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  1. #1
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    Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  2. #2
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Judging anything just on the basis of listening during trades and shows? Sorry, but it's not even funny. Unknown system, unknown environment, accidental repertoire and other variables looks like Russian roulette nor any type of critical listening. During the show You can describe the design, "theoretical potential" of component, or synergy of the system, but not even close to the judge is something tot or not.
    Marcin

  3. #3
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Well he did describe the sound of the VAC’s more so than the Ghersmans to me ..


    I do agree shows due to their noisy nature , working in an unfamiliar environment with noisy power is obviously hard to put your best foot forward , but equipment and rooms which consistently show poorly vs those that consistently show good does reveal more than just a passing comment , about show conditions ..

    As to his list i can see many liking his picks with but a few exceptions to me ...


    Regards

  4. #4
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    I enjoy these lists for a few reasons. Seeing gear that I’m not familiar with and getting some perspective on what other people think is their bast. Obviously it’s up to us to experience gear in our own systems to find out if it’s right for us.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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    NAD C 658 streamer.

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    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  5. #5
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    Well he did describe the sound of the VAC’s more so than the Ghersmans to me ..


    I do agree shows due to their noisy nature , working in an unfamiliar environment with noisy power is obviously hard to put your best foot forward , but equipment and rooms which consistently show poorly vs those that consistently show good does reveal more than just a passing comment , about show conditions ..

    As to his list i can see many liking his picks with but a few exceptions to me ...


    Regards
    This.


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  6. #6
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    A little light on thoughts on other speakers and comparisons.

    His comments around sound were interesting.


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  7. #7
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    When discussing best speakers, the first step is to look at their Klippel measurements.
    If a manufacture can arrange to get the speakers to a show, then they can arrange to get the speakers tested.

  8. #8
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedskater View Post
    When discussing best speakers, the first step is to look at their Klippel measurements.
    If a manufacture can arrange to get the speakers to a show, then they can arrange to get the speakers tested.
    Why ....?

  9. #9
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    Why ....?
    To narrow the field.
    And it's more than challenging to do good listening tests.
    Modern speaker measurements like the Klippel won't give the final rating but will eliminate a lot of the overpriced players.
    I won't even consider a loudspeaker at any price before looking at it's measurements.

  10. #10
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedskater View Post
    To narrow the field.
    And it's more than challenging to do good listening tests.
    Modern speaker measurements like the Klippel won't give the final rating but will eliminate a lot of the overpriced players.
    I won't even consider a loudspeaker at any price before looking at it's measurements.
    What are you looking for ..? What measurement say bad or good ..? How is the klippel able to give low frequency anechoic measurements response indoors..


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  11. #11
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    the anti-Harman method. nice
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  12. #12

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    "I enjoy a warmer sound because humans are warm blooded and, that's how they're supposed to sound". Moving on.....
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  13. #13
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Has anyone heard or owned the Gershwin Grande Avant Garde speakers?

  14. #14
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    I don't think that any measurements including Klippel measurements would have any meaning to me what so ever. Especially on speakers. Measurements simply do not tell me what a piece of gear sounds like. I also realize that some people live and die by measurements. To each their own .
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  15. #15
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by sb6 View Post
    "I enjoy a warmer sound because humans are warm blooded and, that's how they're supposed to sound". Moving on.....
    Cold blooded Aliens love class D amplifiers , so there maybe some truth to that ..!

  16. #16
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I don't think that any measurements including Klippel measurements would have any meaning to me what so ever. Especially on speakers. Measurements simply do not tell me what a piece of gear sounds like. I also realize that some people live and die by measurements. To each their own .
    Measurements can tell alot ( compatible amplification for eg ) but it will never say good or bad for you specifically as its not subjective measurement for taste ..


    Regards

  17. #17
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    Has anyone heard or owned the Gershwin Grande Avant Garde speakers?
    Almost had the opportunity last year at the fla Audio show , but they were having technical issues with one of their units , cant recall totally now as the setup was wireless blue tooth if i recall correctly , tried to assist but we couldn't get it going ..

    Its a really small speaker , nice looking, nice people ..!


