Mike's Official Emerald Physics CS2s Break-in and Review Thread

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited 2009 07 in Speakers
Here's photos of the unpacking. More photos of the setup will follow, but Clayton accidentally sent me interconnects shorter than I ordered so I can't show you how everything comes together just yet. Enjoy!
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited 2008 19
    Very nice!
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited 2008 19
    Oh yeah! I'll be watching this thread with great anticipation. This is the future of audio, baby.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 19
    I thought they would be uglier, but as it turns out they are actually quite attractive in person. Their width when looking at them straight is looming like an SDA. The minimalist design also blends extremely well with the rest of my setup. They practically blend right in with my GIK acoustic treatments.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited 2008 28
    Hey SS -- where's your preliminary review of these speakers?
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited 2008 28
    very cool speaker
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 28
    Early B. wrote: »
    Hey SS -- where's your preliminary review of these speakers?

    God, I haven't even had a chance to listen to these yet. First, Clayton sent me the wrong cable length. Then, I decided I didn't want his cables, I wanted Frank Dai's cables (Signal). So, once I got Frank's cables, I hooked them all up and what do you know . . . an effing ground loop! I'm knocked off my **** from a steady and LOUD 60Hz kick in the gut from 4 15" woofers. My heads ringing and I feel like I got a ghetto hooptie is in my listening room. I power down the whole system and start floating the ground.

    Eventually, I realize it's not a ground loop, but an issue with my Odyssey amps. What do I discover . . . Klaus didn't wire the effing balanced connections! (This is actually my stupid mistake because I told him not to as a cost saving idea.) Anyway, so now Klaus is coming over next week with his soldering iron and some junk to make my balanced inputs work (ALL FOR FREE). So yeah, this has been a rough speaker transition.

    I will definitely have a review late next week assuming God is done fiddling around with me.

    Anybody need a good deed? Apparently I need to build some positive Karma.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,345
    edited 2008 28
    Sorry to hear about your woes SS :( We're all anxious to hear about these speakers and how they sound. Good karma and positive vibes coming your way!:)
    Carl

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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited 2008 28
    OK, thanks for the update, SS. I'm sure your wait will be well rewarded. We look forward to your review.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited 2008 29
    ...shoulda gone with the Gallos, jk. Do you have two pairs of those Odyssey Amps or do you really go through gear that quick? If I recall correctly you got these last month and are already selling them?

    Let us know how you like the CS2s once you get them setup properly w/ the amps, eq, room placment, etc.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited 2008 29
    Those look awesome, can't wait for the review
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited 2008 29
    Gaara wrote: »
    ...shoulda gone with the Gallos, jk.

    No he's not. :p

    Nice ride there SS. You cannot commit to one amp or speaker. You are now officially an audio ****. Enjoy.
    Venom
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 29
    I put my amps up for sale on A'gon to test the water. I'm trying real hard not to be an audio ****, but I suspect the Odysseys may not be quiet enough for the 100dB sensitivity of the CS2s. We'll see. Another guy here in Indy runs Stratos Monos on his CS2s and loves it, but I don't think he may be as critical as I am. This really sucks as I've come to love these things for the short period that I have had them. I'd like to not sell them, but it's either that or sacrifice some of the blacks in my background. I'll let you know how this stuff plays out.

    Also, I got a car bill to deal with and well selling the Odysseys could make that all go away without me dipping into my savings. Then I would buy all Bel Canto gear with the remaining proceeds. Bel Canto is what Clayton uses to show-off the speakers.

    Despite the car bill, I want to make the Stratos amps work in my current system, so I can move them to another rig at a later date. After which I would buy another BelCanto S300 and PRe3 for the main rig.

    I just want you to know that I'm trying to settle down and start my audio family. I just can't seem to keep the troops in line.
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited 2008 29
    So your going to bi-amp these with S300s? You should have bought my Red Dragons, same sound for 1/4 the price.

    Ever thought of going with something like a tube amp or tripath or that sort of thing for the highs? Not sure how the x-over is setup but I wouldn't imagine you would need that much power for the highs especially if they are 100db sensitive.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 29
    The Red Dragons weren't balanced. That's a big reason why I like the S300 because its true balanced to keep the noise floor real low.

