Clarisys Audio Auditorium Loudspeaker

[matthias]

Try this; Taking the Clarisys Auditorium Active​

Very interesting review!
Anyway another nice comparison to this review would be Clarisys passively driven by Series10 CH Precision power amps

 

[Audiohertz2]

THX...looks like 23K Euro! Yikes...for an active xover that is steep.

Yea its not like its a phono cartridge or something to justify the price ..!

 

[rad]

Based on the above experience with the multiple array of amplifiers and active x-overs driving an already "high performance" speaker system, if the differences are "huge" and it's something that the owner/user is looking for then so be it! That's great to know that things have improved all round, and overall performance has jumped a significant factor. That's a good thing.

Another interesting thing is, over the years I've auditioned many lofty systems, very complex and elaborate ones. Although the heavily fortified systems did have all the muscle, power, dynamics, huge soundstage etc., to me they lacked the essence / soul of the music that's found on the original recording. Having all this great complex gear is great but there are far too many points of contact the signal passes through. The source signal is a tiny part of the playback chain... keeping things simple will yield purer results. There's no denying that.

After having put together elaborate systems with high performance speakers, the overall quality is limited by the recording itself. Which is also limited by the room, which is also limited by our hearing! You can tweak these factors till the kookaburras come home but I sincerely believe the quality of the recording is key.

No matter how many amps, channels, x-overs, out-boards boxes and doggy chains are used... the simpler systems have always been clean, distortion free, absolute quietness and presents more of the original recording.

A very wise man once told me, use the less amount of gear, connect them with the least points contact, and use the best possible components with the highest quality parts. Shortest signal paths from source to speakers and you'll notice everything from the recording. This is not a rock concert or a live gig, this is reproduced recorded music. So keep it simple, and you'll hear more of everything as intended on the original recording.
That wise man was Lew Johnson of CJ and he was right!

Anyway, just my 50cts worth... if y'all prefer to drive an already top notch system with even more gear and you find huge differences that are really satisfying and most importantly closer to the actual music then enjoy! I guess that's something you're after.

My personal preference is hearing what's on the actual recording. Do enjoy those fine tunes!
Woo

 

[rad]

I'm with you on most accounts, but in this case the proof is in the crossover with extra amplification. I guess you need to hear an active system to believe in it.
Cheers!

 

[morricab]

Yea its not like its a phono cartridge or something to justify the price ..!

Well, to some people it's like the price of a Big Mac...

 

[Big Dog RJ]

I'm with you on most accounts, but in this case the proof is in the crossover with extra amplification. I guess you need to hear an active system to believe in it.
Cheers!

Yes, most probably so. In fact, considering your set-up and the fact that other members who've heard it, found it really good! I'm sure it's mighty impressive and well balanced since you've taken the time and effort to do so.

On the other side of the spectrum, without listing the exact makes of those very complex and lofty systems... I found that the simplest systems offered the most pure results. The full musicality and that lifelike soul was right there in front of you. The ability to float an image with the right scale of soundstage depth, nothing overpowering or over-energised is spontaneous from the first note onwards. Even my former dealer mates conferred, even though some of them were in the guilty party. These guys systems, sky's the limit! And they change ever so often whenever a new best thing is around the corner... I still believe simpler the better with the use of highest quality gear you can afford.

Also, another point to factor in is that perhaps those very elaborate systems weren't properly balanced because I clearly remember one chap always adjusting till the kookabaa's came home... always adjusting things for nearly every track!
Said he needs to get it perfect... then changes settings again for the next track!

Just sit back and enjoy those fine tunes, for crying out loud! Mmm... Maybe I'll revisit this Aug and see what he's upto or adjusting now. Hopefully, a finer balance and realistic scale. Don't want Casandra Wilson or Dianna Krall to sound like a pretty T-Rex!

Cheers mate, RJ

 

[Florian]

The key speciality with the CSPort is that it doesn't have any phase rotation at 2nd order crossover points and is purely reductive and additive.

 

[morricab]

The key speciality with the CSPort is that it doesn't have any phase rotation at 2nd order crossover points and is purely reductive and additive.

Yeah clever trick

 

[gleeds]

THX...looks like 23K Euro! Yikes...for an active xover that is steep

Ron,
Yes, there is a change in the tonal balance, There is just more of everything! More detail, extension, transparency & dynamics. I even sense a more 3d effect to the music with a larger soundstage, huge!
The whole experience of the active pulls you in closer to the performance of the artist WITHOUT being a forward presentation or in your face effect.
The fact that you can adjust the highs, mids & low end frequencies is a advantage to any system / room..

