Due to the amazing (as I have since discovered) technology in WB speakers, including the use of carbon fibre enclosures, my perception was that they would be priced as luxury exotica.
I have apdoc2004 to thank for bringing reaaonably priced WB speakers to my attention. Ironically, it was on a discussion on the new Magico S7, which wandered somewhat into Magico's use of carbon fibre side panels, that he mentioned WB and the excellent sound from the Vector (see post #255 at http://audioshark.org/magico-61/new-magico-speakers-arriving-04-2015-a-7045-page26.html#post123788).
Since the Vector was not in stock, the dealer suggested the Endeavour. I had a lengthy session with the speakers driven by the Gryphon Mephisto amplifier and TAD source and pre-amp. Ostensibly a stand mount, it as tall as most floorstanders at 58", and rather imposing in appearance.
Despite it not being fully run-in, it was rather beguiling. Very airy and open sounding, without any sense that the sound was emenating from speakers. On well recorded choral music, height layering - the different elevation/steps on which the choir members were standing - was clearly perceptible.
The demo room was big, with the speakers about 7-8 feet away from the back wall and 5-6 from the side walls. What struck me was that the perceived soundstage appeared to extend beyond the room boundaries, especially depth. They are not forward sounding though, with the sound starting from behind the speaker plane.
Vocals were life-like, rich and nuanced. There was proper scale to singers and, while I am not sure that I am properly describing this, the transition from chest to head sounds was clearly discernible.
The mid-bass was impressive but there was a certain tightness, which I suspect would improve with break-in. On the bass performance, that was something that I paid particular attention to, since most of the Endeavour's competitors at this price range would be floorstanders. The bass drum in "O Furtuna" from Carmina Burana (Telarc, Donald Runnicles, Atlantic SO version) and the tympani in the First Movement of the New World Symphony (Chesky, Jascha Horenstein, RPO version) had the right impact, with no bloat or overhang. There was no issue with either punch or dynamics with other bass instruments/sounds.
What struck me though was this sequence of sounds; the mallet hitting the drum skin, the drum skin compressing and the sound billowing from the drum body, with discernible but natural overtones and decay. I hear this from percussive drums in real life.
Possibly a bit dark - could have been the Mephisto - but the treble was clear yet natural, especially on triangles. Sounded a bit quiet in this region but no lack of extension or air when called for.
The build quality is amazing - WB has its own YouTube channel on the manufacturing process. No less impressive than the CNC milling used by Magico.
The overall look is luxury high tech. Satin textured anodised aluminium, juxtaposed with carbon fibre and exotic veneer trim/accent panels.
Not cheap but one can see where the money was spent.
I have apdoc2004 to thank for bringing reaaonably priced WB speakers to my attention. Ironically, it was on a discussion on the new Magico S7, which wandered somewhat into Magico's use of carbon fibre side panels, that he mentioned WB and the excellent sound from the Vector (see post #255 at http://audioshark.org/magico-61/new-magico-speakers-arriving-04-2015-a-7045-page26.html#post123788).
Since the Vector was not in stock, the dealer suggested the Endeavour. I had a lengthy session with the speakers driven by the Gryphon Mephisto amplifier and TAD source and pre-amp. Ostensibly a stand mount, it as tall as most floorstanders at 58", and rather imposing in appearance.
Despite it not being fully run-in, it was rather beguiling. Very airy and open sounding, without any sense that the sound was emenating from speakers. On well recorded choral music, height layering - the different elevation/steps on which the choir members were standing - was clearly perceptible.
The demo room was big, with the speakers about 7-8 feet away from the back wall and 5-6 from the side walls. What struck me was that the perceived soundstage appeared to extend beyond the room boundaries, especially depth. They are not forward sounding though, with the sound starting from behind the speaker plane.
Vocals were life-like, rich and nuanced. There was proper scale to singers and, while I am not sure that I am properly describing this, the transition from chest to head sounds was clearly discernible.
The mid-bass was impressive but there was a certain tightness, which I suspect would improve with break-in. On the bass performance, that was something that I paid particular attention to, since most of the Endeavour's competitors at this price range would be floorstanders. The bass drum in "O Furtuna" from Carmina Burana (Telarc, Donald Runnicles, Atlantic SO version) and the tympani in the First Movement of the New World Symphony (Chesky, Jascha Horenstein, RPO version) had the right impact, with no bloat or overhang. There was no issue with either punch or dynamics with other bass instruments/sounds.
What struck me though was this sequence of sounds; the mallet hitting the drum skin, the drum skin compressing and the sound billowing from the drum body, with discernible but natural overtones and decay. I hear this from percussive drums in real life.
Possibly a bit dark - could have been the Mephisto - but the treble was clear yet natural, especially on triangles. Sounded a bit quiet in this region but no lack of extension or air when called for.
The build quality is amazing - WB has its own YouTube channel on the manufacturing process. No less impressive than the CNC milling used by Magico.
The overall look is luxury high tech. Satin textured anodised aluminium, juxtaposed with carbon fibre and exotic veneer trim/accent panels.
Not cheap but one can see where the money was spent.
)
