Emerald Physics CS-2, Opinions Please

First off, I'm not interested in a flame war either. I'm offering some perspective that I believe is valid regardless of the item in question.

So, a few additional thoughts...

...I first asked if those that have been listening to them for a few months, have any regrets in the purchase. I was hoping to hear of regrets which would indicate "flavor of the month" and/or different strokes for different folks (tubes vs SS, digital vs analog, etc.).

Consttraveler (System | Threads | Answers)

It's simply too early in the product cycle to expect any critical user opinions to surface. Would an owner of two or three months admit that a product was not to his/her liking? Would they admit to themselves that they made a mistake? Would they hurt the chances of maximizing the resale value of their item by being publicly critical? Unlikely on all counts.

Having watched the process unfold with several products over the last five years, the first signs of buzz-kill are appearances of the product in the classifieds. Then, usually one brave soul will offer his/her honest, yet critical observations in these threads (but usually only after his/her item has been sold).

Since Kehut appears to be the only one that has extensive experience, and apparently no regrets, and all of my other reading of reviews and opinions (here, Audio Circle, on-line mags, etc) are universally exuberant, I'm stuck with buying the damn things.

Consttraveler (System | Threads | Answers)

Stuck with buying the damn things? LOL!

Rchau has already made some cogent, and less than exuberant points about the speakers just above.

I respect Kehut's comments, and he has long and varied user experience as his system has changed over the past four or five years, including at least four pairs of loudspeakers...maybe five (B&W, Zu, Usher, Quad, Emerald...) Perhaps the Emeralds are exactly the right fit for him, but I'm reserving judgment util they've remained for at least a year. Being myself guilty of riding the audio merry-go-round, I never say never...or done!

The Emeralds require some significant system changes to make them work optimally (primarily regarding bi-amping, and then possible crossover modifications/upgrades). You have excellent gear. It seems a shame to blow up your system and start over, unless that's part of the fun for you. In that case, enjoy the journey!

The speakers are available with a home trial. Might as well try them. You've nothing to lose.

BTW, there's a used pair listed for sale right now.

Thanks for laughing, I was/am trying to use humor, probably to avoid conflict, maybe just because most of the discussions in this and other forums strike me as humorous.

With all of the big brains out there you would think there would be one speaker design, amp, cable, front end (I vote for vinyl by the way) and so on, that gets it right. Instead, we have to keep going back to the pusher for another fix of the almost right stuff.

Rchau did not say how long he had been listening to the CS-2's and frankly (and I don't think for a minute maliciously, please believe me) his comments are tinged with a combination of big brain (I can explain why it is not right so what is your problem, just keep sticking that needle in your arm), and more expensive has got to be better because they charge more (dismissal of pro drivers because they don't cost as much as diamond coated super tweeters). I am far from dismissing his comments regarding speaker design because I agree with the science his comments are based on. However, I don't think others understand that I don't care what the components are made of. Taken as a whole, the components should get the music right, and if the CS-2's get it right I don't care if they use recycled bong water to coat the waveguides' fabric.

I may not know much, but I'm sure I know two things: First, I know that I have never heard a system that got it right, without regard for cost. And second, nature gave us opposable thumbs so that we can pick up a stick and beat the problem into submission.

Measuring how close to right you get, is not picking up the stick.

Rchau made suggestions of several speakers that are basically in the same price range as the Emeralds, so I don't understand your comment where you stated, "Rchau did not say how long he had been listening to the CS-2's and frankly...his comments are tinged with a combination of big brain...and more expensive has got to be better because they charge more."

On the contrary, I believe his message is just the opposite of "more expensive has got to be better because they charge more", at least in his most recent post. The Altec 19 essentially uses pro drivers, so he's certainly not dismissing pro drivers. Rather, he makes the point of the advantage of pro drivers for their excellent dynamics. In fact, he pointed out an alternative speaker that he claims uses better drivers than does the Emeralds, and yet is a less expensive speaker. So, you and he appear to agree on the point of more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

On the contrary, he seems to be offering many options to consider before making a final decision. That's all good, isn't it?

I'm not getting the same message from his posts as you seem to be, so I'm a little baffled...no pun intended.

Look, I’ve never heard the Emerald speakers, so like you my observations are based on what I’ve read. I’ve just grown cautious of the Rah-Rah! Bus after seeing several driven off the mountain side in recent years.

Bottom line, if you have your heart/head set on buying a pair of Emeralds, then you should absolutely proceed.

Guys..you all make very good points..well thought out and intelligently discussed. Yes indeed, I too have been Very guilty of going with the hype of the latest greatest products over the years as well. I think Tvad and I have very similar preference in what we like sonically. I know when a component is not gonna do it for me before too long Sometimes it takes some time (usually not long though) to decide .."hey..I cant live with this or that"..just not gonna do it for me! Many of us feel we have been duped along the way and are tired of being "burned" by that hype....

Now, does that mean Ill have the CS-2's forever?...probably not. I do know that I loved my Quads and was not planning to sell them..but again..In this hobby..we change components for the thrill of the next level of sonic enjoyment.

I can say, that after hearing the CS-2's in my home now for a few months..I hear much of what I always wanted in a speaker or my music. No speaker is perfect..that we all agree. The CS-2 does so many things well and gets the music right IMHO and the negatives are at a minimum for me and my preferences. I could have them be even more dynamic..if I had some SOTA front end equipment before them and maybe Clayton's new DSP unit at some point...but as you can see from my system, I prefer a warmer, less analytical sound..evidenced by no less than 17 tubes taking up residence and (adding heat!) in my set up. Even with my modest equipment, this is a well balanced and quite dynamic sounding system.

With respect to the drivers..I too have read about how the drivers are fairly inexpensive compared to other well regarded speakers and other OB designs...But, in the end..Consttraveler is correct..Taken as a whole, the system equipment, room, and speakers should get the music right first and foremost. Not dismissing the good science that went into the making of other well made and good sounding speakers nor solid work and physics that enabled them to be what they are, I think the heart of the matter for me is that the Emerald Physics speakers have managed to accomplish a benchmark sounding product. There is no new "groundbreaking" technology here..as Rchau correctly points out..only the proper application and forward thinking use of exsisting technology. That forsight has enabled a speaker to sound as good or better than many much higher priced speakers..and that folks I believe is the real buzz and not hype.

Another pair of CS-2 listed. New in the box.

Now, two opportunities to buy a slight discounts...