How does GR Research compare?

Saturn94 · « **on:** 16 May 2010, 09:24 pm »

I'm looking to upgrade my current ADS L1290/2s and am trying to figure out what would be better within my price range (about $3K or so).

There seems to be alot of praise for Salks and Von Schweikert speakers. How does GR research compare to these (or my ADS speakers if anyone here is familiar with them)?

jtwrace · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 May 2010, 09:29 pm »

If you can DIY you should probably take a look at the GR Super V.

sl_1800 · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 May 2010, 09:51 pm »

I had ADS 1230's many years ago, they can't even come close to any GR speaker.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 May 2010, 10:48 pm »

ADS was pretty decent in their time, but thing have changed a lot over the years. Danny at GR has a knack for pushing the envelope, especially in crossover design. Dollar for dollar, I don't think he has much competition.

Saturn94 · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 May 2010, 03:03 am »

Thanks for the replies.

Since I lack the skills and tools to build them myself, I guess I'm limited to finding someone not too far away (I'm in southeast VA) who might be selling theirs, or at least get an audition so I can see if I like them.

rajacat · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 May 2010, 03:21 am »

Quote from: Saturn94 on 17 May 2010, 03:03 am

Thanks for the replies.

Since I lack the skills and tools to build them myself, I guess I'm limited to finding someone not too far away (I'm in southeast VA) who might be selling theirs, or at least get an audition so I can see if I like them.

You could get a local cabinetmaker to build the kit. I suspect that the crossovers wouldn't require advanced soldering skills so that part of the kit you could do yourself.

-Roy

Saturn94 · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 May 2010, 02:20 pm »

Quote from: rajacat on 17 May 2010, 03:21 am

You could get a local cabinetmaker to build the kit. I suspect that the crossovers wouldn't require advanced soldering skills so that part of the kit you could do yourself.

-Roy

Yes, I did think about that as well. However, I would still want to hear them first before committing funds.

I think I saw someone local in the GR Research thread that was selling a pair of N2x (I think that is what they are). I don't know how these would compare to my current speakers, so I may try and contact him to see if I can listen to them if he still has them.

HAL · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 May 2010, 03:03 pm »

The ADS L1290/2's are a three way speaker if I remember correctly.

Depending on the N2X build, they are either a sealed two way monitor with a Fs of 65Hz of a two way ported floor stander with an Fs of 40Hz. The ported version would be closer to the L1290's in response.

I have the N2X here and they sound very good in the sealed version with an external sub crossed at 60Hz. This might be closer to the ADS setup.

Just a thought.

Saturn94 · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 May 2010, 04:47 pm »

Quote from: HAL on 17 May 2010, 03:03 pm

The ADS L1290/2's are a three way speaker if I remember correctly.

Depending on the N2X build, they are either a sealed two way monitor with a Fs of 65Hz of a two way ported floor stander with an Fs of 40Hz. The ported version would be closer to the L1290's in response.

I have the N2X here and they sound very good in the sealed version with an external sub crossed at 60Hz. This might be closer to the ADS setup.

Just a thought.

Thanks.

Yes, the L1290/2s are a 3 way design. I'm really not that concerned with deep bass response since I use a subwoofer (SVS 16-46PC+). The L1290/2s really are excellent speakers. I was just hoping to find something that would be a signicant upgrade over the L1290/2s.

HAL · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 May 2010, 04:58 pm »

I really think if you give the N2X a listen you will be pleasantly suprised.

Saturn94 · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 May 2010, 05:20 pm »

Quote from: HAL on 17 May 2010, 04:58 pm

I really think if you give the N2X a listen you will be pleasantly suprised.

Looks like I may get that chance. I got a message from a local ower who has built several GR Research models.

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 May 2010, 05:38 pm »

Well, Saturn, if you listen in a modest size room, I hope you get to hear some GR Research open baffle V2's. If you do, I'll bet you commission that speaker builder near you PDQ. Don't know why GR's Danny doesn't offer as a finished product cause they are undeniably giant killers based on what I heard at the LSAF.

tull skull · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 May 2010, 05:54 pm »

The problem Saturn, as I am sure you already realize is that the ultimate value of Danny's offerings are the fun of doing it yourself. If you have the guy close to you who has experience in building Danny's speakers, then you are set! Ask him to help you and and agree on a price and join the fun!

