New Towers - Usher? Salk? Focal?

I'm on the hunt for some new towers that are "musical" and involving. I'm not just looking for rolled off highs or an exaggerated midrange, but more so a company whose sound signature is warm and non-fatiguing yet authoritative and detailed (lol I basically want it all right?)

I've owned plenty of towers and still haven't found "the ones." WAF is a factor, and if it helps I really love the look of the Usher Audio speakers. I'd really love some suggestions and maybe some stories of your hunt to go along with them.

Qualities that are crucial:

1. Bass definition. I don't have a dedicated room so ideal placement won't be possible. The towers MUST have some kick and lower midrange definition is really important to me too.
2. WAF. They can't take up to much real estate. I love a nice Walnut finish. We have dark hardwood floors and kind of an country/modern look going on, so anything bizarre (i.e., Gallo) is out of the question. Can't do a Cherry or reddish Mahogany finish if that helps.
3. Off-axis listening. They have to fill up the room with involving and musical sound.

My electronics:

Tidal Lossless Audio Streamer > Macbook Pro > Oppo 105D > Rogue Perseus Tube Preamp > Rogue Audio Stereo 90 Super Magnum Tube Amp (90wpc)

Budget:

$3,000 MAX for new or used speakers

Current Speakers:

Totem Hawk - The Hawks sound good anywhere in the room but they strain at higher volumes and don't have the bass definition/authority that I'm looking for. Midrange is phenomenal but the top end is a little bright (not a bad bright) for my tastes. I don't want to have to have a sub going to get the low end I'm looking for.

Use:

80% 2-Channel 20% 3.1 Home Theater (a great center channel offering is a huge plus but shouldn't be factored into my budget)

Conclusion:

Again, I would love some recommendations on finding some involving towers and to hear stories about your hunt if you're up to it. I'd really love to try Salk or Usher speakers so if you have any experience with those let me know!

«1

Comments

  • DSkip wrote: »
    Salk may be more up your alley sound-wise. I haven't heard Salk so I can't compare, but I do like the quality Ribbon tweeter speakers I've heard and I know Salk is at the top of their game.

    I personally don't think you can go wrong with Usher, especially given the tube gear you have upstream. One thing to note about Usher is that their beauty is not only skin deep - the furniture finish you see in pictures is every bit as gorgeous in person. I love Doug's cables, but I don't like his Furez cables with my 6311's. The Alphas were very good though. Keep in mind if you go Usher you will want to look at new speaker cables as well as possibly new IC's. I still really like Doug's Furez IC's with my system.


    What I love most about my 6311's is the fact that I can use a SET amp with them and still get incredible dynamics. There is something pure about the SET sound, but because of the easy load the 6311's present, I get that pure sound along with a natural and very musical sound.


    If I had $3k and wanted to buy a pair of tower speakers, the Mini Dancer 1 would be very high on my list. I'm actually contemplating dropping the diamond tweeters in mine and having Danny Richie redesign the crossover for my big birthday present. They would essentially become a pair of MD1's, but in a 6311 cabinet.

    I'm running Doug's Furez cables right now haha. Yeah I've thinking about a pair of Ushers for a really long time. I honestly can't get over how gorgeous their cabinets are. I'm looking into the Mini Dancers now. Nothing for sale on the used market that I can find. The 6311's are also just drop dead gorgeous speakers.

    Thanks for response DSkip, lot to think about in a good way :)
  • Also, what are your thoughts on Harbeth?
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    Steve in Arizona has Harbeths, you can shoot him a PM and get his thoughts.

    I haven't had an ear on some Harbeths in awhile but my thoughts were a more English sound to them. Excellent from the top to lower mids but you won't get that thunderous lower bass notes from them. Not so sure about being a good match with your tube gear either. Depending on the tubes your running it may create too warm a sound as the Harbeths are a tad on the warm side to begin with.

    You have great gear so many speakers will fit your bill. The Salk and Ushers are a good start but I may give the nod to the Salks. Vandy 5's are an excellent speaker as well. You may be able to find a used pair of Salk HT3's, Excellent speaker as well and Jim Salk is just a darn nice guy to deal with.

