Short Take from the latest issue of Tone Audio's latest issue #116, which can be downloaded here -
https://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_116A.pdf
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Had this been a full-blown review, I'd certainly have tried these speakers with about ten different amplifiers, including a 300B/SET just to try it out. Mr. Vineyard's system is excellent and more than up to the task, utilizing a dCS Rossini DAC with the Taiko Audio Extreme server, powered by a Pilium Alexander preamplifier and Achilles amplifier. A mixture of Shunyata, Transparent, and Nordost cables tie it all together with great success. An AMG Viella with an Etsuro gold cartridge and CS Port C3EQM2 phonostage took care of analog duties.
We listened to several tracks, digital and analog, both exceptionally rendered. Going through a round of blues, jazz and female vocals all prove enthralling. However, what proves the most impressive is how well the Botticelli's deliver the goods when listening to a modest recording. Vineyard chose to spin Bob Seeger's "Night Moves," from Night Moves, and it was incredible, with a fantastic sense of hall space, dynamics, and details. Having heard this so many times over the years, the amount of nuance in this recording I'd never heard before was exciting. Ditto for Jeff Beck's Live at Ronnie Scott's. Unfortunately, Jeff Beck would be no more a few days later.
The Botticelli X is a no regret speaker. (Truly in the context of a no regret system) How many times have you listened to a speaker and loved most aspects, but had that nagging "if it only did this right?" Not here. Great as the ribbons are for speed, and the ability to scale musically with ease, you'll be floored by the quality and quantity of low frequency information these speakers deliver. Even though they possess a crossover network with multiple driver panels, the Botticellis also deliver the seamlessness of a pure, full range ESL. They are by far one of the most natural sounding speakers going. And, they have the most horizontal dispersion going on in the panel speaker realm.
If you're on a quest for the final speaker, especially if you have gone the panel route and still haven't found what you're looking for, I suggest these. I could write thousands of words talking about this track, and that subtlety, but 30 seconds into your favorite track is all you'll need. You'll know right away. After living with every other panel, these speakers take you somewhere you've never been and that's what justifies writing the
big check. Considering the concierge service you will get from Rhapsody Audio, these speakers will deliver an otherworldly experience. They have TONE's "panel guy's" highest recommendation.
Mr. Vineyard provides the most engaging dealer presentation I've ever had the opportunity of experiencing. He's done it right, with a purpose-built room that sounds fantastic. This is truly the way to experience premium audio.
