Combak - Bravo

...the gradient prelude is sonically the same(not inferior in any way) and it retails for 1795. the speakers should be placed against a wall(like the classic allison fours). the cabinets are also beautful although they are not angular...both the bravo and the prelude are built in finland by gradient who also builds the quad subs.

i called mayaudio and the heavily accented owner told me that the bravo was a much much better speaker. although the bravo is also much better looking, i wonder why then would the price almost double...surely it can't be because of asthetic purposes only?

Can't really make sense of these specs. Are they identical and does that mean they do, in fact, sound the same?

BRAVO

Loading principle two-way, closed box
Drivers coaxial, point source; 170mm bass/midrange driver with fiberglass
cone; 25mm aluminum dome; made by SEAS of Norway
Frequency Response 80Hz-20kHz +/-2.5dB-6dB@55Hz
Sensitivity 87dB(2.83V/1m)
Impedance 8ohms nominal, minimum 7ohms
Crossover frequency 2,800Hz
Recommended amplifier 20-150W
Features magnetic shielding
front baffle, natural combined wood
Finish Black, Cherry
Speaker Terminal Bi-wire, WBT-0763
Terminal plate WBT-0531. 05.
Weight 8.0kg
Dimensions 190mm(W) x 290mm(H) x 280mm(D)
Manufacturer The Bravo! is a proprietary design manufactured for COMBAK Corporation by Finland's Gradient Ltd.

PRELUDE:

Description: Specifications
Radiation patterns: two-way, closed box
Tuning frequency: 35Hz
Features: magnetic shielding as standard
Frequency response: 70-20000Hz +/-2dB, 55Hz -6dB
Sensitivity: 86dB/2.83V/1m
Recommended amplifier: 20-150W/channel
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; minimum 7 Ohms
Drivers: coaxial, point source;
170mm bass/midrange
driver with fiberglass cone;
25mm aluminum dome;
made by SEAS of Norway
Crossover frequencies: 2800Hz
Finish: natural beech veneer, also in cherry or black
Weight: 7kg
Dimensions, WHD: 19 x 29 x 25cm

Now I know! Forget the numbers, the Bravo differs from the prelude in that 1. bravo has custom crossovers made by the japanese owner himself 2. custom designed cabinet. and 3. custom cabinet tuning. all of which, according to some one i just spoke with, account for the great difference in how these two speakers sound. amen.

1 kg and a crossover do not add up to an additional $2000.