    How big is your room btw ? Mine is about 24 by 27, and the characteristics your looking for kinda mirror my own. I like big speakers for those reasons too. Off axis listening, big dynamics with force. Hard to get all that with small coned floorstanders and fill that big a room. The Legacy Focus 20/20 for me took me off the speaker merry-go-round for some time now. May not be suitable for you though as they are big speakers, but they give me everything I was looking for. Tubes and Legacy's go together though like peanut butter and jelly.

    Anyway, good luck on your hunt. It's kinda like walking into a 33 flavors these days. There's a speaker for every flavor and then some.
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited December 2014
    My only problem with Focal for you would be the price point. Personally, I think one has to go too far up the proverbial ladder with Focal to get the sound the others (specifically Usher and Salk) offer closer to your budget.

    I think my next step up the food chain would be the 6311s. I have heard a buddy's on some *similar* gear to yours (Audio Research SP-16 pre and VS115 amp sourced mostly from Sonos feeding a PS Audio NuWave DAC) and loved every second of it. Granted, he has a dedicated 2 channel room with nearly as much money in room treatments as gear, but still...

    I have never personally heard any Salks but their reputation is enough that I would consider them sight unseen.

    Back to the Focals, my buddy's shop has a pair of the Scala Utopia V2s they took on trade on a pair of Magico Q3s. I think they sound magnificent on the ARC gear but they are also listed at $17.5k used. Too far up the price ladder to be a consideration.

    Anyway, I think you would be very satisfied with the Ushers on your gear. It is more than capable of taking them to 11 and beyond and as you said, aesthetically, they are very pleasing.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,318
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
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    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    Does Marvin still have those Dali towers from a while back? Dont think they ever sold here lol....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • tonyb wrote: »
    Steve in Arizona has Harbeths, you can shoot him a PM and get his thoughts.

    I haven't had an ear on some Harbeths in awhile but my thoughts were a more English sound to them. Excellent from the top to lower mids but you won't get that thunderous lower bass notes from them. Not so sure about being a good match with your tube gear either. Depending on the tubes your running it may create too warm a sound as the Harbeths are a tad on the warm side to begin with.

    You have great gear so many speakers will fit your bill. The Salk and Ushers are a good start but I may give the nod to the Salks. Vandy 5's are an excellent speaker as well. You may be able to find a used pair of Salk HT3's, Excellent speaker as well and Jim Salk is just a darn nice guy to deal with.

    How big is your room btw ? Mine is about 24 by 27, and the characteristics your looking for kinda mirror my own. I like big speakers for those reasons too. Off axis listening, big dynamics with force. Hard to get all that with small coned floorstanders and fill that big a room. The Legacy Focus 20/20 for me took me off the speaker merry-go-round for some time now. May not be suitable for you though as they are big speakers, but they give me everything I was looking for. Tubes and Legacy's go together though like peanut butter and jelly.

    Anyway, good luck on your hunt. It's kinda like walking into a 33 flavors these days. There's a speaker for every flavor and then some.

    Tony, man after my own heart. If I had the space for 20/20's (and the change) I'd be rocking those all day long. The PBN's are unfortunately too overwhelming for my space. I'm not necessarily looking for a small tower but those are a little to beefy (again, for my room). The space is about 20ft x 25ft? Total estimation! We're actually moving into the new house in two weeks. Also, I'm VERY interested in the Harbeth's. Aren't they pretty efficient? The Rogue tube gear is known to be less "tubey" and more SS sounding, and I'd have to agree. Maybe it would be a match made in heaven? So many things to hear, so little time to try.

    Txcoastal, I actually owned a pair of Dynaudio Audience 70's and they were absolutely phenomenal for home theater but I found them just a little hot on top and I was running NAD gear with a NOS DAC. They weren't harsh but just a little energetic up there. I'm sure the Excites are a totally different speaker but I'm afraid their house sound might not hold me over long enough.

