New D3's....first impressions

I have some bad news guys.

The D3s are not broken in at 250 hours. I left town last thursday when my D3s had 250 hours on them and last night when I got back, with an additional 120 hours on them, they sound very noticeably better. Not different speaker different like some of the above comments are but a definite improvement.

I swear that it took 5-6 weeks for my D1's to not change, I have no reason to believe now that the D3s are any different.

I wish I had better news. :(
 
Jock,

Enjoy the ride. I know I do. That moment you realize that they are at their best, it's an incredible feeling.
 
I have some bad news guys.

The D3s are not broken in at 250 hours. I left town last thursday when my D3s had 250 hours on them and last night when I got back, with an additional 120 hours on them, they sound very noticeably better. Not different speaker different like some of the above comments are but a definite improvement.

I swear that it took 5-6 weeks for my D1's to not change, I have no reason to believe now that the D3s are any different.

I wish I had better news. :(

Hi Jock,

That's great that they keep getting better sounding. I now have 100 hours on my D3's and I feel VERY comfortable doing a demo with them at this point. Sure they are going to get better and possibly drastically so until the 300-500 hour mark, but the good news is that they already sound great, with no "abnormalities". I listened to them last night and was in awe. The resolution of the soundstage was "there" and the sound was in the "mesmerizing" category in all respects. AND to top that off I have a Goldmund SS pre and a pair of Merrill Audio Veritas class D amp connected, to allow me to play 24/7 while breaking in the speakers in. It's all good:satisfying:
 
I agree wholeheartedly. To me, they really stabilized after 3-4 days and from there they have been just getting better and better.

I was really kidding when I said it was bad news. They are really very special. I need to come to NYC and hear your Absolare, I'm very intrigued. Maybe after the first of the year. :)

Hi Jock,

That's great that they keep getting better sounding. I now have 100 hours on my D3's and I feel VERY comfortable doing a demo with them at this point. Sure they are going to get better and possibly drastically so until the 300-500 hour mark, but the good news is that they already sound great, with no "abnormalities". I listened to them last night and was in awe. The resolution of the soundstage was "there" and the sound was in the "mesmerizing" category in all respects. AND to top that off I have a Goldmund SS pre and a pair of Merrill Audio Veritas class D amp connected, to allow me to play 24/7 while breaking in the speakers in. It's all good:satisfying:
 
I agree wholeheartedly. To me, they really stabilized after 3-4 days and from there they have been just getting better and better.

I was really kidding when I said it was bad news. They are really very special. I need to come to NYC and hear your Absolare, I'm very intrigued. Maybe after the first of the year. :)

Jock - We are all meeting at Rhapsody in New York on October 1st. Can you join us?
 
I agree wholeheartedly. To me, they really stabilized after 3-4 days and from there they have been just getting better and better.

I was really kidding when I said it was bad news. They are really very special. I need to come to NYC and hear your Absolare, I'm very intrigued. Maybe after the first of the year. :)

Jock,

Would LOVE for you to come and visit....you are always welcome!!!
 
125 hour update......Here's what I'm hearing. I have a 10 year old Goldmund SS pre and the Merrill Veritas amps running 24/7.

-World class 3 D holographic soundstage. Every instrument has sublime dimensionality. Would not be outclassed by a good tube, especially SET tube system regarding dimensionality and palpability....well maybe it would but, it's really something in this regard. The speakers retain these qualities at low level listening as well. At low levels, I don't feel any loss of soundstage holography or resolution.

-Total control in the bass region. On Patricia Barbara's "Cafe Blue" the bass and double bass tracks have texture to the bass notes and you can clearly hear the difference between an E, D or a G note. The bass is mesmerizing and in total control.

-Midrange is very good maybe great, but I feel that there is more to come.

-Highs have some to go. I don't feel that this is the Merrill's strong point. If I put on a Goldmund amp or the Absolare amps the high end would probably already be in the more than satisfactory category. Right now it's more about soundstaging, dimensionality on the soundstage, layering, bass and midrange vs. the top end. I actually know when I put the other amps on, the top end will excel. It does with my D1's like crazy.

I know there is a lot more to come and these are only my thoughts at the 125 mark, but personally I feel that the D3 is far ahead of anything that that I have ever experienced regarding soundstaging/3D holographic presentation, crazy layering with each instrument or vocal having it's own space and it's own "air" around it, BUT still very connected to the other vocalist or instruments.

I DO NOT THINK THAT THE D3 OR D2, D1 FOR THAT MATTER AND PROBABLY THE C1.1 AS WELL, ARE HIGH SPL SPEAKERS. IT'S NOT WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT. THEY ARE ABOUT CREATING A 3D SOUNDSTAGE WITH LAYERING THAT IS WORLD CLASS. TREMENDOUS SOUNDSTAGE RESOLUTION, VERY EMOTIONALLY INVOLVING, MUSICAL AND ON THE WARM SIDE (AND THAT'S WITH SS).