Obviously his speakers would cost much more if they were offered in a retail or even assembled version. Believe me you have resources here to help you every step of the way or you can purchase pre-made cabinets, have that ninja dude assemble your crossovers and all you will need is some screwdrivers and a crimp tool or a simple soldering setup.

Danny is a very good guy to deal with but you must remember most of the people here are already fans. You will find just as much loyalty in the Salk camp and so on.

Try to be patient and see if you can listen to the speakers you are interested in. It looks like you have found a great resource in the local builder. I think you would have fun learning and will enjoy your speakers more if you are part of the process.

Saturn94 · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 May 2010, 06:22 pm »

Thanks for all the great replies! Keep them coming.

I do understand that when posting in owners forums that the reponses I get generally will be from fans of that product/brand. That's why it's going to have to come down to doing some actually listening to see what suites my own tastes/preferences. That is the difficult part; finding dealers/owners within a reasonable distance where I can do some actual auditioning.

Mariusz · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 May 2010, 07:49 pm »

Quote from: jimdgoulding on 17 May 2010, 05:38 pm

Well, Saturn, if you listen in a modest size room, I hope you get to hear some GR Research open baffle V2's. If you do, I'll bet you commission that speaker builder near you PDQ. Don't know why GR's Danny doesn't offer as a finished product cause they are undeniably giant killers based on what I heard at the LSAF.

because it takes the focuse away from essentials and it forces company like GR to step back, instead of moving forward.
It also cost money - equipment, space and stuff.
But most importantly, it could double or even triple the kit asking price - depending on finish and options.
Danny plays it safe and I think it is a good approach.

Just my 2c

(sorry for intrusion)

kingdeezie · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 May 2010, 08:07 pm »

Honestly, I think Danny has a great ear and really knows his stuff.

I have a pair of his Line Source speakers, and they truly are very good speakers that reproduce the entire 20-20 frequency spectrum in a very natural way, with a huge volume and dynamics threshold potential.

Defintely my cup of tea!

Could I improve upon them? Yea sure; but for a lot more money.

dvenardos · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 May 2010, 01:28 am »

You can sign up for the demo Neo 2/1 speakers. It just costs you the shipping to the next person in line.

Saturn94 · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 May 2010, 02:12 am »

Tonight I got a chance to audition a pair of N2Xs (with many upgrades) and AV-3s thanks to a generous owner found here on AudioCircle (BTW, he did an excellent job on the enclosures). Both are excellent speakers (and a real bargain), but I still prefer my ADS L1290/2s overall.

So the search continues.

satfrat · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 May 2010, 03:13 am »

Quote from: Saturn94 on 16 May 2010, 09:24 pm

I'm looking to upgrade my current ADS L1290/2s and am trying to figure out what would be better within my price range (about $3K or so).

There seems to be alot of praise for Salks and Von Schweikert speakers. How does GR research compare to these (or my ADS speakers if anyone here is familiar with them)?

I've never had an opportunity to hear any of Danny's or ADS speakers but I have heard Salk's HT-3 & Songtowers and Von Schweikert VR4-jr. Both have a sound of their own and they're both very good. My personal favorite from these 3 loudspeakers would be the more expensive HT-3's. I've always believed you get what you're willing to pay for but Danny's products goes against this philosophy as he's known for bang for the buck products which do require a DIY effort. For those with the tools and ability, much might be had for very little. But I wouldn't know myself as I've never heard them,,,,,, yet.

Cheers,
Robin

Saturn94 · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 May 2010, 03:21 am »

Quote from: satfrat on 19 May 2010, 03:13 am

I've never had an opportunity to hear any of Danny's or ADS speakers but I have heard Salk's HT-3 & Songtowers and Von Schweikert VR4-jr. Both have a sound of their own and they're both very good. My personal favorite from these 3 loudspeakers would be the more expensive HT-3's. I've always believed you get what you're willing to pay for but Danny's products goes against this philosophy as he's known for bang for the buck products which do require a DIY effort. For those with the tools and ability, much might be had for very little. But I wouldn't know myself as I've never heard them,,,,,, yet.

Cheers,
Robin

Thanks for the feedback. From what I heard this evening, Danny's products definately give you quite a bang for the buck, especially if you can make the enclosures yourself. Even at the prices I was quoted for the completed speakers I heard this evening they are a great value.