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  18. #18

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    Cold blooded Aliens love class D amplifiers , so there maybe some truth to that ..!
    If you hear Merrill Audio you'll think differently about Class D... ;-)
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  19. #19
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by sb6 View Post
    If you hear Merrill Audio you'll think differently about Class D... ;-)
    Merrill is class D , i thought they precious metal devices ..

    I have heard them and yes great sounding amps , never had the opportunity to compare so not sure how high up the food chain they compare ..


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  20. #20
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    I saw the Klippel device at the Magico factory. To my knowledge Magico is the only company that has invested the $300,000+ for this instrument. I have not seen anyone, even Magico, publishing the results of testing with the Klippel. And there is not, to my knowledge, any company offering to perform Klippel testing on audio speakers. Time will tell if this becomes a mainstream design tool.

  21. #21
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Now, if just pictures make you want to hear some speakers, check out these shipping to my RLR colleage in Dallas. Diesis “Roma Triode”...

  22. #22
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Wow, I'm surprised no one has even "liked" the amazing limited edition Diesis "Roma Triode"? I am told the pictures don't do it justice, and IMHO the pictures show one hell of a beautiful speaker. I heard the standard Roma model and was gobsmacked, that was a couple years ago. A chance to own my own pair was one of the reasons I chose to become a remote showroom (listening room). My own pair of "Roma" are currently burning in for a couple weeks at the factory outside Rome.

  23. #23

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    I've never been a horn fan, very few I've heard that I liked. Maybe these are in that small bucket; Dallas is only a 3 hour drive... ;-)
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  24. #24
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    I have Heard good sounding horns , mostly with matching SET drive , only Heard one SS setup that sounded good and it was with custom bespoke 30 watt amps ..

    That aside i have heard many many really horrible horn setups over the decades and never really thought of giving one any space, until recently ..



    Regards

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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Diesis horn / open-baffle hybrids are worth a listen. Some will be gobsmacked like I was, others not-so-much. Such is the nature of the hobby. But for sure Giuseppe has worked some magic integrating these different drivers so they blend and you’re unaware — all you hear is easy, effortless, flowing sound, with tremendous presence and dynamics. After I returned home when i first heard the Diesis “Roma” a couple years ago, I was amazed how hard, in comparison, the Alexia seemed to work to get the sound out. Efficiency of 98+ db, along with an open baffle, is surely part of it.

    If you get the opportunity, be sure to have a listen.

  26. #26
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Not a reflection on the Diesis at all (they are beautiful to look at and I suspect sound very good although expensive), but if you want to read some opinions about how horns are the only way to go wander over to WBF and read some of the “Natural Sound” thread. You can read even if you are not a member (and apparently new registrations are not available).
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  27. #27
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    Not a reflection on the Diesis at all (they are beautiful to look at and I suspect sound very good although expensive), but if you want to read some opinions about how horns are the only way to go wander over to WBF and read some of the “Natural Sound” thread. You can read even if you are not a member (and apparently new registrations are not available).
    When I went all in on my Avantgarde’s 5 years ago, many scoffed at horns. Now they’re all the rage. Too funny.

    Horns are great. But the coloration of female and male vocals can turn some folks off. The dynamics though are unreal and horns sound amazing on horns!


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  28. #28
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    I heard the very Big AG with the subs fix all of that Mike , they would go nicely in one of those big rooms at the Fl Audio show ..




  29. #29
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    After I heard the Diesis,I made a point to hear AG at RMAF. What I learned was horns today deserve a listen and consideration for anyone looking for new speakers. Integration of drivers much improved though big bass horns are just that… big!

    Diesis solves that with the open baffle woofers. I can’t wait to hear the Romas in my room. Sadly, a few weeks to go. I didn’t spring for the bespoke “Triode” model, maybe someday!

  30. #30

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    Wow, I'm surprised no one has even "liked" the amazing limited edition Diesis "Roma Triode"? I am told the pictures don't do it justice, and IMHO the pictures show one hell of a beautiful speaker. I heard the standard Roma model and was gobsmacked, that was a couple years ago. A chance to own my own pair was one of the reasons I chose to become a remote showroom (listening room). My own pair of "Roma" are currently burning in for a couple weeks at the factory outside Rome.
    Don't be surprised.
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    Don't be surprised.
    ??

