Living Voice OBX-RW

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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At the encouragement of Paul (the audiophile formerly known as BlueMcIntosh), I picked up the brand the Living Voice. The Living Voice is made in the UK and is the company that produces the infamous VOX speaker.

I was looking for a product to compete with Harbeth, but even better sounding...and definitely something more efficient.

Paul suggested The Living Voice.

For my opening order, I went ahead with a pair OBX-RW in the Burr Oak finish. These are the top of the line in the series and they also have external crossovers.

I got around to hooking them up and to be honest, I sat back and just started laughing. I couldn't believe how BIG they played. Bass is perfectly balanced too. The tweeter is incredibly smooth, yet detailed creating an overall sweet sound. They ooze musicality. They have this little magic about them that I haven't put my finger on yet. But suffice it to say they play HUGE! Big big big!

These are a true music lovers speaker and a tube lovers best friend.

Paired with AT, I have to say, you sit back and wonder why you would want something more expensive.

6 ohm and 94db.

MSRP is ~$12,000/pair - depending on finish.

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Mike, that's interesting the way the drivers are arranged. Does the tweeter always go on the inside or can it be set up either way?
 
j3brow said:
Looks like the external crossovers he mentioned. Very nice touch with matching wood.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Yes. It's the external crossover. Designer said it has lots of benefits.
 
I'd love to hear these Mike. I bet they are wonderful.
 
CPP said:
cool , does the designer mention the benefits that an external crossover provides ?
Click to expand...

"The differences between the IBX and OBX speakers - be they the R2 or the RW are as follows...

The outboard crossover (OBX) allows the capacitors, inductors and resistors to be efficiently isolated from the very high level of mechanical pollution inside the loudspeaker cabinet. With an inboard crossover (IBX) this energy causes microphonic, positive feedback which muddles and distorts the sound. The distortion level increases with increasing programme complexity, and with increased loudness. An outboard crossover avoids this as well as allowing a more physically generous spacing between the filter components. This generous spacing reduces crosstalk to an academically low level.

These two benefits to OBX are musically invaluable:- The background is quieter and hence the acoustic in which the performance is recorded is distinct and naturally legible - irrespective of program density. This contextualizes the musical performance and adds to your easy suspension of disbelief. Tones are more radiant and resolved in both color and contrast. Textures are more distinct and unambiguous. The presentation is calmer and has more time and poise. There is clearer expression in the playing, counterpoint is more co-ordinated and cohesive. Dense passages are unconfused and unforced.

The IBX has the sole advantage of a closer coupling of the crossover filters to the drivers. This gives a slightly tighter presentation and a slightly more determined, urgent feel. We have worked long and hard to reduce the disadvantages of IBX and are very happy with the results. However if the number of boxes, additional cabling, and additional expense are not an issue, then the OBX is a the way to go - it benefits are particularly important for lovers of classical music and acoustic music."
 
Directly from the manufacturer's website:

Technical Specifications & Available Finishes↓

  • High sensitivity, wide dispersion MTM driver topology
  • 750-density hardwood composite enclosure
  • Stiff internal triple bracing
  • Living Voice hand-wound air core inductors
  • Mechanically isolated crossover
  • Optimised crossover layout
  • Star earthing
  • Crystal oriented internal wiring harness
  • Hovland discrete film and foil Musicaps
  • Proprietary non-inductive wire wound resistors
  • Scanspeak D2905/990000 Revelator tweeter
  • Proprietary 6.5”doped paper bass/mid drivers
  • Platinum WBT binding posts
  • Select components cryogenically treated
  • Premium furniture grade, book-matched grain-filled veneers:Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Santos Rosewood, Black Ash, Satin Walnut, Burr Oak, Ebony & Bamboo
[TABLE="class: specTable, width: 370"]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 2"]Technical Specification[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Sensitivity[/TD]
[TD]94 dB[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Nominal Impedance[/TD]
[TD]6 ohms[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Loading[/TD]
[TD]Reflex port to rear of cabinet[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Power handling[/TD]
[TD]100 watts[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Frequency Response[/TD]
[TD]35 Hz-25 kHz[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Dimensions h/w/d[/TD]
[TD]102 x 21.5 x 27 cm[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Gross Weight per cabinet (IBX)[/TD]
[TD]22 kg per unit[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: parameter"]Gross Weight per cabinet (OBX)[/TD]
[TD]20 kg per unit[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]OBX variant only[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]External crossovers housed in premium furniture-grade grain-filled enclosures to match the OBX-RW cabinets (2 per pair, black metal finish optional)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]Crossover dimensions: 45 x 27 x 12 cm[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"]Crossover box weight – 5 kg each[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 
Mike, I'd dearly love to have these, but I've just done too much this year! My latest addition I've had all of two weeks are the Shindo WE300b monos. If anyone would like to have a really nice pair of Harbeth C7's in Tiger Ebony, then I'd jump on these Living Voice!
 
Loop4fun said:
Talk me into them....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...

Ha! Bill, they sound absolutely wonderful. If I had to describe them in one word, it would be: Natural.

We got rained out of our golf game yesterday, so I stayed home and listened for the better part of 5 hours yesterday. They sound just wonderful. Big full sound with surprisingly good bass.

And they truly are very efficient.
 
Heard them demoed at 2013 RMAF in the Border Patrol room and was very impressed. That was a fun setup!
 
Mike...I'm so glad you like them and I knew you would love the sounds coz you do have good ears like me :) hehe

The Living Voice is wonderful speakers and recommend to any music lovers. Love the sounds and small foot print as well.

Group buy anyone ??? :)
 
Paul said:
Mike...I'm so glad you like them and I knew you would love the sounds coz you do have good ears like me :) hehe

The Living Voice is wonderful speakers and recommend to any music lovers. Love the sounds and small foot print as well.

Group buy anyone ??? :)
Click to expand...

Oh man! Don't tempt me... I still owe a 50% payment on my Shindo speakers when they arrive.

I know it sounds like overkill, but we love our bedroom system and, for sure overkill, but I bet they would sound great with my little Almarro amp.
 
As I recall, they really do take advantage of a resonant enclosure in way that adds harmonic body without bloat.
 
Bongo said:
Oh man! Don't tempt me... I still owe a 50% payment on my Shindo speakers when they arrive.

I know it sounds like overkill, but we love our bedroom system and, for sure overkill, but I bet they would sound great with my little Almarro amp.
Click to expand...

1.Paul
2.Craig
3.Bill
4.Joe
5.______
6.______

:signhere::signhere:

Only 2 tickets left . Order yours before its too late. :)

Someone told me he likes the OBX RW much as his Strads ! Wow !
 
:coolyeah:


Paul said:
1.Paul
2.Craig
3.Bill
4.Joe
5.______
6.______

:signhere::signhere:

Only 2 tickets left . Order yours before its too late. :)

Someone told me he likes the OBX RW much as his Strads ! Wow !
Click to expand...
 
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