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These speakers are designed for Chinese music where the mid-range dominates and often the authenticity of female vocals is what defines the quality. Having spent a good amount of time with audio suppliers in southern China, I've found this phenomenon a lot among the audio engineers when they judge speakers. They listen to Chinese vocal music more than anything. The consumers in China who can afford audiophile systems are unfortunately mostly living in high-rise apartments with thin walls of the tier-1 cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing etc. and in those apartments mid-range focus is king and sub bass is not all that welcome.
Thomas, thanks for reviewing these speakers from Sound Artist. I recently have been exploring the gear on China-HiFi-Audio and they have some videos on RU-vid as well, just simple demo's. You should teach them how to make better sound demos. Anyway one of the speakers that sounds really good is the Sound Artist SC10B, please review this one I think it's better than the SC8B. Thank you for the balanced reviews and sound clips which are supper important. Even the best writers and speakers can't replace the actual hearing experience.
@7:40…” don’t judge me, I listen to Kenny G”..😂.. that killed me!😂😂 Thank you Thomas. You’re are a great reviewer and looking forwards to purchasing your TSA75. 👍
Great review Thomas. I'm waiting for the Willsenton R8 review. And hoping you're going to review the Doge 10, and the Matrix Mini Pro 3 too. Enjoy the rest of your weekend my friend. ✌️
I am working on the R8 right now, excellent value. I will however say, although I only spent a night with the Doge 10, if you can afford the Doge 10, wait for that review too. Different sound from the R8 but the Doge 10 deserves to be considered.
Appreciate your review. I think I will get these for my parents. And since they are living in China, I will get quite a good deal in terms of shipping cost (~$14).
Review came just at the right time, been looking at these and Castle Knight 2's since my room is lightly furnished and tiled floors so wanted something warmer, with no emphasis on the treble. Great review Thomas and thanks for keeping us informed.
Love your choice of music Thomas. Absolutely ethereal voice and great for midrange purity test. As for the speakers, a design that will appeal to the retro look seekers but, their sound is very seductive and / or pleasant, especially with the triod amp. I have found, many Chinese products have come of age and now, can compete neck to neck with known western brands. Well done for being adventurous 🙂
Looking forward to the Willsenton amp review. Iv been thinking of getting that sucker because of the tubes that it uses and the price, also because of the good review from Jay
Always an education, and, of course, always a pleasure. You gave real good advice about horns. Possibly an acquired taste? After so many glowing reviews I decided back in the Spring to try the Klipsch RP-600M. BAD! Too much BOOM for my little room. The place is not only small (175 Sq.Ft.), it has 7 foot ceilings, and has concrete walls. Big sofa, fabric art work, big carpet, and some books is about all I can get away with at the moment. Playing around with placement helped some, but with all my other issues in the end the Klipsch doesn't give the definition and clarity I like . Finally built a pair of Stone Audio Fountek ribbon MTMs and all is right with the world. What I like so much about your reviews is that you usually give a lot more context than other reviewers. Remarks based on YOUR experience and preferences lend validity and honesty to your reviews. Thanks again.
@@jayman3575 A Neurochrome Parallel-86, a class AB DIY affair that uses the LM4780, which is no longer made. 60W/ch into 8 ohms, and double that into 4 ohms. The Klipsch is fairly efficient (though I don't think it's as efficient as the company claims), and you don't need gobs of power. I'm sure they'd sound decent enough in a better room than mine. But again, I'd follow Thomas' advice and try to see if you can audition them first. They're not for everybody.
Hi Thomas, this is a speaker that I ordered straight away after seeing NBT's review. I sold it within 4 weeks after. It was something that I don't know how to tame the vocals, it's so prominent that it is very hard to "un-notice" it. I have 4 amplifiers at home, from 20 watts to 300 watts in Class AB topology, and yet I could not tamed it. You are very kind in your review.
I think it is normal you cannot tame the mids because that is the point of these speakers. That is why some people like Zu and some hate it. Just like Omega speakers. That is why first thing I did was ask someone with Zu speakers to review it. If you want V curve or flat curve, then this is not for you. I don't know if I emphasize that in the video but my point is there is no best, no right or wrong, just what is right for you. In my videos, I try to point out what to pay attention to because I remember the emphasize on mids might not be for everyone. Happy new year.
Great review love the content! when it comes to sound quality I do get tripped up on trying to differentiate if a speaker is "rolled off" vs "how fast or the speed of the speaker" vs "decay" vs "transient response" type comments. Clearly when I listen to a speaker you can tell when it's muddy vs. when then upper mids and highs are clearly defined. But the speed, transient response, decay, and if something rolls off is a bit more difficult for me to isolate or define. Something that I guess I need to work on for my listening skills.