  32. #32

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    ??
    You said you were surprised that you didn’t get any “likes” after you posted pictures of the speakers. Just because you like a certain piece of gear doesn’t mean other people are going to share your feelings.
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021



    Bob, is this the speaker? How much are they?


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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    You said you were surprised that you didn’t get any “likes” after you posted pictures of the speakers. Just because you like a certain piece of gear doesn’t mean other people are going to share your feelings.
    Oh, I totally get that. But everyone I’ve showed the pictures too have said they’re beautiful. Now the sound may or may not appeal, and the looks might be odd for some, but the wood, the craftsmanship, IMHO hard not to appreciate in a world of box speakers or Transformer looking designs. Even my Alexia some people thought looked like trash receptacles. Hard not to appreciate a Wilson paint job.

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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post


    Bob, is this the speaker? How much are they?


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    Yes Mike, that is the “Roma Triode” model, €150k. It is the bespoke upgrade of the standard “Roma” model (€80k). The “Roma Triode” was developed specifically around AudioNote (Japan) Kondo Ongaku amps and G70 pre-amp, with Kondo silver wire throughout and many same special caps, etc.

    My own pair will be standard “Roma” model. That is what I heard a couple years back when in Manhattan—when I was out supporting my sweet wife who blew her appendix and spent several days in intensive care with peritonitis. I visited Rhapsody because I’d met Bob way back when there was an AudioShark gathering at his shop (2014 I think). Anyway, I was pretty much smitten with the sound as I’d not heard a horn since I was young and never an open baffle. They seemed incredibly well integrated and balanced, with exceptional tonality and dynamics. My wife hated that I made that visit, I think I talked about getting a pair for months. But my remodel was still in the rear-view mirror so budget for new speakers was not in the cards.

    Now I feel blessed to be bringing them home. It will be very fun to hear them in my room, then compare to Alsyvox and Bayz. A little like you did before you opened your shop, when you had the big-time gear rotation going on.

  36. #36

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Don’t the Triodes list for $180,000 in the U.S.?
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  37. #37
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021




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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Same as 2 corvettes with matching jet skis , sounds like a deal ....!

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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    Don’t the Triodes list for $180,000 in the U.S.?
    Diesis offers speakers starting at $29,000.

    Yes, Roma Triode in USA is $179,900.
    Roma is $99,900
    Caput Mundi $59,900
    Aura $39,900
    Ludos $29,900
    Bonham tribute dipole sub-woofer (21") with electronic crossover, $14,900
    Evento Integrated amp, $29,900, with DAC $34,900

    Prices include international air shipping, import duties, and installation.

    Roma Triode is 99db efficient and can be driven with 4 watt SET, or big SS. Both sound amazing. All hand-made Italian works of art Ebony wood for the horn and baffle. Custom wood choices are also available.

    I notice some scoff at the price, but the Triodes are inline with top offerings from other mfgs, think Magico M6, Wilson XVX, Alexx V is $135k, the upper Kharma models are north of $200k. Top models from top producers are expensive. Like everyone else I wish it wasn't the case—prices in this hobby continue to climb.

    While I may be becoming one of the Rhapsody Remote Listening Rooms, it doesn't mean I'm not buying all the new kit myself. Nothing is being lent to me.

    For a little read on these unique Italian speakers, as well as the Alsyvox from Spain, and Bayz from Denmark, check this Absolute Sound article from this time last year: Rhapsody At Rhapsody! - The Absolute Sound

    My pair of "Roma" with slight customization, I wanted the leather wrapped frame.

    image2-1.jpeg
    image0-10.jpeg

  40. #40
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    Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    While I may be becoming one of the Rhapsody Remote Listening Rooms, it doesn't mean I'm not buying all the new kit myself. Nothing is being lent to me.
    I’m confused. Are you buying these $180,000 speakers for yourself? Are you running a store and buying inventory? Just trying to understand what you’re saying here.


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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I’m confused. Are you buying these $180,000 speakers for yourself? Are you running a store and buying inventory? Just trying to understand the model.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Hi Mike, I am buying the standard “Roma” model, not the bespoke “Roma Triode.” I am also buying the Pilium pre and power amp, as well as a pair of Alsyvox “Boticcelli X”, and Bayz “Courante 2.0.”

