KeithR's "Dream Speaker" Search

[Folsom]

Yes, but Keith's Devores are even wider, yet he likes their soundstage.

I'm sorry but you're very confused. I suggest you take a better look at the speakers.

 

[KeithR]

The width of the boxes around the midrange and the squareness will detract from the big 3D soundstage you're seeking. They look neat but those super square edges are not a good thing, and the wider a speaker is the less 3D depth you get, as the effect is largely generated from late reflections. Some manufactures like VSA even put tweeters on the back to enhance it.

what's interesting is the Devore O Reference had quite a big sound stage later in the day. but maybe the extra wide baffle at some point (because of the two cabinets per side) becomes a difference maker.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I'm sorry but you're very confused. I suggest you take a better look at the speakers.

Stenheims 13" wide
Devores 15" wide
Yeah, real confusing.

 

[Folsom]

No, MARC, those are not the measurements. Here's the exact ones, as seen in the Stereophile review.

Dimensions: 44" (1120mm) H by 9" (230mm) W by 17.5" (445mm) D (not including feet). Weight: 85 lb (38.5kg).

 

[KeithR]

Stenheims 13" wide
Devores 15" wide
Yeah, real confusing.

hey Marc - I have the Gibbons, not the Orangutans. indeed a very narrow baffle in 2010s design language.

no harm no foul boys.

 

[bonzo75]

Both Stenheim 5 and the devore orangutans have large stage. Different types

 

[morricab]

View attachment 54308

Don't know the amps but they could be affecting the soundstage depth...not all tubes are great at it.

 

[morricab]

definitely agree on the speed front. as I mentioned, the speaker might be more ideally suited for no global feedback SS and improve the bass.

i have a friend with the Fives on the east coast using Constellation, but just bought a Jadis amp. I'm curious what he prefers. he also mentioned that the east coast dealer puts the Fives on platforms - i think i know why.

Any chance to go back with your own amp? When I was looking for small speakers when I lived in London I was dragging my KR Audio VA350i all over for demos.

 

[microstrip]

The width of the boxes around the midrange and the squareness will detract from the big 3D soundstage you're seeking. They look neat but those super square edges are not a good thing, and the wider a speaker is the less 3D depth you get, as the effect is largely generated from late reflections. Some manufactures like VSA even put tweeters on the back to enhance it.

Although books say so, experience sometimes show the opposite. Recently listened to the wide Magico M7mk2 being driven by the D'Agostino Relentless, Momentum preamplfier and DCS Vivaldi One and the soundstage was extremely large and deep.

The Focal Grande Utopia BE, extremely wide, also generated a big and deep 3D soundstage.

 

[Al M.]

Although books say so, experience sometimes show the opposite. Recently listened to the wide Magico M7mk2 being driven by the D'Agostino Relentless, Momentum preamplfier and DCS Vivaldi One and the soundstage was extremely large and deep.

The Focal Grande Utopia BE, extremely wide, also generated a big and deep 3D soundstage.

That will also depend on the room size.

 

[Folsom]

Although books say so, experience sometimes show the opposite. Recently listened to the wide Magico M7mk2 being driven by the D'Agostino Relentless, Momentum preamplfier and DCS Vivaldi One and the soundstage was extremely large and deep.

The Focal Grande Utopia BE, extremely wide, also generated a big and deep 3D soundstage.

They have both have nicely rounded edges. The crossover will effect the pattern, too.

 

[KeithR]

Any chance to go back with your own amp? When I was looking for small speakers when I lived in London I was dragging my KR Audio VA350i all over for demos.

It's hard in a wheelchair to regularly get the requisite help to do this, unfortunately. Maybe for a "final" audition as a deciding point.

also didn't mention the same dealer had a pair of AG Uno Finos on the floor - i did hear a couple cuts on them after the Fives and they showed promise but it was on Class D Rowland so had some issues. He doesn't stock the Duos, just the lifestyle horns.

 

[KeithR]

A few other thoughts - the bar for me at $60,000 is very high. I might find faults, but at this price they are harder to excuse. Also, my music choices are different than others and will impact my auditions and others may not see a speaker the same way.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thanks for the interesting report, Keith.

+1

 

[Ron Resnick]

The width of the boxes around the midrange and the squareness will detract from the big 3D soundstage you're seeking. They look neat but those super square edges are not a good thing, and the wider a speaker is the less 3D depth you get . . .

There might be something to this. Andy Payor has focused a lot on narrowing and curving his baffles.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Both Stenheim 5 and the devore orangutans have large stage. Different types

Apparently that was not a noticeable attribute in the particular demo Keith experienced.

 

[christoph]

Some manufactures like VSA even put tweeters on the back to enhance it.

Smoke and mirrors...

 

[Folsom]

There might be something to this. Andy Payor has focused a lot on narrowing and curving his baffles.

Might? I’ve accepted the analysis from physicists and industry experts that design for many companies as being more that possible.

Still, I think you can get soundstage without to some degree, maybe even amazing, if the recording has it in it.

 

[Folsom]

Smoke and mirrors...

So? If you like it, you like it.

 

[Tango]

When an equipment got two out of three. You go audition it further in different systems or associated gears. Sound stage is easily change with different amplifications. But why want sound stage so large all the time to be impressive and natural?Bigger the better?