    I like tube preamps, but no tube amps. The sound and pace of a SS amp mated with a tube pre is where it's at for me. Not to mention. I like the sound of tubes, but don't want too much tube equipment to maintain. SS is overall just easier in that respect.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited 2008 29
    Hey, what's the model of the DBX unit? I've read about these guys, but haven't seen that anywhere. And are the woofers Eminence?
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited 2008 29
    Uh oh, now you have all the Gallo guys ganging up on you SS :)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited 2008 29
    Just send me the speakers, that'll solve all your problems.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 29
    The Behringer is DCX2496. Not sure who makes the drivers.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 29
    venomclan wrote: »
    Uh oh, now you have all the Gallo guys ganging up on you SS :)

    You may have beat my Adagios, you Gallo punks, but this time I think I have the secret weapon! You all are just sad you don't have the weirdest looking speaker anymore.
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  • ArdyAr
    ArdyAr Posts: 3
    edited 2008 03
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    You may have beat my Adagios, you Gallo punks, but this time I think I have the secret weapon! You all are just sad you don't have the weirdest looking speaker anymore.


    You want to sell your Adagios?Or could you tell me who was selling the Gallos?I'm using Apogees and looking aroung for something that goes lower but still keeps that great midrange.
    Acoustic Zen Adagios
    Proceed Amp2
    Jeff Rowland Consummate preamp
    Cambridge Audio 840c cd player
    Ariston turntable
    Sunfire sub
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited 2008 04
    those are wicked bad.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 04
    ArdyAr wrote: »
    You want to sell your Adagios?Or could you tell me who was selling the Gallos?I'm using Apogees and looking aroung for something that goes lower but still keeps that great midrange.

    My Adagios were sold a little while ago and I was looking to purchase the Gallos at Underwood HiFi. The CS2s are the same price as the Gallos new, but you'll likely not find any used.
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited 2008 04
    FYI CS2s used for $2300obo. I was going to post this for you SS, the guy also has a 4ch Wyred 4 Sound (icepower) amp for sale in the same add. Not sure which modules but it is a 4ch 125x2 and 250x2 w/ xlr input.

    I was considering it but its to big for my rack, and more then I want to spend on my surrounds.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited 2008 04
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    My Adagios were sold a little while ago and I was looking to purchase the Gallos at Underwood HiFi. The CS2s are the same price as the Gallos new, but you'll likely not find any used.

    I found a guy selling a lot of CS2's for $800/pair, mint condition. He said he is saving up for the Gallos...:)
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited 2008 04
    I did some research...
    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=290-407
    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=264-270
    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=270-312
    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=248-669
    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=260-335

    $647.31
    Add 2 sheets of 4x8x.75 birch ply, binding posts and wiring and you're set. Well, assuming you can get the DCX2496 set up to do what you want it to do.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 08
    Got them up and running finally.

    Here's the system:

    Emerald Physics CS2s
    Bel Canto S300 X 2
    Bel Canto Pre3
    Cambridge Audio Azur 840C
    PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    Signal Cable Balanced (entirely) and Power Cables

    First Impressions . . .

    The sound is definitely different. The absence of a box is immediately apparent. The drivers are supposed to have a dramatic shift after a 24 hour break in which according to Clayton is typical for stiff professional drivers. The sound is a little harsh in the highs, but I suspect that will mellow out after break in. The bass is way more prodigious that I expected. I feel like I got dual subs. It's kind of ridiculous actually. I'm going to have to mess with the presets on the behringer to find the bass settings best for my setup. All-in-all I am quite impressed out of the box. The sound is quite detailed and dynamic.

    One thing that caught my attention immediately was a new level of detail in the lows. I could hear and feel the vibration and grit of the bass cord where before it was just a bass note. This was exciting. You could hear the speed and number of times the musician struck each note.

    I'll let you know more as these things break in.

    Thanks

    Mike
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited 2008 10
    Guy's I've had these things playing for about 30 hours straight now and put in about 6 hours of critical listening after the that mark. All I have to say is Wow. Seriously, anyone who has the opportunity should listen to these speakers. Their looks are not exceptional, but the sound that they produce is so ridiculously realistic it's scary. This is honest to God like the musician is in the room with me.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited 2008 10
    Fantastic!!! Glad to hear you're enjoying your new speakers. Keep us posted.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,345
    edited 2008 19
    How are the tweeters sounding now? Have they mellowed?
    Carl

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,890
    edited 2008 19
    Got my ears on these today, albeit for only two songs. I decided they were worth going back for further listening. When I do, I'll report back.

    Overview: http://www.emeraldphysics.com/intro.htm

    Specs: http://www.emeraldphysics.com/specs.htm
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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