Really exciting news for this thread and ‘new speaker’ day for me!!
I had a chance to drive up to Steve’s over the weekend and pick up the cabs/crossovers. For background, this project started with a forum post in the Kurosawa thread and inquiry to Steve about a build in early 2000, then Covid stopped any progress for a number of years. When I finally got back around to it, we didn’t formally kick off project planning and confirm the build until early 2025. So there has been quite a bit of anticipation on my side to get these running. Short answer: totally exceeded expectations!!
Before getting into impressions, a moment of reflection and thanks….
First, huge thanks to Jon who so freely shares his knowledge, expertise and, most importantly, time with this community. Over the past decade+ I've had numerous beautiful and goosebump raising moments from music playback due to the designs Jon's published here as well as his many musings and measurements of speakers and associated playback gear throughout the years. Short answer, if you are on the fence or considering building one of Jon's designs, grab one that fits your budget/skills and do it, you won't be disappointed!!
Also, Steve who diplomatically and professionally managed through the decision and design process while providing helpful advice and nudges along the way, despite some questionable aesthetic thoughts at various times from the starter of this thread
. Pictures on the forum look great, but IMHO do minimal justice to Steve's completed projects which you really need to see in person to appreciate - he's not only building to spec but adding all the small touches and attention to detail which delight in the finished work. He is truly an artist and most highly recommended if you need help with portions of your build or a turnkey project.
Finally Sven who keeps this community vibrant and does so much unheralded work to maintain the vast wealth of knowledge (and associated photos) which have been compiled here over the years. Also great that someone local was willing to share their experience in building a (quite different looking) version of the Ardent d and I'm looking forward to some quality listening sessions if we ever end up in town on the same weekend
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OK, on to the speakers. These are spectacular looking, great sounding out of the box (so far with no in-room measurement, no sonic barrier/estimated stuffing, and limited positioning/set up time in room) and really nicely sized for aesthetic/performance balance.
I've had minimal time to listen so far and what I've heard shows I need to spend much more effort on the room than I was able to get away with for dipoles (i.e. leaning absorber panels from the studio at first reflections didn't quite cut it....). Room issues aside cymbals/trumpet/vocals/orchestral brass and strings sounded great (quick playlist = Miles/Nefertiti, Holly Cole/anything, Fritz Reiner/Mussorgsky, etc.) and get me really excited about the potential here once dialed in
.
Thanks all, more when I get back into town and have a bit more time....
I had a chance to drive up to Steve’s over the weekend and pick up the cabs/crossovers. For background, this project started with a forum post in the Kurosawa thread and inquiry to Steve about a build in early 2000, then Covid stopped any progress for a number of years. When I finally got back around to it, we didn’t formally kick off project planning and confirm the build until early 2025. So there has been quite a bit of anticipation on my side to get these running. Short answer: totally exceeded expectations!!
Before getting into impressions, a moment of reflection and thanks….
First, huge thanks to Jon who so freely shares his knowledge, expertise and, most importantly, time with this community. Over the past decade+ I've had numerous beautiful and goosebump raising moments from music playback due to the designs Jon's published here as well as his many musings and measurements of speakers and associated playback gear throughout the years. Short answer, if you are on the fence or considering building one of Jon's designs, grab one that fits your budget/skills and do it, you won't be disappointed!!
Also, Steve who diplomatically and professionally managed through the decision and design process while providing helpful advice and nudges along the way, despite some questionable aesthetic thoughts at various times from the starter of this thread
. Pictures on the forum look great, but IMHO do minimal justice to Steve's completed projects which you really need to see in person to appreciate - he's not only building to spec but adding all the small touches and attention to detail which delight in the finished work. He is truly an artist and most highly recommended if you need help with portions of your build or a turnkey project.Finally Sven who keeps this community vibrant and does so much unheralded work to maintain the vast wealth of knowledge (and associated photos) which have been compiled here over the years. Also great that someone local was willing to share their experience in building a (quite different looking) version of the Ardent d and I'm looking forward to some quality listening sessions if we ever end up in town on the same weekend
.OK, on to the speakers. These are spectacular looking, great sounding out of the box (so far with no in-room measurement, no sonic barrier/estimated stuffing, and limited positioning/set up time in room) and really nicely sized for aesthetic/performance balance.
I've had minimal time to listen so far and what I've heard shows I need to spend much more effort on the room than I was able to get away with for dipoles (i.e. leaning absorber panels from the studio at first reflections didn't quite cut it....). Room issues aside cymbals/trumpet/vocals/orchestral brass and strings sounded great (quick playlist = Miles/Nefertiti, Holly Cole/anything, Fritz Reiner/Mussorgsky, etc.) and get me really excited about the potential here once dialed in
.Thanks all, more when I get back into town and have a bit more time....
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