I listen to the D3's at around 90db-95db and they are VERY comfortable at these levels, no straining on any type of music.....relaxed and strong. But if you start to go up to 100db and greater, and if that is what someone is looking for, well I don't think they are looking in the right place, just my opinion. There are LOT's of other speakers that will play louder than the D3's, ie. the C4.1 and the future D4 and then many other available speakers.

I actually feel uncomfortable writing about a product that I represent/sell here on the forum. Every dealer should be pontificating about their great products, which at this point I think each dealer has some pretty good sounding equipment. Lot's of good stuff out there now. The reason that I am posting this is because a "bunch" of you all are coming for a visit, (I can't wait) so I feel it's fair to let you know what's going.
 
Bob - I think you nailed it. Except, for me, the tweeter is in the "absolute best" category. You nailed it about super high SPL's. The D3's play so clean and clear, that the tendency is to keep cranking it! You don't even realize how loud you are playing it because their is literally no distortion. But, at loud (90-95db) - they sing like an angel and your ears will thank you long term.

With the lights out, the realism, holographic nature and resolution is scary good. With the lights on, I find myself looking at the speakers to provide some sort of basis of where the sound might be coming from.

Your definition of the C, D, E bass notes is bang on. Outstanding bass definition is one of their strongest points.

They play all genres of music well. They play bad recordings well and great recordings, well....great.

They sound extremely good at low volumes. A true sign of a great speaker IMO.

Downsides? If you want to play at 115db, then these aren't the speakers for you. Placement can be a bit tricky and sounds best wide apart and sitting more near field IMO. Some folks aren't comfortable with near field seating. To sound their absolute best, careful attention must be paid to the foundation (electrical grounding, mechanical grounding, cabling, etc.). Lastly, if you are considering Raidho, you must select the right model for your room.

Listening now to Patricia Barber Cafe Blue on my D3's.....amazing. You were right!
 
Bob - I think you nailed it. Except, for me, the tweeter is in the "absolute best" category. You nailed it about super high SPL's. The D3's play so clean and clear, that the tendency is to keep cranking it! You don't even realize how loud you are playing it because their is literally no distortion. But, at loud (90-95db) - they sing like an angel and your ears will thank you long term.

With the lights out, the realism, holographic nature and resolution is scary good. With the lights on, I find myself looking at the speakers to provide some sort of basis of where the sound might be coming from.

Your definition of the C, D, E bass notes is bang on. Outstanding bass definition is one of their strongest points.

They play all genres of music well. They play bad recordings well and great recordings, well....great.

They sound extremely good at low volumes. A true sign of a great speaker IMO.

Downsides? If you want to play at 115db, then these aren't the speakers for you. Placement can be a bit tricky and sounds best wide apart and sitting more near field IMO. Some folks aren't comfortable with near field seating. To sound their absolute best, careful attention must be paid to the foundation (electrical grounding, mechanical grounding, cabling, etc.). Lastly, if you are considering Raidho, you must select the right model for your room.

Listening now to Patricia Barber Cafe Blue on my D3's.....amazing. You were right!

:exciting::woot::snicker:
 
A very interesting and valuable update - thanks Bob.


Here is something you might not know.

My Raidho C1's could play some heavy tracks louder than my D2 can.

The reason is the C1 is more heavily damped. Raidho have reduced damping on the D-series because by doing so you will hear more music. :)

This of course is a trade off. On one side you want the speaker to perform well at the deepest bass notes and you want the ultimate in speed and transient capability and on the other side you also want exceptional power handling; two poles that work against each other.

Audiophiles looking for exceptional power handling are well advised to audition speakers from the like of Rockport & Wilson et. al.

BTW, your D3's will play deeper and a bit louder still as you cross 250 hours of run in. Further, I agree with Mike, the tweeter in the Raidho is without equal. Very fast woofers are required to keep up - and that is precisely what Raidho have achieved with their revolutionary diamond woofers. :woot:

I hope this makes some sense to readers.

Interesting about the C's and bass handling. My C1.1's are on route from Denmark at the moment -another 250 hour break in on it's way. Actually I had heard "through the grapevine" that the C1.1's didn't go as low as the D1'. And that they understood what they could and could not do and as a result really were a great speaker. Not trying to overachieve in anyway but delivering an incredible high resolution soundstage with layering, very good bass, with texture and definition in the bass that it did provide. I will enjoy giving my impressions after my D3's and C1.1's are fully broken in.

At this point I am just making general observations for what I am hearing right now with only 125 hours on the D3's and ONLY with a specific set of electronics that happen to be the electronics that I am using to run 24/7 for weeks at a time. Please do not take anything I am saying other than what things sound like today, as they will probably be different over the next few days.

I probably wasn't clear enough about the tweeters. My D1 tweeters that are fully broken in are better for me than any tweeter that I have ever listened to, literally with any amp that I put on them. What I was saying was at the 125 hour mark, where I am now with the D3's, the tweeters, ESPECIALLY with the Merrill amps that I am using are not at the world class level, compared to how they will sound with another few hundred hours on them, plus they will probably be even more seductive with amps other than the Merrill amps. Hope this is clear. I think the Raidho ribbon tweeters are as good as it gets, I'm just not at that point yet with this particular set of D3's after listening for 125 hours.

