Dafos, That's very interesting about your friend. Do you know what year his GH's were built? I was told by my dealer that mine were some of the last pairs imported into the US when I bought mine new in 2006. They were "Annoe'd" in 2004.
Also, you bring up an interesting point, amazing that the GH can go toe to toe with the "high tech" mini. To which I say, it's not always the technology that is important in the 'art' of speaker building. I think Franco's thoughts on this are evident by the way he named these speakers. Even today, there are no massed produced or "high tech" violins that can compete with a real Strad or Guarneri del Gesù
My friends GH is "Annoe'd" 2004. Well it's not exactly NOS having been previously owned by the previous local SF dealer whom we know barely used it and just kept it in it's crate. The marble base is still pristine white and the speaker came with all original packing, manual and even a set of spare string grilles. Considering the condition of these particular pair of speakers and the cost of new Evoluzione, it really was a damned good bargain. Btw, the current owner previously owned a Guarneri Memento and he swears that while it was an excellent speaker in it's own right, it didn't have the "magic" of the original. While it's not that difficult to source a used GH and they do occasionally show up in audiogon, I doubt if one can find a pair as mint as these particular pair.
Btw, as electronics have improved since 1994, the GH's seem to respond positively. My friend is powering his with a Pass XA 100.5 and it's one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard.
(...) BTW, I agree with you,like your friend, I too was VERY VERY lucky to source a new pair when I did.
Davey, I'm with you in my respect for the GH. I've lived with one for an extended period of time and have subsequently heard later iterations of the GH, the Memento and the Evoluzione, both of which are excellent in their own right. Very recently, a close friend was lucky to have acquired what I would consider a NOS GH which was actually offered to both of us. At a recent extended session at his place, my respect and admiration for this speaker has only grown. Having said that, I'm also the current owner of a Mini 2 which was the reason why I passed on the aforesaid GH. We have not done a one on one shootout between the two speakers but my impression is that the Mini may be the more accurate speaker BUT NOT NECESSARILY the more musical transducer. Whatever, the fact that a 20 year old mini monitor can go head to head with the high tech Mini, a speaker that some quarters have claimed to be the greatest mini monitor at least prior to 2010 shows how truly great a speaker the GH is. I salute Franco Serblin for what I believe may arguably be his greatest achievment, without in any way downplaying the greatness of his other designs like the Strads, the Amati and even SF's current generation of speakers which are no longer Serblin designs. Heck, Im still kicking myself in the foot for having passed on the NOS GH that was offered to me....
Btw, as electronics have improved since 1994, the GH's seem to respond positively. My friend is powering his with a Pass XA 100.5 and it's one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard.
Phil, one thing I have to say about GH's is I don't think it is possible to get truly deep bass out of them. Down to maybe 50Hz clean, at best. Not too surprising given the size of the mid/bass driver.
Which is why I now use the very quick and musical sub...the REL T5. The combo in my small room makes great music.
BTW, if you get a chance to hear the GH's again, this time with a great tube amp up front, I think you will hear how amazing these speakers are in their portrayal of not just strings, but human voices as well.
Oh yes, Davey, the human voice. Indeed the GH render them almost sublime, in artistry, emotion, and feeling. It is just magical. I hope to hear them with something like an ARC 250 Ref one day. It should be very very interesting. It might drive me to hunt for a used one too and commit 'heresy' to my Magnepans.
Phil, I can tell you with my ARC D70Mk2 several listeners have described the GH's rendering of human voice as sublime. I have not heard a better speaker in this regard.
Philip, yes there are used GH's to be found but just like your mint hard to find LP's, you'll be REALLY HARD PRESSED to find one in the condition of the one we listened to last night.
Philip, yes there are used GH's to be found but just like your mint hard to find LP's, you'll be REALLY HARD PRESSED to find one in the condition of the one we listened to last night.
Italian craftsmanship
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