For someone who despises the v curve and thin mids, i am now sold on this 100%. Thank you Thomas. Can you also please send a link to the stands you have it on?
The stands are from 20 + years ago. BBC stands and I would say get a bigger stand for it. I did paired it with the Yamaha as2200 thinking it will boost the mids even more but it did not so that is why I don't know where in the mids.
Many people commented about the look. I think its design matches the wooden Chinese furniture pretty well (Chinese are obsessed with wooden furniture).
I wondered who listed to Kenny G :P love your videos Thomas :) -- you know they look like they will have a somewhat artificially enhanced midrange, with that horn sitting there overlapping the bass/mid driver, looks a little like whizzer right there, although of course a whizzer would be attached to a full range cone usually and would move with it :)
W curve. Yes, I understand that. I have a pair of old vintage floorstanders that have a bit of a dip around 2000hz or so where the crossover kicks in. As they are a 10" two way I equalize them with a W curve and this does the job, bringing that midrange a little forward. They need that curve to correct the recessed mids. Sounds like these are prefigured for that. Also, I find it hard to believe these hit to 30hz as my vintage floorstanders with a 10" can only go to around 40hz +/-3db in a much larger cab. They are though, an acoustic suspension design.
There are many speakers that claim they can go down to 30hz but they don't sound like that. This one does not sound like a speaker with powerful bass, just that I do feel it go lower than what its size suggest. Who knows, it might just go down to 50hz but without measurements, we don't know.
So much variation in opinions. Russ said the midrange is recessed. You say it’s forward a bit. How do you account for that? Jay like this speaker the most in a roundup of affordable speakers, but it is twice the price of the triangles br03 which were his number 2 affordable choice.
I explained it In a comment to someone who ask the same question in his video. Keep in mind Russ is used to horns and I am guessing relative to his other speakers, it is not as forward? I don't think he said recessed but not as recessed? I would need to speak to Russ about it but have not had the time. I can totally see why Jay love it, it is a great speaker.
Hi Thomas. Your description make these sound like good party speakers to me. Something different? Try the Spatial M3 Sapphires. They do need a month or two to run in though... Then they may well turn into your Sunday speakers ;¬D : Greetings to one and all.
Yes for ChiFi measurements are an important checkpoint. Claims vs actuals should be subject to test. Of course this is not in your wheelhouse. I argue that measurements are needed esp in this category. So here’s my idea, have you thought about partnering with someone who can do this for you. Not so long ago I hired a guy in Canada to measure three components for me. He runs a car audio and OEM Measurements business and is well equipped and experienced to handle and report on equipment through measurements. If you want an introduction let me know. Back to the future.... consider finding someone to do this for you and double your value. More power to Thomas Stereo!
It would be nice if they include it. I am too lazy to learn to measure and no more energy to bring heavy speakers out of my house to an expert place to measure :( 😑
Would it not be really helpful when speaker manufacturers would include a frequency graph again along with the specifications? They did that in the seventies already.
That's interesting. I happened to hear these speakers back to back with the Klipsch 600s (not in the same room though) and much preferred the Klipsch sound. Also, for those who care about it, they don't look that good, especially in person. I believe one has to avoid blind purchase of these speakers.
@@fii2cc Yeah, no right or wrong. Just a question of taste and the gear paired with it. The look, yeah I got used to it, that is why I said it is an acquired taste.
Yep, that's one "horny" speaker! (Ha Ha!!) . . . . sorry, couldn't resist! I'm glad that you did two reviews on this speaker, as I have been considering it for a while. Still considering it. We'll see what happens. I have a lot of respect for your reviews, as you have helped me find some very good stuff in the past.
@@ThomasAndStereo That would be really cool as they look like a clone of the Tannoy GRF-90, except with a much lower price tag. I imagine the freight for a pair of SC15's would be prohibitively high, but what about something a little smaller like the SH10B?
Great review. What tubes were you using on the R8 for the sound demo? There was a difference between the Willsenton and the McIntosh but the Mcintosh didn't demean or embarrass the R8.
@@ThomasAndStereo Update: I switched the stock 6SL7's with some NOS Sylvania tubes and the change transformed the sound (for the better). Thanks again for the tip!
I asked Jay and I can't remember who else....please if possible get in the 12" or 15" versions of this line from S.A. (basically their 'tannoy' knock-off line, which is...what it is)...as I'd like to hear what happens as they get to their dearer offerings.
