John Atkinson's thoughts on the New Vandersteen System Nine from LA Show
The rest of the system comprised Audio Research Corporation's REF-10 phono preamplifier and line stage, with isolation stands and bases from Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) and cabling and power-line conditioning by AudioQuest—a Niagara 7000 for the amplifiers and Niagara 5000 for the front-end components. But it is the LP player in this room that drew visitors' attention.
image: https://www.stereophile.com/images/060217-Basis-600.jpg
Michael Fremer shared my enthusiasm for the sound in this room, which had LPs played on the late AJ Conti's Transcendence turntable with the Super Arm fitted with a Lyra Atlas cartridge. In Mikey's words: "This turntable is the acrylic-free, minimal-plinth design I always hoped AJ would design and build."
Yes, that's not a curve at all. It's just some designers who, turn up the brightness control like LCD TV's in Best Buy to have them stand out. These speakers are 'loved' by many, but are not what you hear at live music events. That's fine if that's what folks want, just like Vandersteen's are fine for me, because that's what I want. I don't see how JA has anything to do with how a speaker measures. I also say measuring isn't a be all end all and there are always a few exceptions to the rule. Heck, I can live with the Audio Note speakers and their knock offs. They remind me of great FM music. Can listen all day and love listening. That said, to ME, they don't have a sound stage that many high end speakers have. They aren't as dynamic or tight as many others, but man are they fun. I feel that I've chosen a speaker that does ALL of that. I do want to hear about the 'curve', but in regards to what Richfield posted about the system 9, I can't wait to hear it. If I could ever afford them and they really do sound like Richfield says they do (I'm good friends with him and know what he likes and what he LOVES), I will really want a pair that shows only the carbon fiber with clear coats on it (yes, I asked once and they WILL do that if folks really want that). |
@prof JA is a funny guy. He’ll call one speaker deliberately altered which isn’t, but others with demonstrated treble issues "neutral" It’s more complicated than merely more treble. The Stereophile involves not only exaggerated treble but also a couple of big bumps. https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2016/05/stereophile-reviews-data-doesnt-lie.html Best, E |
JA also did a particularly bad review of the Crystal Cable Minissimo. In addition to just half- .... er, phoning in the review, he ignores the manufacturers recommendation for placement, ignores his own measurements which show that his alternative placement was not working, and also claims they played around with the treble balance, which was not in evidence in the data. I can’t imagine some one with that much experience doing all of this for the sake of objective reporting. https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2016/09/stereophile-slanders-crystal-cable.html As a speaker designer myself, I’d be livid, but also, most laymen wouldn’t see the issues I did. |