Rad,

In three days of installing and tuning the Auditoriums with Angus and Ron, we had many listening sessions, but nothing serious until late on day 2. Once things settled in, piano reproduction was superb, with exceptional attack and decay and a sense of proper scale and tone that was spot on. While I did not have the privilege of hearing the Auditoriums with the passive crossover beforehand, the presentation via active amplification allowed us to hear deep into the music and was consistent with my past experiences in this regard.

It's great to have several world-class planars back on the scene regardless of how one chooses to amplify them. A new "golden age" for audio - you bet!

 

[Ron Resnick]

Please enjoy this interview with audiophile Cyrus in Spokane, Washington, who replaced his CH Precision L10 and M10 with six WestminsterLab Rei amplifiers and Quest pre-amp and WestminsterLab cables. The tri-amplification is accomplished with a CS Port ACN400 active cross-over.

I also interview Angus Leung, founder and designer at WestminsterLab, who tells us his thoughts on the set-up and the installation process.

Please "Like" this video, and subscribe to the WBF YouTube Channel!

 

[thedudeabides]

I clearly remember one chap always adjusting till the kookabaa's came home... always adjusting things for nearly every track!
Said he needs to get it perfect... then changes settings again for the next track!

A great example of Audio OCD on steroids. That guy is neurotic and needs some serious help. And yes, I am a firm believer that less is more.

 

[Florian]

Congrats Cyrus and friends for making it happen and enjoyinging it. It's great so the setup evolving. I will visit this year for sure!

 

[matthias]

Please enjoy this interview with audiophile Cyrus in Spokane, Washington, who replaced his CH Precision L10 and M10 with six WestminsterLab Rei amplifiers and Quest pre-amp and WestminsterLab cables. The tri-amplification is accomplished with a CS Port ACN400 active cross-over.

IIUC, Cyrus changed two main things at once, the brand of the amps and going to active operation.
Is this correct?

 

[Ron Resnick]

Cyrus changed two main things at once, the brand of the amps and going to active operation.
Is this correct?

and the pre-amp and the cables

 

[matthias]

and the pre-amp and the cables

I mean so he doesn't know if an active CH Precision set-up like in RG's review will sound even better.
It doesn't make sense to change preamp, poweramp, cables and going to active at once.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I mean so he doesn't know if an active CH Precision set-up like in RG's review will sound even better.

Ah, no. Not to my ears, anyway.

The difference to my ears in improved tonal balance (less tipped-up, less clinical), improved tonal density, improved weightiness and improved naturalness cannot be attributed solely to the cross-over.

I prefer the sound of WestminsterLab over the sound of CH Precision.

 

[matthias]

I am not an apologist for CHP, I only think the approach is wrong.
BTW, maybe the in-room experience is different, but tbh the sound of both his passive and active set-up are not very appealing to me.

 

[adyc]

Ah, no. Not to my ears, anyway.

The difference to my ears in improved tonal balance (less tipped-up, less clinical), improved tonal density, improved weightiness and improved naturalness cannot be attributed solely to the cross-over.

I prefer the sound of WestminsterLab over the sound of CH Precision.

How do you know it is not due to active crossover? Have you a lot of experience of CH? You are entitled to your opinion but I trust Roy Gregory much more as he has loads of experience of equipments and he is an excellent reviewer. If I were Cyrus, I would trade in M10 for 3x A1.5

 

[Florian]

IIUC, Cyrus changed two main things at once, the brand of the amps and going to active operation.
Is this correct?

Yes. I know where your getting at, but the idea of buying 6 channels CH M10 is also quite difficult due to price.

How do you know it is not due to active crossover? Have you a lot of experience of CH? You are entitled to your opinion but I trust Roy Gregory much more as he has loads of experience of equipments and he is an excellent reviewer. If I were Cyrus, I would trade in M10 for 3x A1.5

The 1.5 is nowhere near the M10 in sonic quality, and i heard that 1st hand. I am just happy for Cyrus and his hobby in general. The financial impact of 6 Channels M10 is also very high. I never heard that tough

 

[matthias]

I know where your getting at, but the idea of buying 6 channels CH M10 is also quite difficult due to price.

I didn't suggest to go for M10 active. As I said I have problems with the approach which is against common audiophile wisdom. When Ron and Cyrus think that WestminsterLab is superior to CHP they should try it first passively to have a valid comparison.