Emerald Physics CS-2, Opinions Please

05-17-08: Kck
No doubt there is some agenda there, but I can't figure it out.

Not from me there isn't.

Walter contacted me about an audition after Clayton forwarded my email to him.

I don't own the proper amplification to bi-amp the speakers, and for reasons of time and convenience, I'd rather hear them in someone else's system who has dialed them in properly.

The closest owners in California that were suggested by Walter are not geographically convenient to me. So, it appears hearing the speakers is uncertain at this time.

There was once a dealer within a mile from my home, but he is no longer an authorized dealer. If he happens to still have them installed, I may hear his.

Kck

I re-read my post to Tvad above and realize it may come off as a trifle aggressive.

You got that right. Agressive being the operative adjective; trifle being the understatement of the week. Chill out, my friend. I saw the thread up until then as the standard cyber bs session. I am intrigued, but also a bit put off by the commentary about difficulty in set up due to DSP programming and the need for 4 channels of amplification. I have dealt with Wally before and he is a real pro (which is one my highest compliments)! However, from what I am hearing, this is a speaker that might be pretty difficult to properly "demo" via the one dealer, internet sales business model. Too bad, I'd like to hear them.

What I gather after exchanging a few emails with Walter, is that there are a few owners who might be approached about hosting a demo, but understandably, Walter wants only serious buyers doing this who would promise to purchase the speakers from him if the propective buyer likes them.

I'm not a serious customer, yet I'd like to hear them to know what the excitement is all about.

So, it appears a casual listen...once a possibility at a local B&M audio store...is difficult to arrange.

Perhaps Emerald might do a "tour" to a few US cities so folks could hear them?

EP has more in common with Zu than being in Utah and being my two fave speaker brands to date... they both operated with a limited dealer network. Zu started with direct sales and still do those, but have added the 'listening post' concept. Perhaps the EP model is not that different but is still evolving.

Swampwalker, fine about the usual bs thing, except I really fail to see the point of it other than bad behavior. In most other forums which have moderators involved (I mean posting in addition to policing) this is called threadcrapping and is at least regarded as poor etiquette and probably more like a no-no. It is harmless... until it is done to you, that is. Put yourself in the shoes of the OP (of any serious question-based thread, not just this one) when your question becomes a mudslinging contest, veering so far off course so as to completely lose the original point. Not so amusing any more, is it? What is so difficult about according people common courtesy? My response was simply fighting fire with fire and I make no apologies. My statement you quoted was an acknowledgement, similar to saying "I punched you because you punched first. Now let's both get back on track". It was said with peacemaking in mind but not an apology. I'm sure you got that.

Tvad, sorry you can't get a demo. Walter has a point about the 'serious buyer' thing, and he told me the same thing. Even though he is a bicycle ride away for me, I went ahead and ordered the speakers without audition at his place, because as I noted, I had heard them already. Perhaps a way to audition will make itself available to you before too long.

What I find amazing with the CS-2's..Is that this is the very first speaker of many Ive owned that I listen to and DONT find myself wishing for a bit more of this or that..With one speaker..I may have liked the mids, but wished for more bass..another, liked the bass, but the highs were just to forward and bright..etc.. I liked the vertical imaging with one...but wanted more lateral imaging in addition... had room interactions that were horrible and were tough to correct..etc...

I listen and still find myself captivated. I am actually listening to spot the weakness ( of the transducers..and not the recording, which is easily and immed. recognized) or critically listening for the faults..The balance, tonal honesty, and uncompressed dynamics are spooky at times. I find that when Im done listening for the day...Im a happy smiling camper, and thankful I have such a nice sounding system!