    ZLTFUL, looks like another vote for Usher here. I would pounce on something on the used market right now but haven't seen anything.

    Dskip, can't wait to get my ears on some Ushers now. Can't find anything on the used market. I'm afraid if I wait to long the money will find it's way somewhere else (in my wife's hands for new furniture).

  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    Haven't heard any of those models but my colleague has Salk HT2 with upgraded ribbon tweeters and says he can never listen to dome tweeters regardless of how expensive/good they are.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
  • If you are near Chino Hills, Katli Audio is the main Usher distributor.

    Halen
  • Thorton
    Thorton Posts: 1,324
    Haven't had the chance to listen to Ushers. No dealers around. I've had the opportunity to listen to both Focal and Salks at various price points and different driver configurations on the Salks on a number of occasions. I would definitely listen to the Salk speakers before making a selection.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________
    Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
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    Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
    Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    Does Marvin still have those Dali towers from a while back? Dont think they ever sold here lol....
    yes, I still have the dali's, in a closet now but I cannot ship.

    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    Mystery wrote: »
    Haven't heard any of those models but my colleague has Salk HT2 with upgraded ribbon tweeters and says he can never listen to dome tweeters regardless of how expensive/good they are.
    I'm the opposite, I prefer dome tweeters over ribbons. the only ribbon configuration I like is the dali high frequency module with a ribbon super tweeter and dome tweeter.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    There is a pair of PSB Sychrony Ones on A Gon for 3k
  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    marvda1 wrote: »
    Mystery wrote: »
    Haven't heard any of those models but my colleague has Salk HT2 with upgraded ribbon tweeters and says he can never listen to dome tweeters regardless of how expensive/good they are.
    I'm the opposite, I prefer dome tweeters over ribbons. the only ribbon configuration I like is the dali high frequency module with a ribbon super tweeter and dome tweeter.

    Im liking the Dali Mentors more and more, even with the replacement woofers. Cant really remember any difference now. The two tweet system is really something special when tweaked right.
  • marvda1 wrote: »
    Mystery wrote: »
    Haven't heard any of those models but my colleague has Salk HT2 with upgraded ribbon tweeters and says he can never listen to dome tweeters regardless of how expensive/good they are.
    I'm the opposite, I prefer dome tweeters over ribbons. the only ribbon configuration I like is the dali high frequency module with a ribbon super tweeter and dome tweeter.

    Very interesting. I think you're the first I've heard say that so I'd love for you to elaborate. I have a pair of Emotiva Airtmotiv 5S's in my desktop system and while the tweeter is absolutely non-fatiguing and highly detailed, they are not as accurate as the domes in my Totem Hawks. It's really apparent when listening to cymbals (I'm a drummer). But then again, I've heard ribbons (quasi?) in my old Maggie 1.7's and those were plenty accurate. Another thing is that istening off-axis is horrible on the Airmotiv 5S's. I can't hear all that juicy shimmer from the ribbons but again, not the case with the domes on my Hawks. I know my situation is apples and oranges but I'd still love to hear more of your thoughts.

    Chino Hills is only an hour away from me but I can't help thinking that I can get my dollar to go further by buying used. Gotta think about this...
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,511
    edited December 2014
    Salk SongTowers are in your budget range ($2K). They use soft dome tweeters, lots of folks like them. Supercharged SongTowers have the Raal ribbon tweeter, better Seas woofers but are $500 over your budget ($3500). You have near unlimited finish choices with veneer or paint, some included, some at higher prices. Fit and finish are second to none. Customer service second to none. Salk also does center speakers.

    Check out his forum at AudioCircle for more input. They have an audition thread where members are willing to let you get an ear on Salk's they own. Salk's factory site has many examples of speaker finishes in pictures, and he posts pics of speakers built at his site at AC. I have SoundScape 8's in black limba and they might just be my end all speaker. I drove six hours to hear them and came home with a pair.

    http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=82.0

    For great bang for the buck speakers, look at Philharmonic Audio. Dennis Murphy is the owner and does the Salk crossover design.

    http://philharmonicaudio.com/
    Post edited by SCompRacer on
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
  • SCompRacer wrote: »
    Salk SongTowers are in your budget range ($2K). They use soft dome tweeters, lots of folks like them. Supercharged SongTowers have the Raal ribbon tweeter, better Seas woofers but are $500 over your budget ($3500). You have near unlimited finish choices with veneer or paint, some included, some at higher prices. Fit and finish are second to none.

