Rockport: New Center Channel Speaker

[LL21]

I have been an enormous admirer of Rockport and Andy Payor for many, many years. I still consider the mighty Arrakis as my personal favorite speaker of all time. Were it not for the challenge of dual-amplification, dual speaker cables, dual interconnects for the active crossover, sheer size (manageable but it is 1000lbs per channel) and of course cost...we would own these and not look back. They are remarkable.

This news caught me by surprise: the newest addition to their collection is a $20,000 center channel speaker.

Rockport Technologies Introduces TAURUS Center Channel Loudspeaker - The Absolute Sound

Rockport Technologies Introduces TAURUS Center Channel Loudspeaker - Rockport Technologies is pleased to announce their latest product offering: The TAURUS center channel loudspeaker.

www.theabsolutesound.com

If they are going this direction...I would love to see them create a 4-channel Lyra...dual subs expressly designed to match the mighty Lyra...and full-on, no-holds-barred exceed the Arrakis in every way imaginable. It covers the ultra-uber high end 2-channel market...and perfectly positions Rockport for AWESOME high end theater experience as well.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Very serious centre channel speaker. Looks very cool to.

 

[SuperDave]

Hi Lloyd,
I have the older Rockport center channel that matches my Aviors, this new one looks really nice. I wonder how it will compare to just putting a single Avior II as a center( same price I believe). IMO, Rockports handle HT very well!

Dave

 

[LL21]

Very nice! And great system! You have Jfrech both drive your Rockports with Nagra HD...interesting to see. In your system, do you have subs for cinema? Curious.

 

[SuperDave]

Thanks! Congrats on new amps, I've always wanted to hear them. I had little exposure to the Koda preamps before Nagra. I use 2 JL Audio Gotham subs for HT, not for stereo. Jfrech's system is the best I've heard and that was before his new speakers, I try to keep up when I can.

Dave

 

[jfrech]

Hi Dave and thanks . I still have a projector and screen in my room, but just haven't used it since the kids got older. I be your system sounds fantastic on movies !

Lloyd, I didn't realize you now have the Koda amps. Congratulations. I know you're into the subs, I am so happy with the Lyra's that I am in that stage I can't imagine more. I've heard systems with subs, but not a system with matching subs to the quality if the 2 channel speakers. In this respect, if Lyra made a matching set of subs, I'd be curious, although not sure I'd ever pull the trigger due to the cost....

 

[LL21]

Thanks, JFrech...the Koda monos are due to arrive in a couple of weeks.

Its interesting...I remember distinctly buying my very piece of tube kit...CJ PV14L pre/MV60 EL34-based amp...it was magic. And the man at the store (only recently retired) was so pleased to have introduced me to a whole new world (I originally came in to audition a SS CJ amp)...

...but he also said over time he would not be surprised if I found my way back to SS. At the time, I could not conceive of such a thing having discovered that 'tube magic'. And here we are 20+ years later...SS preamp (for the first time in 20 years)...and SS amplification (Class A SS...something I discovered and have gladly stayed with for 12 years and running.)

It took Robert Koda to do that.