still sound great (I don't.....well maybe a few times, +96 db just to check

). Mine were second hand Agon's . Lets see , serial #'s 2343 and 2344 . The stand size I use is 24". And at that height , from where I sit puts my ear level right between tweeter and woofer . >>>> Chris_B , What made you buy these speakers ? What other speakers did or do you have ? What equipement are you using ? Thanks for your reply !!

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #22 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 01:38 pm »

Chris_B, Check this link and towards bottom of page gives height info for Europa's on stands http://www.greenmountainaudio.com/

Here's some other info http://www.perrottaconsulting.com/index.htm << go to left side, page down to speakers and click Green Mountain.

Chris_B · « **Reply #23 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 03:06 pm »

Right now, my source is a Sony 555ES SACD player with Perptetual Technologies P-1a/P-3a DAC for redbook. I am powering the system with a Conrad Johnson 45 watt integrated tube amp. If anyone is wondering, the Europas do just fine with tubes. I have a relatively small room, about 10' wide X 12' front to back and the Europas play very loud without taxing my amp. Additionally, the Europas don't show any signs of distortion what so ever.

I purchased my pair from Anthony Perrotta at the link provided by Lonewolf. Anthony was a very nice guy to deal with. I don't have an owners manual yet and, I think, he manual has a detailed formula for placing the speakers and talks about the correct height for your sitting position. The default is 24" stands but I think that since I am sitting a little toward the near field and my couch lets sitt a little lower, that I may want to go toward the 20" size.

My previous speakers were Swan Diva 2.1s from AV123. Nice sounding and looking speakers but I wanted to find a more refined sound and based on the Europas great reviews here and at A'gon, I decided to audition them in my home. The ones I have are serial numbers 2515/2516.

Can any of you guys comment on how the Europas will change as they break in?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #24 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 03:30 pm »

Quote from: Chris_B

Right now, my source is a Sony 555ES SACD player with Perptetual Technologies P-1a/P-3a DAC for redbook. I am powering the system with a Conrad Johnson 45 watt integrated tube amp. If anyone is wondering, the Europas do just fine with tubes. I have a relatively small room, about 10' wide X 12' front to back and the Europas play very loud without taxing my amp. Additionally, the Europas don't show any signs of distortion what so ever.

I purchased my pair from Anthony Perrotta at the link provided by L ...

Thanks for your reply !! Info says : 7 to 170 watts Rec. Power, and their sensitivity is 89db for 2.83Volts input at 1 meter. So I guess there's a big range of amp choices with sensitivity at 89db, thou I read a review that said sen. was 90db. Important thing ...they sound GOOD to ME. I see mine are older by the serial #, but I don't know how long mine have been used. I've put on about 30 hours already. Just got a delivery- Priority Mail......Ridge Streets cables are here, GREAT !! GOTTA GO !!

jackman · « **Reply #25 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 04:12 pm »

Very cool thread. I wish I lived closer to you guys. I really like the looks of the Green Mountain and have heard nothing but the highest praise for their owner/designer. It's too bad Chicago is so far away!

Let me know if you get the modded DIO today or Monday. I wish I had sent it via Fedex or at least express mail or UPS. It's well padded and should not have any issues with transit (unless they run it over with a forklift or something) but they sure are taking a long time to get it from Chi town to NY. I am still waiting for my new CDP which is hung up somewhere in Canada. I was hoping to get it sooner and didn't expect to sell my stuff so quickly. Haven't had music (at least high quality sound) since I shipped the DIO out. I tried my DVD player as a source and could not believe how bad it sounded. Thin, no bass, lifeless.

Keep us posted on the results of your listening evaluations and the Ridge Street cables. I have heard the cables and was very impressed. A bit pricey for my budget but I'm hoping some are available cheaper on the used market when they come out with the next generation.

Cheers,

Jack

Carlman · « **Reply #26 on:** 17 Jan 2004, 07:31 pm »

I too, have followed this thread with great interest and appreciate the updates. I think a few AC members are going through the same quest at the same time! -self included

I've listened to the VR1's as they've broken in, and while I don't think they're super-refined, I think they do a lot right for the price I paid (new 700 USD).

When I heard the Diluceo's in my room, they gave me that 'wow, that's it!' reaction but, I cannot afford them at the moment. However, I may be able to get a good deal on GR-Research's Criterions. So, I'm seriously looking into those and hoping they have the same character as their bigger brother. I think they will sound very good in my room... especially with my new sub.

I'm ready to be done with this quest. It's been a rocky and somewhat stressful road. But, for the most part, it's been very fun.

I'm VERY happy to hear you like the Europa's, LW. That's a good feeling. It'll be interesting to hear your comments on the RSA cables. What are you comparing them to again?

-Carl

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #27 on:** 18 Jan 2004, 04:58 am »

Carl, The Ridge Street cables are replacing the Zu Wax SC... and Zu Warmouth IC's. Like nite... and day... in my system.

JackD · « **Reply #28 on:** 18 Jan 2004, 06:35 pm »

Wolf

You might want to give Roy a call about your pair of used Europas. From my conversation with him, there was a slight crossover mod made in late August. Mine were produce around the end of August and had the lastest crossover mod. The are like serial #'s 2475 and 2475. Don't know how significant the mod is, but he would tell you if it was worth worrying with. Are your Nixon amps the 20 or 40 wpc version.