    Check out his forum at AudioCircle for more input. They have an audition thread where members are willing to let you get an ear on Salk's they own. Salk's factory site has many examples of speaker finishes in pictures, and he posts pics of speakers built at his site at AC. I have SoundScape 8's in black limba and they might just be my end all speaker.

    http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=82.0

    Thanks for the info SComp! I actually have a thread going over there as well under a different username. I'd love to hear what you love about them and what you've owned in the past if you don't mind sharing.
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    marvda1 wrote: »
    Mystery wrote: »
    Haven't heard any of those models but my colleague has Salk HT2 with upgraded ribbon tweeters and says he can never listen to dome tweeters regardless of how expensive/good they are.
    I'm the opposite, I prefer dome tweeters over ribbons. the only ribbon configuration I like is the dali high frequency module with a ribbon super tweeter and dome tweeter.

    Very interesting. I think you're the first I've heard say that so I'd love for you to elaborate. I have a pair of Emotiva Airtmotiv 5S's in my desktop system and while the tweeter is absolutely non-fatiguing and highly detailed, they are not as accurate as the domes in my Totem Hawks. It's really apparent when listening to cymbals (I'm a drummer). But then again, I've heard ribbons (quasi?) in my old Maggie 1.7's and those were plenty accurate. Another thing is that istening off-axis is horrible on the Airmotiv 5S's. I can't hear all that juicy shimmer from the ribbons but again, not the case with the domes on my Hawks. I know my situation is apples and oranges but I'd still love to hear more of your thoughts.

    Chino Hills is only an hour away from me but I can't help thinking that I can get my dollar to go further by buying used. Gotta think about this...

    to me ribbon tweeters do not sound natural. it's almost like they are too "clean" sounding. I have heard the salk ht3's and listened to the ht1's in a shootout.
    this cleanness may be due in part to the hyper extension but since I like the sound of the dali high frequency module it may be due to the sound the ribbon puts out in it's lower ranges.

    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    Disagree pal...to my ears anyway, ribbon tweets sound way better. Of course everything depends on the ribbon tweet itself and they vary just like regular tweets. All not created equal....nor their implementation.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
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    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
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    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    tonyb wrote: »
    Disagree pal...to my ears anyway, ribbon tweets sound way better. Of course everything depends on the ribbon tweet itself and they vary just like regular tweets. All not created equal....nor their implementation.
    looking back at what I said maybe saying not liking the sound of ribbon tweeters was too harsh, what I should have said is I prefer the sound of a dome tweeter over a ribbon.

    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,511
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for the info SComp! I actually have a thread going over there as well under a different username. I'd love to hear what you love about them and what you've owned in the past if you don't mind sharing.

    You are most welcome!

    I’ve owned Infinity’s, SDA SRS2’s (xover and tweet upgrade), CRS+, Monitor 7’s with peerless (still have), Carver ALIII’s, ALIII+ (both with woofer mods), Carver Silver Amazings and hybrid ESL’s horizontal bi-amped with active crossover. I’ve heard many speakers at shows, brick and mortar stores and in homes. I had the hybrid ESL’s the longest. They had a well-integrated transmission line bass module.

    Regarding the SS8's, I love the tight bass and the midrange clarity and detail is astonishing. They are dynamic, smooth, uncolored, and not fatiguing, even with all Class A SS gear. The RAAL is the most realistic sounding ribbon tweeter I've heard. It is not bright or shrill sounding, at all. It begs for gear that doesn't roll the highs off. I call it smooth and accurate. The RAAL tweeter and the ceramic Accuton midrange are both extremely low mass and very fast and detailed so I retain the transparency I love. While the soundstage isn’t as expansive as my dipole ESL’s, it’s very good. The midrange is more dynamic than my ESL’s.