    The model is anyone who comes to listen to any of these and decides they’d like to own them, that person will deal with Rhapsody in NYC. I will earn a small commission. I know many folks in the industry have “appointment only” auditions in their homes or small shops, but they are typically acting as dealers negotiating terms with vendors, stocking levels, etc. I will be doing none of that, just owning the kit I have described. I have regularly hosted listening sessions for local audio buddies and the Portland Audio Club, this seemed a natural extension of that. None of these brands are available out west, and folks here are less likely to fly to Manhattan, but might come to Portland. Pinot Noir lovers came come to Willamette Valley wine country and stop by for an audition [insert wine and music emoji].

    I was jonesing for a speaker upgrade, wanting to hear Diesis in my own room. The Alsyvox were also on my short list, as well as Alexx V, and M6. I would have wanted to hear AG too, they caught my attention at RMAF, and they’re damn cool to look at.

    It gives me a chance to live with several amazing speakers and learn what works in my room, pros and cons, and maybe earn a little $$ to offset my purchases. My wife figured maybe it would be a way to cap the outgo, which hasn’t seemed to diminish year after year!

  42. #42
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    A sort of “press release” of the business model was posted on Mono & Stereo…

    Rhapsody.Audio- Listening Rooms (RLRs)

    Rhapsody.Audio would like to announce that within the next 2-3months there will be multiple new locations where several of the product lines that Rhapsody.Audio represents will be available to audition via Rhapsody.Audio Listening Rooms (RLRs).

    Initially, the RLR’s will have the products available for demonstration mentioned below. Upon opening, the DFW RLR will have a very similar product offering as that available at Rhapsody.Audio in Manhattan.

    Over time, all locations will be expanding their portfolio to a comparable scale as that of NYC/DFW.

    The RLRs will be available to host auditions by appointment. All product ordering and delivery logistics will be processed and supported from the Rhapsody.Audio NYC location.

    Product assistance and installation will be supported by Rhapsody.Audio NYC along with the RLRs depending on customer location.

    The RLR locations are:

    Portland - Rhapsody.Audio RLR

    Products available to audition (coming soon)

    -Pilium Alexander, Achilles

    -Alsyvox Botticelli X

    -Diesis Roma Special Edition

    -Bayz Audio Courante


    Dallas/Fort Worth Rhapsody.Audio RLR

    Products available to audition:

    -Magico M9

    -Alsyvox Botticelli

    -Diesis Roma Triode

    -Bayz Audio Courante

    -Pilium Elektra, Alexander, Leonidas, Achilles

    -VYGER Atlantis

    -Kondo Ginga, G1000, GE-10, Kaguras, Gakuoh

    -Taiko Audio Extreme

    -VYDA

    West Palm Beach & Miami (2 Florida locations) Rhapsody.Audio RLRs

    West Palm Beach will open initially. Miami will follow when the RLR is ready to host customers.

    Products available to audition (initially):

    -Alsyvox

    -Pilium

    -Aurender

    -TelluriumQ

    Chicago, IL Rhapsody.Audio RLR

    Products available to audition (initially):

    -Alsyvox

    -Pilium

    -Aurender

    -TelluriumQ

    Long Island, NY Rhapsody.Audio RLR

    -Kondo

    -Alsyvox

  43. #43
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Very good Bob. No Magico’s? Mostly distributor models you’re getting? I guess that makes sense from a dollars and cents perspective.

    Hope you enjoy your new speakers. Where you going to put them all??

    It will be interesting to get your perspective in a year from now on this model. I think you will find, there is a real hesitancy of serious potential customers to go into someone’s home. I speak from experience!! Also, the first time some weird guy shows up at your home and is walking around in your home with your wife looking on, you may be rethinking things. Again, I speak from experience. Just be careful.


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  44. #44
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Very good Bob. No Magico’s? Mostly distributor models you’re getting? I guess that makes sense from a dollars and cents perspective.

    Hope you enjoy your new speakers. Where you going to put them all??

