Anyone Using Gradient Loudspeaker?

I'm a Gradient dealer, so beware...

The designer of the Gradients, Jorma Salmi, takes the radiation pattern into account to a much greater extent than most designers do. Indeed, even dynamic dipole guru Seigfried Linkwitz tips his hat to Jorma.

Gradients tend to be uncolored, neutral and non-fatiguing over the long haul. Several models work well up against a wall, though placement near a corner is a bit more problematic.

The Revolutions in particular are somewhat demanding of associated amplification, but are very relaxing and open-sounding. Indeed, several of my Revolution customers are former planar owners. Depending on what your placement requirements (and budget) are, one of the other models might make more sense.

Best of luck with your quest!

Duke

Audio Note speakers are designed to be placed in the corners of your room. I will find out how it works when I get mine built...

Speaking of Mr. Linkwitz...I had the great pleasure to visit with him at his home in Marin CA recently and listen to some of his recordings through his Orion dipoles.

Mr. Linkwitz describes this (Orion) as the culmination of his years of research and development in the audio industry.

The speaker is modest in proportion with four drivers per side and is driven by 8 channels of amplification...essentially each driver has it's own amp. He has developed a sophisticated external crossover to integrate amplification and drivers. His system uses, and he advocates (for his system), Radio Shack speaker cable. The assembled package with speakers, amplification, crossover and speaker cables costs a whopping $6400....even less if you are handy and can build the speakers and assemble the x-over yourself.

I was not prepared for the sound these speakers/this system generated. I have owned and own some very good gear and this modest set-up was simply amazing in what it could do at it's price and I'd say many multiples of it's price.

Oh, and did I mention that the front end Mr. Linkwitz was using was a $200 universal player and a $800 preamp (he apologized for it's extravagance and made sure to point out that one could get the same results for less $$)....and ZERO tweeks!

Let's just say I learned(and un-learned) a few things that day...I'm still trying to assimilate it all and pick up the pieces.

The speakers will probably not win any beauty contests (of course this is in the eye of the beholder) but anyone in the market for world class speakers at this price, double this price, triple this price should make a stop here.

I have no affiliation with Mr. Linkwitz (he's a real nice man though) and on some level wish I had never experienced his system but this is just too good to let pass.

I'm sure the Gradients are great as well...they follow many of the same priciples...I have never heard them but find Duke's comments to always be spot on to my own experiences.

There clearly is something to the dipole done right and driven properly.

Kurt

I have only a brief encounter with the Gradient Revolution at this years CES. The speakers were set up in a small room, not very far from the wall. Given the limitations of show conditions, I thought this was one of the best speakers at anything near its price range -- smooth, delicate sounding, airy and free of gross coloration. They were being played at modest sound levels, so I don't know if they would suit head-bangers.

I personally don't put much value in what components look like, but if looks matter, this is a quite pretty, compact and easy-to-integrate-into-the-decor speaker.

One other thing of note: The speaker was being demoed using the Rives PARC bass equalization system. I don't know how it would sound on its own.

I recently acquired Gradient Revolution speakers on the basis of the recommnedation by an audiophile frind who had heard them at an audio show. I am extremly happy with them though they need more power than my Naim Nap 250. These speakers clear, clean, fast with great resoulation - they throw a good sound stage even with Naim elctronics. I am not sure of all the technical reasons but they are easy to place in the room as they are contructed in two separate parts - and the baffle can rotated to accomdate the room effect to improve the low frequncy response. I would recommend that you have a look at the Gradient site which provies more information. My room size is about 15X 19.