    The SoundScapes are supplied with a blocking grill plate and open grill plate for the back of the midrange, along with acoustic stuffing. I have the open grills installed on the back of mine, no acoustic fill, so I do get some dipole action.

    And I love the look! With all the veneer choices, you have some individualism. WAF is very high with these. She hated the tall, narrow black ESL's with wood trim. I showed her the veneer on these SS8's and she liked, and even picked the spikes. (He offers two designs in two colors). She went out and bought some nice soft bath carpets to put on the tops in case the cat jumped on them. But he slapped a grill once (held on with magnets) and it near fell on him so he thinks they fight back and leaves them alone...lol

    salk_ss8_system_3.jpg

    These are in a room open to the main level so subs are needed to shore up the 25-35Hz range. The living room is 15' x 18' and is open to main level which adds 25' x 20' in an L shape, 14' ceilings throughout.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    Another thought for a Ribbon Tweeter would be Chane Music Cinema ARx lineup......

    I'm toying with the idea of stepping into their stuff for my HT.

    Issue for me is their floorstanders are out of stock till 2015 (redoing some of the lineup) but their bookies are out there any only 150 a pop.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • SCompRacer wrote: »

    Thanks for the info SComp! I actually have a thread going over there as well under a different username. I'd love to hear what you love about them and what you've owned in the past if you don't mind sharing.

    You are most welcome!

    I’ve owned Infinity’s, SDA SRS2’s (xover and tweet upgrade), CRS+, Monitor 7’s with peerless (still have), Carver ALIII’s, ALIII+ (both with woofer mods), Carver Silver Amazings and hybrid ESL’s horizontal bi-amped with active crossover. I’ve heard many speakers at shows, brick and mortar stores and in homes. I had the hybrid ESL’s the longest. They had a well-integrated transmission line bass module.

    Regarding the SS8's, I love the tight bass and the midrange clarity and detail is astonishing. They are dynamic, smooth, uncolored, and not fatiguing, even with all Class A SS gear. The RAAL is the most realistic sounding ribbon tweeter I've heard. It is not bright or shrill sounding, at all. It begs for gear that doesn't roll the highs off. I call it smooth and accurate. The RAAL tweeter and the ceramic Accuton midrange are both extremely low mass and very fast and detailed so I retain the transparency I love. While the soundstage isn’t as expansive as my dipole ESL’s, it’s very good. The midrange is more dynamic than my ESL’s.

    The SoundScapes are supplied with a blocking grill plate and open grill plate for the back of the midrange, along with acoustic stuffing. I have the open grills installed on the back of mine, no acoustic fill, so I do get some dipole action.

    And I love the look! With all the veneer choices, you have some individualism. WAF is very high with these. She hated the tall, narrow black ESL's with wood trim. I showed her the veneer on these SS8's and she liked, and even picked the spikes. (He offers two designs in two colors). She went out and bought some nice soft bath carpets to put on the tops in case the cat jumped on them. But he slapped a grill once (held on with magnets) and it near fell on him so he thinks they fight back and leaves them alone...lol

    salk_ss8_system_3.jpg

    These are in a room open to the main level so subs are needed to shore up the 25-35Hz range. The living room is 15' x 18' and is open to main level which adds 25' x 20' in an L shape, 14' ceilings throughout.

    Thanks again Scomp. Very cool to hear your story.

    I've made my choice! I'm working with Dennis Murphy and Jim Salk now and having a pair of Philharmonic Slims made in Grey Oak!!! I almost pulled the trigger on some Salk Songtowers in a gorgeous Curly Walnut finish too. I believe the Slims are the better speakers for me based on a breakdown Dennis gave me regarding the two towers (Lord of the Rings pun not intended).

    Super excited!
  • Congrats on the decision, was this within your $3 g range? Dibs to SCompRacer for the breakdown on the Salk's. I have heard a great deal about the RAAL tweets.