    It will be interesting to get your perspective in a year from now on this model. I think you will find, there is a real hesitancy of serious potential customers to go into someone’s home. I speak from experience!! Also, the first time some weird guy shows up at your home and is walking around in your home with your wife looking on, you may be rethinking things. Again, I speak from experience. Just be careful.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Thank you Mike. I appreciate the good will and notes of caution. Maybe the wine cellar will act as a lure? (That can be good and bad.)

    And for sure, if I’m not re-evaluating it in a year, the Minister of Finance (wife) will be.

    Re: Magico… there is a dealer in Portland, but I’m told if I want to bring someone to Magico facilities who wants to hear M9 is OK.

  45. #45
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    Thank you Mike. I appreciate the good will and notes of caution. Maybe the wine cellar will act as a lure? (That can be good and bad.)

    And for sure, if I’m not re-evaluating it in a year, the Minister of Finance (wife) will be.

    Re: Magico… there is a dealer in Portland, but I’m told if I want to bring someone to Magico facilities who wants to hear M9 is OK.
    Yes! They may get lost in that wine cellar. Regardless, it will be good experience for you. No doubt you’ll learn a few things.

    When I retire, I’m going to write a book! I have so many hilarious stories. Here’s a quick one:

    I get a call from a gentleman in Alabama. He says in a thick southern drawl, “I’m calling about the V-P-I Avenger Reference turntable.”

    Yes, how can I help you?

    “How much is it?”

    At this point, I hear his wife yelling in the background “tell him we want the good one, tell him we want the good one!”

    I said, $20,000

    “Wooooooo boy!! Just to play some old records?”

    Well, I wouldn’t play old records on this table.

    “Well, what records would you play?”

    New ones!


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  46. #46
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    quiet an extravagant trio of speakers. very cool!

  47. #47
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    yup, to mee too, clients at home is no go
    ...and wouldnt visit any home demo

  48. #48
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by u-sound View Post
    yup, to mee too, clients at home is no go
    ...and wouldnt visit any home demo
    I respect that. My wife and I entertain somewhat frequently, she’s an executive with a major bank, and we do some catered charity events here, so having folks in the house isn’t terrible strange to us. My caution antennae are usually on high, but no doubt audiophiles can be, shall we say, a little ‘odd’. God knows its probably been said about me!

    I am fortunate to have a very nice acoustically engineered room that doesn’t look like it, so at least I can be confident to be sharing the speakers in a good light. And I know panel lovers who had a thing for Apogee will want to hear Alsyvox, SET lovers will want to hear the Diesis, and curious audiophiles will want to hear Bayz. I have three auditions pending delivery of all my new kit, one fellow from the Philippines has Kondo gear, and a home in Vancouver BC. He’s very eager to hear the Diesis Roma. (I’m just outside Portland.)

    Of course, the Pilium electronics will attract folks too. I’d say how great it sounds but having only heard it @ Magico driving the M9s I’d be premature other than to say M9s with the Pilium sounded, in my opinion, better than my Wilson WAMM / Dagostino audition (but that was not in a very good room compared to the Magico showroom.)

  49. #49

    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Yes! They may get lost in that wine cellar. Regardless, it will be good experience for you. No doubt you’ll learn a few things.

    When I retire, I’m going to write a book! I have so many hilarious stories. Here’s a quick one:

    I get a call from a gentleman in Alabama. He says in a thick southern drawl, “I’m calling about the V-P-I Avenger Reference turntable.”

    Yes, how can I help you?

    “How much is it?”

    At this point, I hear his wife yelling in the background “tell him we want the good one, tell him we want the good one!”

    I said, $20,000

    “Wooooooo boy!! Just to play some old records?”

    Well, I wouldn’t play old records on this table.

    “Well, what records would you play?”

    New ones!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Context, context, context ...
    When a true southerner says "old", it's pronounced "ol'" and it probably has nothing to do with age -- it's more of a dismissive qualifier.

    "Just to play some ol' records?" = "Just to play some measly records?"

  50. #50
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    Re: Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by pdub View Post
    Context, context, context ...
    When a true southerner says "old", it's pronounced "ol'" and it probably has nothing to do with age -- it's more of a dismissive qualifier.

    "Just to play some ol' records?" = "Just to play some measly records?"
    That was it!


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