I also experienced my D1's being able to play louder after break in, my D1's now go remarkably low without any break up, but they have 1000+ hours on them. I still think that when the D3's are fully broken in if you are looking for speakers to play constantly at 105db and above that you would look elsewhere. You probably also will get the pleasure of meeting your local hearing aid professional in the not too distant future:sigh:

Anyway, by this weekend I will be over the 200 hour mark with the D3's.....loving every day with the D3's at this point!!!
 
125 hour update......Here's what I'm hearing. I have a 10 year old Goldmund SS pre and the Merrill Veritas amps running 24/7.

-World class 3 D holographic soundstage. Every instrument has sublime dimensionality. Would not be outclassed by a good tube, especially SET tube system regarding dimensionality and palpability....well maybe it would but, it's really something in this regard. The speakers retain these qualities at low level listening as well. At low levels, I don't feel any loss of soundstage holography or resolution.

-Total control in the bass region. On Patricia Barbara's "Cafe Blue" the bass and double bass tracks have texture to the bass notes and you can clearly hear the difference between an E, D or a G note. The bass is mesmerizing and in total control.

-Midrange is very good maybe great, but I feel that there is more to come.

-Highs have some to go. I don't feel that this is the Merrill's strong point. If I put on a Goldmund amp or the Absolare amps the high end would probably already be in the more than satisfactory category. Right now it's more about soundstaging, dimensionality on the soundstage, layering, bass and midrange vs. the top end. I actually know when I put the other amps on, the top end will excel. It does with my D1's like crazy.

I know there is a lot more to come and these are only my thoughts at the 125 mark, but personally I feel that the D3 is far ahead of anything that that I have ever experienced regarding soundstaging/3D holographic presentation, crazy layering with each instrument or vocal having it's own space and it's own "air" around it, BUT still very connected to the other vocalist or instruments.

I DO NOT THINK THAT THE D3 OR D2, D1 FOR THAT MATTER AND PROBABLY THE C1.1 AS WELL, ARE HIGH SPL SPEAKERS. IT'S NOT WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT. THEY ARE ABOUT CREATING A 3D SOUNDSTAGE WITH LAYERING THAT IS WORLD CLASS. TREMENDOUS SOUNDSTAGE RESOLUTION, VERY EMOTIONALLY INVOLVING, MUSICAL AND ON THE WARM SIDE (AND THAT'S WITH SS).

I listen to the D3's at around 90db-95db and they are VERY comfortable at these levels, no straining on any type of music.....relaxed and strong. But if you start to go up to 100db and greater, and if that is what someone is looking for, well I don't think they are looking in the right place, just my opinion. There are LOT's of other speakers that will play louder than the D3's, ie. the C4.1 and the future D4 and then many other available speakers.

I actually feel uncomfortable writing about a product that I represent/sell here on the forum. Every dealer should be pontificating about their great products, which at this point I think each dealer has some pretty good sounding equipment. Lot's of good stuff out there now. The reason that I am posting this is because a "bunch" of you all are coming for a visit, (I can't wait) so I feel it's fair to let you know what's going.

Bob,
We are going to your studio even If a Blackout is on
the horizon. Most of us love friendship as well as Audio
So you are not going to get rid of us easily.
:)
just to be together is an amazing experience, adding
Music and audio gears is a big PLUS !!!

Maybe I'm so excited to meet with all of you
That I started to Feel Joy every minute
:D
 
Bob,
We are going to your studio even If a Blackout is on
the horizon. Most of us love friendship as well as Audio
So you are not going to get rid of us easily.
:)
just to be together is an amazing experience, adding
Music and audio gears is a big PLUS !!!

Maybe I'm so excited to meet with all of you
That I started to Feel Joy every minute
:D

:(
 
Bob,
We are going to your studio even If a Blackout is on
the horizon. Most of us love friendship as well as Audio
So you are not going to get rid of us easily.
:)
just to be together is an amazing experience, adding
Music and audio gears is a big PLUS !!!

Maybe I'm so excited to meet with all of you
That I started to Feel Joy every minute
:D

Nelson,

No problem with a blackout, I have everything running with battery back up....the city will be dark but we'll be having a blast!

I have to tell this quick story, about 10 years ago when we had a few day blackout in the city, I got stuck in our building. We ended up in a nightclub that was on our first floor. We had 100 candles, with a full bar AND food, and our building superintendent happened to be a professional musician. We would say Henry, how about something by the Eagles and he LITERALLY would play an entire Eagles album from start to finish, with incredible guitar playing and singing as well. I had as good of time during that blackout as I have ever had anywhere with anything:exciting:

Nelson- SO looking forward to meeting you and all of the guys!!!!!
 
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