    After going through many different setup's throughout my years, I have learned a lot. I also found out that my taste in sound changes over time. There are the days that I would listen to one setup but based on mood, would move to a different room and unwind to a completely different setup.

    For me, to date, I have heard nothing as spectacular as Elac's take on the air motion tweeter. The details, do indeed have an airy sound to it, that exceeds any spatial realism I have ever heard; without the harshness commonly associated with revealing speakers.

    I will and plan on trying out some Salk's next year, as it is a heavy weight contender for my two channel setup. The Salk's will be up against the Joseph Pulsar and the Elac's.

    I look forward to your review.

    Halen


  • Thorton
    Thorton Posts: 1,324
    I've made my choice! I'm working with Dennis Murphy and Jim Salk now and having a pair of Philharmonic Slims made in Grey Oak!!! I almost pulled the trigger on some Salk Songtowers in a gorgeous Curly Walnut finish too. I believe the Slims are the better speakers for me based on a breakdown Dennis gave me regarding the two towers (Lord of the Rings pun not intended).

    Super excited!

    That was fast. Congrats and enjoy!
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________
    Ethernet Filter: GigaFOILv4 with Keces P3 LPS
    Source: Roon via ethernet to DAC interface
    DAC: Bricasti M1SE
    Pre/Pro: Marantz AV8805
    Tube Preamp Buffer: Tortuga TPB.V1
    Amp1: Nord One NC1200DM Signature, Amp2: W4S MC-5, AMP3: W4S MMC-7
    Front: Salk SoundScape 8's, Center: Salk SoundScape C7
    Surround: Polk FXIA6, Surround Back: Polk RTIA9, Atmos: Polk 70-RT
    Subs: 2 - Rythmik F25's
    IC & Speaker Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, Signal Cable
    Power Cables: Acoustic Zen, Wireworld, PS Audio
    Room Treatments: GIK Acoustics
  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited December 2014

    Thanks again Scomp. Very cool to hear your story.

    I've made my choice! I'm working with Dennis Murphy and Jim Salk now and having a pair of Philharmonic Slims made in Grey Oak!!! I almost pulled the trigger on some Salk Songtowers in a gorgeous Curly Walnut finish too. I believe the Slims are the better speakers for me based on a breakdown Dennis gave me regarding the two towers (Lord of the Rings pun not intended).

    Super excited!

    So what's the relationship between Philharmonic Slims tower and Salk?

    Looks like slims are $2k pair plus customization.
    http://philharmonicaudio.com/slims.html

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
  • Mystery wrote: »

    Thanks again Scomp. Very cool to hear your story.

    I've made my choice! I'm working with Dennis Murphy and Jim Salk now and having a pair of Philharmonic Slims made in Grey Oak!!! I almost pulled the trigger on some Salk Songtowers in a gorgeous Curly Walnut finish too. I believe the Slims are the better speakers for me based on a breakdown Dennis gave me regarding the two towers (Lord of the Rings pun not intended).

    Super excited!

    So what's the relationship between Philharmonic Slims tower and Salk?

    Looks like slims are $2k pair plus customization.
    http://philharmonicaudio.com/slims.html

    My understanding is that they have a great working relationship where Dennis Murphy designs speakers for Jim Salk of Salk Audio and Jim Salk customizes speakers that Dennis Murphy sells through Philharmoic Audio. I'm actually in a conversation with them both through email right now and there doesn't seem to be any competition between them. They're both just happy doing their thing and helping each other out.
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,511
    Wow, congrats!

    Yes, Jim Salk builds cabinets for Philharmonic and also for Clearwave to their specs. I toured the factory and he has all the tools and people to do a great job. The neatest part of the tour was looking through the wide variety of standard and pricey veneers in the vault! My veneer was a $500 extra, but he has some that can add even more.

    Dennis Murphy is also a concert violinist.

    Jim Salk
    ?size=648,460

    Dennis Murphy.

    EES_2211_zps983aa2e5.jpg
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    I would use a sub with those though, don't seem like they dig all that deep, especially if it's going into a large room. Seems like a well put together speaker, hope it works out for you, enjoy.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's