Chris_B · « **Reply #29 on:** 18 Jan 2004, 07:08 pm »

I also started a similar thread over on the A'gon discussion boards. A few GMA owners have made some comments which you guys may find interesting.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1074315186&openflup&3&4#3

satfrat · « **Reply #30 on:** 18 Jan 2004, 07:42 pm »

Quote from: JackD

Wolf

You might want to give Roy a call about your pair of used Europas. From my conversation with him, there was a slight crossover mod made in late August. Mine were produce around the end of August and had the lastest crossover mod. The are like serial #'s 2475 and 2475. Don't know how significant the mod is, but he would tell you if it was worth worrying with. Are your Nixon amps the 20 or 40 wpc version.

Hey Jack, you Europas must be identical twins hea? (#2475/2475) Are they lefty's or righty's?

Just kidding ya here, btw Christy's Nixon's are 40w.

Regard, Robin

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #31 on:** 18 Jan 2004, 10:00 pm »

Quote from: satfrat

Quote from: JackD
Wolf

You might want to give Roy a call about your pair of used Europas. From my conversation with him, there was a slight crossover mod made in late August. Mine were produce around the end of August and had the lastest crossover mod. The are like serial #'s 2475 and 2475. Don't know how significant the mod is, but he would tell you if it was worth worrying with. Are your Nixon amps the 20 or 40 wpc version.
Hey Jack, you Europas must be identical twins hea? ...

Oh...that Robin ...what a joker

.....yes, they are 40 watts and sound very good with the Europa's ! They once belonged to Hantra. I'll have to check on that possible crossover upgrade , thanks for the heads up!!

JackD · « **Reply #32 on:** 19 Jan 2004, 11:50 pm »

Robin

Got me on the typo, I meant 74 & 75.

For anyone considering trying the Europas, there is a current version not even fully broken in pair on AGon for $650. Even a better deal for someone in the N.Y. area if you can save the shipping as they are almost 100lbs for the pair. This about $150 less than the shipped price from any dealer I found and this pair is almost broken in, 100+ hours. Try em if you don't like them and can pick them up in the N.Y. area you can get your money back no problem

Carlman · « **Reply #33 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 03:00 am »

Quote from: JackD

Robin

Got me on the typo, I meant 74 & 75.

For anyone considering trying the Europas, there is a current version not even fully broken in pair on AGon for $650. Even a better deal for someone in the N.Y. area if you can save the shipping as they are almost 100lbs for the pair. This about $150 less than the shipped price from any dealer I found and this pair is almost broken in, 100+ hours. Try em if you don't like them and can pick them up in the N.Y. area you can get your money back no problem

BE QUIET!!!! THEY'RE MINE!!! I'm trying to get these now! They are 9 months old, he's the second owner. He's had them for 4 months or so but, hasn't used them much.

I've got to have them shipped, though.

-C

EDIT: OK, we agreed to a price and I've paid him. ahhh.... all better.

JackD · « **Reply #34 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 05:14 am »

Carlman

Congratulations, I think you will be pleased.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #35 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 06:11 am »

Carl, I think you got a great deal...less than what I paid...and that seller is 15 min.'s away from me ! Now start work'in out...and eat your spinach...those speakers are heavy

! Happy listening !!

satfrat · « **Reply #36 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 06:14 am »

Quote from: Carlman

BE QUIET!!!! THEY'RE MINE!!! I'm trying to get these now! They are 9 months old, he's the second owner. He's had them for 4 months or so but, hasn't used them much.

I've got to have them shipped, though.

-C

EDIT: OK, we agreed to a price and I've paid him. ahhh.... all better.

Carl, they say that the 3rd set's a charm (or is this your 4th set?

),,, best of luck to you with this shot.

Regards, Robin

Carlman · « **Reply #37 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 02:37 pm »

Quote from: satfrat

Carl, they say that the 3rd set's a charm (or is this your 4th set? ),,, best of luck to you with this shot. Regards, Robin

Thanks.. This is indeed the 3rd set I've purchased in the past month.. Andy was kind enough to let me hear his Diluceo's... so, technically, this is the 3rd pair... fingers are certainly crossed on this one...

I will compare the Europa's to the GR Criterion's. I'm certain both will sound excellent but, which will sound best in my room? That we shall see very soon. Also, my Dodd pre should be fixed by the time I compare them so, that will be a good test... Plus, I've gotten some tubes from Bill for the Minimax to compare... So, there's still one last comparison to do. I won't hijack this thread... I'll start a new one for all of that..

I have to say thanks to Lonewolf, though. He's been very helpful to me through PM's throughout this process. Proving once again that AC is a great 'community'.

-C

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #38 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 08:08 pm »

Carl, Your quite welcome !! AC is a great "community" , members helping members.....that's why I stick around! .... Plus, I like those pictures that Marbles posts

.

Chris_B · « **Reply #39 on:** 21 Jan 2004, 02:07 am »

Good luck and post the review as soon as you can. I am looking forward to seeing how the Europas compare to the Ref 1s you sold. I thought about giving them a listen but my room/system is already a little too forward as it is. I wouldn't call the Europas laid back by any means but they do sound smoother than others I have heard in my system.