PREFERENCE vs REFERENCE: the SVS Ultra Evolution Titan Episode

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

📌Considering the Titans? Find them here bit.ly/4dcdylQ & bit.ly/4aWUq9S 🔌Watch our REVIEW to get caught up on today’s UNPLUGGED! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3WZH57d8maf8k 🔌Still want more? Catch up on all the latest UNPLUGGED episodes here bit.ly/43NnDkT 😀Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic and be respectful. 🚫No links, self-promotion, or personal info.

[@RichardMann-t8h]

Good afternoon, a KZbin question: I discovered your channel a year ago. I have been going back and watching your older content. If I hit the like button on those older videos dose KZbin give you credit ? I hope there is not a "cut off time" . I really enjoy the work the 2 of you do and hope you rewarded.

[@KristiWright]

@@RichardMann-t8h There's not! So thank you!

[@Porchewaitombi]

It would be batter to review the whole series.. center speaker upfairing and the bookshelf.. My question ❓ how does it compare to the JBL HDI 380 that you never received 😢😢😢 whay?

[@KristiWright]

@@Porchewaitombi JBL rarely sends products for review. As for reviewing the full system, that would have been a very expensive review. We can only come out of pocket so much and so often.

[@kennethz3366]

Robinson, do you think you can create a short video that demo the various speakers to show the dialogue clarity difference? Thanks.

[@jota3845]

OK, here’s the deal… Andrew is just plain Honest (and Talented). He doesn’t care about brand loyalty, speaker company reputation, or sensitive fan boys out there who take it personal. He calls it like he sees it and hears it! That’s what I’m looking for in a Reviewer! Thank you, Andrew (and Kristi). You’ve got my RESPECT and I will continue watching!

[@chrisgraunke9269]

Your objectivity is part of why I like your reviews. Yes, you give your opinion, but You're ability to set that aside and give technical data is something that I truly appreciate.

[@DrAlanWeinstein]

Thanks! Buying the KEF Metas as per your original review, I feel the same way about them as I do about personal wealth. All the money I have accumulated over my Life time and I have been extremely fortunate I am very happy with what I have and what my wife are able to do. If everything I am able to do has to first be compared to those who have accumulated much more than me I will always be disappointed. You always have to be happy with what you and enjoy it. In addition there are many ways to improve sound stage without changing speakers. I mentioned this to you in a comment last week in regards to the BACCH4Mac.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much for your support and I don't believe you (or anyone) would be disappointed with the KEF Metas.

[@LeezahB]

I really enjoyed your review on Sunday, and love this Unplugged follow-up with Kristi! Your discussion and the level of detail, along with the comparisons, are very enjoyable and interesting. I love watching even though I am not currently in the market for new speakers. Thank you both!🥰

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much. We enjoy your contributions to the conversation and this community, Leezah!

[@KristiWright]

Hi Leezah! You are so sweet. I hope you have a great weekend with plenty of sleep ;).

[@pjasonmcclure]

Loving this new format separating the "Kristi's thoughts" off from the main review and turning it into an interview after people have had a chance to comment. When I watched the review, I was disappointed not to have Kristi at the end but this is even better! Thanks for continuing to tweak the format and making your content even more entertaining! (And..... you get TWO video views for each review! Stroke of genius!) YOU GUYS ROCK!

[@harisjaved1379]

Come on Andrew! get your priorities right, eat Ramen and buy 100K speakers! like a normal audiophile

[@KristiWright]

haha The same people are probably against us being able to earn a living doing this. Go figure. LOL.

[@harisjaved1379]

@@KristiWright :D - You guys do us a service! at the end of the day what I take from the reviews is that we have options that fit our price range and criteria.

[@robwr737]

🤣🤣🤣

[@navidmahmood876]

No no, the audiophile way is to look for too good to be true deals and lateral jump your way to mediocrity while spending 100k 😆

[@fonkenful]

I think it’s Thomas that budgets by eating ramen?

[@alborzfazaeli]

What you do here is remarkable! Learning about parameters to consider when you are sitting in front of a speaker is much valuable to me than the comparison results.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

So glad you find our videos informative, it means a lot to me.

[@briangrose2101]

Absolutely agree! I have a12' wide listening space with speakers 8' apart and 9' from my ears, puts rear ported speakers way to close to the wall. Thinking downward ported is solution. Hoped to see a review of the Paradigms, Founder or Persona both have this feature. Learned more from this episode about speaker setup, voicing, positioning and human perception of sound than in the last 5 years. The format definitely works!

