THE AUDITION - Part lll
The auditioning ran very smoothly. We developed a comfortable amplitude setting and established a good pace going with the musical cuts, with just enough time for everyone to scroll a few thoughts about the various audio elements (after each cut). I have mentioned in other places that speaker preference is quite subjective. Our individual auditioner reports demonstrate that phenomenon with virtually every speaker pair. Each pair had reports ranging from "don't like so much" to "I have to have this one". There were also sometimes surprising differences between sighted and blinded auditions by most individuals. (But that will be the subject of another, I think potentially interesting and evocative post.) Comparing and describing the performance of quality speakers is a surprisingly complex and difficult task. Continuous, rapt attention to details of performance was a challenge at the least. Consistent, accurate (for each individual) descriptions, and still taking in the totality of each speaker pair's presentation gave the audition team much to ponder. I hope they chime in regarding the difficulties involved in the task. (I will undoubtedly post my personal impressions later.)
This post will be a summary of the audition team's reports on individual speaker pair presentations of the acoustic elements (previously listed). The comments included were shared by multiple listeners from both the blinded and sighted sessions. Hopefully, this will provide a baseline description of elements that the speakers do or do not do well...according to most listeners. A single or odd comment that diverges substantially from shared descriptions has been left off the summary. Also, these were all quality speakers. Some of the comments reflect comparisons to others of great quality. When an auditioner might write something like "bit sibilant", it was usually in comparison to other high quality speakers heard during the session. So the reader should carefully consider that aspect. "Bit sibilant" in this case is very relative. Thus, I would again caution the reader that he or she may have an entirely different subjective take on their auditions of the speakers. But herein is our experience, with speakers listed in no particular order.
The summary that follows is the result of hours of preparation, generous amounts of sponsor support, lots of investment of resources by the organizers, much interest and many hours of participation by hobbyists, many more hours of study, summarizing and critiquing of written synopses, and last but not least...lots of fun. Joe and I want to thank everyone for their help in making this a great event. So enjoy the report. If you have questions, fire away. If you have complaints, call your moms.
SALK ELLIS 1801
These speakers were extremely well received, with glowing reports across the board. The exlamations regarding the luxuriant, elegant appearance of the units were almost universal. All described performance elements seemed to blend into one of musical immersion and appreciation. More than a few wanted to own this speaker during the blinded session.
Resolution - Generally described as very good to great with detail and balance praises throughout, though two auditioners noted nasal sounds in vocals. "Big", "Bold", "Distinct", "Great separation" were common descriptors.
Bass - Very good presentation of bass. "Fine overall bass", "Clean", "Super", "Good extension".
Midrange - Again, good to very good mids reported. "Easy", "Natural", "Sounds Live", with two reports of slight distortion.
Transparency - Excellent performance here as stated by the listeners. "Resolving", "Airy", "Great at times", "Great sense of clarity".
Transients - Interesting variation of reports from good to outstanding. "Wow!", "Fast attack, but not resolved", "Very good".
Visceral Impact - Here is a strong suit of the Salks. "Great", "I'm involved!", "Wow, even drum ghost notes noted", "Had one wanting more", "Okay".
Soundstage - This was an element difficult to measure given everyone's different off-axis seating. Nevertheless, the Salks entertained descriptors from "Can't judge", to "Average", to "Filled the entire room", "Pinpoint placing and great depth".
Dynamics - Again, very good to excellent reports. "Very good", "Fine", "Easy as pie", "Very lifelike".
Other Comments - "Favorite", "Got to have", "Great and organic", "Balanced", "Great speaker".
SELAH VERITA
This pair from Selah Audio is easily the largest of the demo units. While only a bit of bass reduction would result, these are available in smaller, sealed units, as well. The Veritas are interesting and, to me, are complex speakers that might take getting used to. Their drivers, at least in my opinion, are among the best. I heartily endorse the RAAL tweeter. But responses to their presentation were quite varied and a little conflicted. This result may have been because the Veritas were the first speaker auditioned and listeners were not familiar with the musical cuts. This was discussed by the audition team. I gave slightly more weight to the unveiled reports as a result.
Resolution - This pair had an interesting cross-section of comments regarding resolution, generally good comments, but with some hints of a troubled high end. "Slightly bright and missing something", "Natural but slightly clouded top end", "Solid, good vocals", "Sibilant", "Nice", "Very nice".
Bass - Generally a good bass presentation in the reports, but variable. "Very good", "Nice extension", "Clean bass", "One note", "Lacking a little weight", "Nice, natural, liked it", "Smooth and natural".
Midrange - There was again quite a variation on opinions of the Veritas. "Good detail", "Nice", "Solid but not special", "Clear but thin".
Transparency - The Selahs did well with this important element. "Loved it...3D", "Very nice", "Not bad, maybe a bit sharp", "Clear and distinct".
Transients - Another very good reported element. "Nice job", "Smooth, snappy", "Very nice", "Good presentation".
Visceral Impact - The variability of bass experience may also afflict this element a bit. "Okay, speakerish", "Lacks bass", "Lively", "Good slam", "Doesn't pull me in", "Good".
Soundstage - In my opinion, and from the reports, soundstage seems to be the Verita's strength, even in the challenging seating positions...but there were a couple of dissentors. "Nice", "Deep and wide", "Diffuse", "Average", "Most impressive".
Dynamics - And this might have been perceived by most as not the Verita's strong suit, but still received some very good comments. "Okay but a bit bright", "Hurt by bass loss", "Okay, lacks bass, "Good job", "Better than most with cymbals".
Other Comments - "Solid, good separation, bit bright", "Another good speaker, maybe too bright in the mids".
TYLER TAYLO
These lovely Taylos represented another pair with stunning good looks. The burled maple veneer was impeccable. The audition team seemed to think that this pair also matched its beauty with its attitude via some across-the-board praise. Finding reviews of Tyler Acoustic speakers is difficult. Hopefully we can add to the library as they are worthy competitors.
Resolution - Resolution comments ranged more than any other elements, but were still excellent. "Full-bodied, but bit forward", "Bit hot", "Detailed and lifelike", "Piano artificial sounding", "Very good".
Bass - I guess you have to love the Seas driver and cabinet integration. "Perfect", "Natural", "Nicely extended".
Midrange - I'll let the comments do the talking. ""Man, these are GOOD", "Superb and balanced", "Natural if just a bit forward", "Excellent".
Transparency - This element may suffer from the same issue that limited consensus on Resolution. "Neutral, but not airy", "Not as clean", "Very good".
Transients - And the Taylos are back to consensual comments from the team. "Not bad", "Clean", "Live sounding", "Nice".
Visceral Impact - Overall, this was a very strong performer for impact with perhaps the best reports. "Got me involved", "Great", "Very good".
Soundstage - For some reason, the Taylo pair was another that overcame the multiple off-axis listener perspectives. "Excellent!", "Live", "Nothing overdone", "Very good".
Dynamics - This pair is showing itself to be a top quality loudspeaker. Dynamics were also seen by the team as near fabulous. "Very good", "Snappy", "Good...maybe a touch hot", "Superb".
Other Comments - "I like these", "Natural sounding, perhaps a little muddy", "I'd be surprised if these weren't tower speakers", "Excellent".
(Snip)