Green Mountain Audio - "Europa" Speakers

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #80 on:** 7 Feb 2004, 01:07 am »

Quote from: Eric

Do you think the Europas would work in a small office system?

Good question. They weigh over 40 lbs. each. Heavy. They stand 18" tall. My answer, IMO, would be NO. If space is a problem, I would look at a smaller speaker. I have auditioned the VR-1's , a good smaller speaker. I would think they would work better in that system ( but I don't know your system). On AudioCircle , there are a few speaker builders, I'd check what they have to offer for your office system. Good luck with your search ---> any members have any ideas ?

Eric · « **Reply #81 on:** 7 Feb 2004, 01:41 am »

Actually, I am just starting to think about putting it together. I'de be starting from scratch

JackD · « **Reply #82 on:** 7 Feb 2004, 05:43 pm »

Eric

The problem you may have with any 1st order crossover speaker like GMA, Meadowlark,Vandersteen,Thiel etc. is that they sound best if there is some reasonable distance between the listening position and the speaker themselves. If that is not an option, look for something with a more conventional crossover design and either front ported or sealed. One that comes to mind that I owned and really like was the Reynaud Twin. I replaced it with the larger brother, the Trente. It is front ported and transmission line plus had the advantage of working on very low power. I easily got 95db in a 14x16 room using the Wave 8's. It also preferes tubes somewhere in the chain so something like the Twins and the raved about Cayin intergrated, or Jolida or ASL, would give you a great start.

Jack

Carlman · « **Reply #83 on:** 7 Feb 2004, 08:28 pm »

I would say this amp:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=5934
....with the GMA's, GR AV1's, GR Criterion's, or VS VR1's... these would be a very good sound anywhere... as long as there's a minimum space of 100+ sq ft to fill. I don't know if the GMA's would sound good in a big space because I don't have big, I have small... smaller than my office in fact.

All of the above speakers will be very good but are all very different from each other. It'll just depend on what's important to you to weigh out what's best. Also, will you want/need a sub?

A good one-box cd player would be the best choice for an office... just trying to save you some space. Eastern Electric has a new one but I haven't heard it. There's aplenty out there, though.

If you do the above setup, you'll have 2 electronics boxes, 1 w/ a remote, and 2 speakers... maybe a sub.. a fairly compact setup.

You may want to start a new thread for this to get more responses.

Good luck,
Carl

IanVan · « **Reply #84 on:** 9 Feb 2004, 02:26 am »

Quote from: Eric

Do you think the Europas would work in a small office system?

My post describing my Europa's in my 'small office system' got moved to a different circle: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=7892

The biggest caveat I would add is that I have not been able to get them working properly inside 8'. To my mind that is quite far for 'nearfield' - given the practical layout of a desk and chair (and common sitting position) in most rooms. If you are pulling the Europas 2' off the wall, then your head needs to be at least 10' back from the wall that you are facing.

When I get inside 8' on the Europa's, the lower frequencies vanish, and the center vocals move really forward. I don't remember having this problem when testing my Dunlavy's in a tight nearfield setup - but I didn't have a large desk surface involved when I tried the Dunlavy's.

If you are putting the Europa's above a desk, I strongly reccommend getting them as high as possible (at least 42" stands), and tilting them down. The Auralex pads set to 4* tilt work really well from 8' when sitting in an office chair.

Cheers.

Carlman · « **Reply #85 on:** 9 Feb 2004, 04:19 am »

I have a 7.5' triangle and the bass isn't great. However, the vocals and soundstage are excellent. Nothing is overly forward to me. However, I have no desk surface or other obstacles between me and the speakers.

I think the tipping down suggestion is good, though... for any speaker aimed a guy with a giant solid reflective surface in front of the listener.

Pin · « **Reply #86 on:** 14 Feb 2004, 01:46 am »

Hi folks,

I emailed Roy of GM a couple of days ago hoping that he would help me locate a dealer in West LA, and got no reply from him as of now..........This is so much for good customer service.

Carlman · « **Reply #87 on:** 14 Feb 2004, 01:52 am »

It took him a few days to get back to me the first time but.. once he did, he emailed me a lot..

Pin · « **Reply #88 on:** 14 Feb 2004, 01:58 am »

Carlman,

Thanks for the tip.

I usually get quick replies from manufacturers whose products I've expressed interest in.........I guess I'll have to learn how to be more patient.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #89 on:** 14 Feb 2004, 03:50 am »

Quote from: Pin

Carlman,

Thanks for the tip.

I usually get quick replies from manufacturers whose products I've expressed interest in.........I guess I'll have to learn how to be more patient.

There's always the telephone. Sometimes those damn emails never go where there surpose too.

neilr11 · « **Reply #90 on:** 16 Feb 2004, 02:08 am »

I am interested in buying a pair of the Europas. Where did you guys buy yours beside Audiogon? Anybody in Chicago with a pair I can listen to?
Thanks

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #91 on:** 16 Feb 2004, 02:23 am »

Quote from: neilr11

I am interested in buying a pair of the Europas. Where did you guys buy yours beside Audiogon? Anybody in Chicago with a pair I can listen to?
Thanks

Got mine from Agon used...why not call GMA and check for a dealer in Chicago. Or maybe there is an AC member in the Chicago area...? ? ?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #92 on:** 21 Feb 2004, 03:57 am »

I saw this thread over on Agon. 130 posts. Towards the middle, comments by the speaker designer , Roy Johnson. Interesting... http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1076517623&read&3&4&

JackD · « **Reply #93 on:** 21 Feb 2004, 04:16 pm »

Even had comments from a new dealer Duke at Audio Kenisis in New Orleans. Duke is one of the best liked and most respected dealer/posters on Agon and AA. He is becoming one sight unseen based on discussions with owners and with Roy

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #94 on:** 1 Mar 2004, 12:26 am »

Here's an interesting comparison with the VMPS 626r:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/154739.html

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #95 on:** 1 Mar 2004, 07:32 am »

Quote from: TheeeChosenOne

Here's an interesting comparison with the VMPS 626r:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/154739.html

Interesting read...thanks. There is a difference in price between the two...Europa's being on the low cost side with a list of $ 880.00.

Carlman · « **Reply #96 on:** 2 Mar 2004, 02:47 pm »

Having heard both myself (also in separate instances), I mostly agree with that review. The main distinction being that the Europas sound more like real music. That's the bottom line on these speakers. However, that's not for everyone for 2 reasons, 1, people hear differently, and 2, not everyone wants that kind of realistic sound at the cost of the Europa's shortcomings. It's hard to say the Europa's have shortcomings because I like the speaker so much. But, it doesn't do bass quite right for me. The speaker looks are take it or leave it... I like the looks so, I'm happy... but, I could see it being a shortcoming.

Compared to other speakers I've heard, in my room... and in others.. the Europa's do midrange and highs in the most natural way I've ever heard. The sound in my room is effortless and beautiful. I'm absolutely amazed at how high I can turn up the volume and still have a clear, musical presentation that envelopes me with sound. The Europa is a speaker you warm up to over time. If you've heard them for an hour or less, you really haven't even started to enjoy them. (unless they're the exact sound you're looking for)..

Well, that's my take on the review and some MORE info on how wonderful these speakers are. I got mine used but even at 880, they're a steal.