[jsalk]

Thomas wanted a pair of SongBirds, but he really wanted to take them to the limit.

He spent a good deal of time searching for just the right hardwood to use for the front baffles.  He sent us a couple of padauk pieces to work with.

He also upgraded to Mundorf caps.  One of our associates commented on the clarity of the resulting sound.  "Beautiful" was all he could say (and he said it over and over).

Here are some pictures...



And a close-up...




Happy listening Thomas!

- Jim

[ratso]

it sounds as though you think the caps are a worthwhile upgrade, jim. what would the cost be?


oh yeah, another superb set of speakers BTW.

[jsalk]

ratso -

it sounds as though you think the caps are a worthwhile upgrade, jim. what would the cost be?

To be honest, I did not have an opportunity to A/B these speakers with a pair that had regular caps.  About the only thing I can tell you is that the associate who was so anxious to tell me how "beautiful" these sounded, has a pair of SongBirds himself.  So he is certainly used to the sound of the speaker.  He indicated he thought the top end on these was super clean and clear.  He seemed really impressed.

Obviously, the cost of caps will vary from model to model.  In this case, the upgrade was about $250.

oh yeah, another superb set of speakers BTW.

Gee, thanks. Much appreciated.

- Jim

[fsimms]

Beautiful!  In a few years the maple will turn a rich golden yellow like my HT1’s have.

Bob

[Nuance]

I love the contrast - too cool.  Enjoy Thomas, and welcome to the Salk family.

[tjhendry]

These beautiful speakers are mine!
I know "beauty" is merely a subjective value...only in the eye of the beholder, but....whatever, they are mine!

Jim, thanks to you and your crew for the obvious care and craftsmanship you put into all your speakers.
If they sounded "beautiful" to trained ears while still in the shop, they are sure to sound even better after
the caps have some burn-in time. 
Anyone interested in the effects a various crossover caps might want to take a look at this website http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/.   The cap test is a shootout that has been 10 years in the making (so far.) 

I'll keep y'all posted as I choose an amp for the Songbirds.  Right now I'm using Rogue M150 monoblocks with
my TDL Studio3 speakers.  These British transmission-lines are a little more efficient than the Salks.  The Rogue tubes
should make the Birds sing mid-to-high, but will have less control in the bottom. 
I'd be interested in knowing what amps have been paired with other SongBirds.

This forum seems to be a knowledgeable and civil place.  I'm looking forward to be a contributing member.

Tom

[tjhendry]

last message got abruptly truncated.
If interested in crossover caps search for the shootout on Humble HiFi website.

I'm looking forward to participating in this forum. Thanks.
Tom