[@meyercamden]

This is a fantastic overview of the industry as a whole, and the love and passion that audio enthusiast put into the hobby. And I agree with Kristi that I couldn’t care less about the graphs and just want to hear the speaker or headphones. I do wish there was easier ways to access and test/hear all of the different amazing audio tech that the industry has to offer. ❤❤❤

[@HifiSammy]

I really liked the question about the high frequency roll-off. This is something I didn't learn till later which has helped when I am shopping for speakers. Great explanation of this works and I appreciated the in-room response portion as well. The room is that important!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The room is everything. I'm glad my explanation made sense. I'm always nervous when I get put on the spot about topics that can get super technical because I try to keep the conversation and answers approachable. But sometimes, I simplify things too much, and people get upset, or I go too in-depth, and people get lost or bored.

[@CButti-x1s]

Good morning Andrew and Kristi. Another very informative speaker discussion. Very honored as a 2x comment contributor to Unplugged. Looking forward to Sunday’s amp review. Thanks again for providing quality reviews and expanded insight into the AV world.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much for watching and keep the questions coming!

[@JeffAguilar68]

Thank you for making this follow up video. I really enjoyed listening to both you and Kristi discuss what you liked about each speaker and how you felt they performed. I look forward to hearing more of your reviews and discussions. Thank you for investing your own funds to purchase those speakers and review them!

[@jeffsloane8628]

Never disappointed with you Andrew. And Kristi is the bomb! As a married audiophile, I need to hear from her before pitching anything to my own wife. Don't change you. Remember the only person who has to like your audio reviewer is me. ;-)

[@robertoconnor7532]

Your reviews are actual reviews. Everyone else just reads the tech specs. Keep up the great work.

[@Maurizzio_]

Great format, quality production, appealing interior design, appropiate community engagement, fantastic effort to communicate subjectivity and taste. I like your work a lot, it's become highly enjoyable. Greetings from Mexico!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@t8500shx]

I’m really starting to like these Friday unplug episodes. Initially i was disappointed that Fridays weren’t a New review. Really digging the Part 2 version of Sunday’s review.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

So glad they've grown on you. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisveltman1795]

These ‘unplugged’ episodes are brilliant. Enjoyable and honest, while also leaving the commenters with an endorphin rush to see if their comment is discussed. It puts a smile on my face. Let’s talk B&W D4. What kind of mind tricks is your brain doing to try to convince yourselves to permanently keep the D4 in house. Does the pool just become a Costco hot tub? Does the dog food food become generic and genetically modified? Will you AirBNB the guest room? They say you can’t un-hear incredible sound, and I imagine that the D4s are a speaker that you can’t un-hear.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Dude, every time I have to unplug them to listen to other speakers or equipment, ya know, because it's my job, I'm sad. I likely could've YOLO'ed and found a way to keep them, but home renovations and other financial commitments must come first. But man alive, talk about a speaker that, so far, has found a way to sort of meld all of my personal favorite loudspeaker traits into one design. But I wouldn't call them perfect, just different.

[@chrisveltman1795]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews when the two of you are chillin in the pool, drinks in hand, listening to the A9… I’m sure y’all will know you YOLO’ed it.

[@KristiWright]

@@chrisveltman1795 We can't wait for the pool to be done! I think we're going to buy a wall mount for the A9 so we can hang it outside.

[@chrisveltman1795]

@@KristiWright I’m excited for you!

[@dirtymotley9048]

This is how I spend first lunch break in like 3 weeks Tacos, SVC, and A&K. Thank for the awesome lunch guys

[@KristiWright]

mmm tacos...

[@Marco-cz7rb]

The title really nailed it

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it!

[@WardoUSA]

I never considered how much “stuff “ you two have to sift through after a review. Thank you for all of the great work.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@fakeklg]

As always: love the videos. Appreciate y’all sharing your knowledge and expertise. Cheers!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much!

[@kkenmmac22]

I heard the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles and new center today at Grid HiFi in Houston. They sound excellent, smooth , effortless , with a huge soundstage. I will definitely be purchasing the entire Evolution line, very impressive!

[@chr6150]

Hey, so would you say they are better ( pinnacle) than the KEF r11 meta?

[@JeffHeon]

Another great show! Both deep & funny! Light those Kefs on fire haha 🔥

[@BryanRuby]

Although I'm not in the market for new speakers, I really enjoyed Monday and this video's "back to basics" speaker review/discussion. What a great way to spend time on my lunch break!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We thank you so much for watching and for your support!