Another great review from you. To the point, precise, compared to similar/different sounds, PERFECT. This should be the standard script for audiophile reviews.
Both, I would put connect to gear I am familiar with first to get an idea its sound signature, then I would mix and match it to get the best sound possible out of it.
It really goes to 30hz? Back in the day with EQs I would do a slight v curve with the midrange decreased. My speakers/systems back then seemed to always be lacking. Once I got a sub and my first horn speaker the v curve moved down but I still prefered it. Anyway I haven't used an EQ since the 80s. FYI I do enjoy Kenny G, vety talented
Going down to 30hz, I don't know but I do feel it go lower than other bookshelf. It just doesn't have the visceral punch. Yeah, I like listening to saxophone with horn speakers.
@@ThomasAndStereo yeah Trio was like 2600.00U.S. now about 1400.00 is great hey have you saw the Manley Stingray 2 tube integrated ? Check it out if you get a chance i been staking me bread up ! I will get a good tube pre/amp soon just me 52 pound yammy gives me a good taste of tube in a solid state ! God i love my Yammy Thomas !
The good part with these speakers is if you point them forward, it will not be shouty and you will not get listening fatigue with these due to the slight rolled off top end. I am trying the Magnepan LRS now, really good.
@@ThomasAndStereo they need alot of current and the crossover needs an upgrade like literally rip the one it comes with OUT and replace with AirCore inductors ECT. Also it needs servo subwoofer or subs of some kind... Lol after ALL that I can call it the King...lol
@@ThomasAndStereo lol agreed. But I haven't tried the international Class A yet...so... It took me a good while to get a class AB that would work. Thank Goodness
@Ali miah I have gone thru 70+ amps, some have tone control and some don't. Someone once told me, he has gone thru a lot of amps too and one thing he noticed, the best sounding ones don't have tone control build in, I don't know why but that is not the point. I don't get what you are trying to get to.
Those loose parts of the speaker talk volume about lack of attention of detail by the manufacture and their inexperience in the field. Given they are not dirty cheap give them a pass and go for established brands if you are in the market for new speakers.
7:34 Dang, you like Kenny G and New Kids on the Block? 90s music at its finest--you have good taste, Thomas. You should try some 90s era Gloria Estefan for testing female voice with those. That's my recommendation:)
2 great " vintage" saxophone lps.......Gato Barberi " Latin America vol 4, Live in New York" .........and " Native Dancer" by Wayne Shorter, and Milton Nasciemento........love your reviews, but just don' t get Kenny G....thanks
But it looks substantial enough to easily change it. Sand it to add some micro pitting for better adhesion. Prime it. Then paint it. Clear coat it. Done. New speaker. It's a couple hour project. Well worth it if you love the sound and price but not the aesthetics. Even easier. Sand it, and then apply a lacquer or wood sealant to change the wood's color tone.
I’m currently trying to read a review in Sterophile by Michael Fremer. It’s rough! In videos you guys speak like people but in print there’s just this constant stream of jargon! It’s difficult to get through!
The difference between Michael Fremer and Thomas is pretty large. I find Michael Fremer somewhat hard to follow too. I enjoy reading his articles from time to time, but Thomas is much more accessible and down to earth. I love Thomas's very high end equipment reviews because that's stuff I don't think I'll ever own. Michael Fremer does some interesting videos on vinyl releases. I wish I had the $ to buy everything Michael Fremer features in his vinyl record suggestions.
Naaaaaa, still on the smooth side. Mr kanta hates them, the other guy prefers neutral and you don't like them asweell. You and I, Mr Kantar like, Sharp Superfine Bright Neutral Explicit Unsaturated Truth sound.
I'll pass because of the poor quality control or workmanship. Also paying that much for a speaker with an exterior finish that reminds me of the wall panels used in the 70s is a huge turnoff. If you're strictly a vocalist fan rather than an intimate live stage jazz ensemble or a full orchestra, with well designed acoustical hall presentation aficionado, by all means this is for you. I'll pass because it has very limited genre appeal. I want my speakers to disappear in my listening environment, rather than have a spotlight or an exaggerated "pretend vocalist" singing to me.
@@ThomasAndStereo maybe Thomas, I'm a big fan of tubes but not ones with an overly "syrupy" Sound. In no way scientific but the vocal sounded less shouty or forced when you switched to the Willsenton.
There is no right and wrong in audio. Always a question of taste. The sound might not be to your taste but if you look at the comment section, it is to some people.
Kenny G, really?.. Dude!! .. no you definitely need to be judged if you love Kenny G…. Nah!.. enjoy, my taste probably sounds equally nauseating to you. 😉