[@gpapa31]

Oh boy you tease us sooo much with the 801 signatures on every video, can’t wait for your review. I have a feeling it will be the speaker review milestone of the year. That day can’t come fast enough.

[@PotskiAlvarez]

Great discussion. I appreciate your insights so much. Hoping to hear these SVS’ soon (over on the other side of the world)

[@bwheels02]

Speaking of vocal clarity… the audio quality of your voices is top notch!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you!

[@stevewright1539]

Great conversation and mirrors my experience with the ML F100's. They may not be "reference" for me when it comes to music, but in a Home Theater setting they are close enough, but show their flexibility as GREAT speakers for HT. I'm sure next year there will be another speaker we are talking about, but that doesn't mean our opinions and feelings on today's products are any less valid.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I think you hit the nail square on the head and I appreciate your comment so much!

[@AlexanderKienle]

You all are great. So glad to hear both of your perspectives. Taste vs quality is complicated!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@fonkenful]

Oh Kristi, my dear, we are certainly entertained by your banter.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Very entertaining! Thanks for watching!

[@benhanson2117]

I like that you chose gloss white. Looks lovely in that room.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

White speakers, at least in my opinion, look really nice.

[@CandidSeagull]

I love the way you two work together. Great work, thanks guys. ps KEF is better for most situations, the end!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching and re: the KEF, we agree.

[@YannickRobitaille-t9u]

Talking about preferences, i considered buying the R11’s and i end up with a pair of Totem Fire V2🤷‍♂️ It was an emotional choice that i can’t quite explain 😂 very happy with my choice 😅

[@kkenmmac22]

@CandidSeagull They are mostly definitely not the best for home theatre applications. I had a chance to hear the R11”s and the Pinnacles at my local HIFI store. The SVS Pinnacles were way more dynamic compared to the KEF’s, which is what you want for home theatre applications . The Pinnacles also take very well to EQ.

[@aesth1cc]

I just came back from Munich where I heard the Pinnacles at High End Munich and was so very impressed by their bass performance, it can be crystal clear and precise, yet rich. For movies, I preferred the addition of one of their subs (I believe they had a pair of SB-16 Ultras) to get the room shaking, but for music, those really stood out to me at that price point. When I asked the guys from SVS what the difference was, they told me that it's only noticable in bigger rooms, where the Titans would fall off in comparison to the Pinnacles. Especially in the low end the Pinnacles are cleaner, extend lower and might be a good reason to skip getting a sub altogether.

[@Harry-Giles]

My favorite wrap up episode so far. Great question from @C Butti and answer even better.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I feel these episodes are getting better each week. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Harry-Giles]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews They are and it is a great format for advancing the channel.

[@markmcfeaters9116]

It's nice to know about the specifications on what your looking at. Though I let everyone know, just listen to as many speakers as possible, and the one that's magic to your ears is the one for you. That's after you have you have your budget pinned down to a certain amount as well. Equipment that someone uses will make a big difference as well...

[@JP-ui1te]

I've always loved good audio and was recently able to get my wife hooked when we visited my brother and she demoed his Mcintosh XR100s & MC611 based setup. Our price point is lower and movie/HT use remains high on our own list so we decided on a hybrid system using Definitive Tech DM80s + center powered by Emotiva BasX A1 Monoblocks as well as a BasX A3 for the center and surrounds. Our stereo listening with the DM80s has been beyond "FUN" ... We absolutely love them. Can you recommend a set of bookshelf speakers we can use for the rears in our 5.1 setup? Thanks again for the great reviews and info.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Have you considered getting a pair of DefTech ProCinema bookshelf speakers or maybe two DM10s, which I know are center speakers, but you could place them on stands vertically since they are symmetrical in their design and could also work as rears. If you're able to mount your rears to a wall, I'd get the matching wall-mountable rear speakers that go with the DM80, the DM95s.

[@johnthornton3863]

Speakers have personalities. So appreciate the information and point of view of your presentations. Like any enthusiasts, you get caught in the excitement of the many great speakers under consideration.

[@jeffjohn9898]

Excellent review as always. I love my KEF R-11 Meta with the Sony STR 7000ES in my home theater but I agree I would add a subwoofer to the mix to get “That Bass Feeling”.

[@KMcCullough90]

Have the same AVR so glad to hear that. Deciding between a KEF R11 Meta setup and the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle setup. Prefer the looks of the KEF but will have to listen to both to really decide.

[@108stitches6]

5 years ago I got a 5.2 ultra setup. This is helping me be confident to upgrade to the evolution line.

[@dawaynecleckley8673]

This was a great and very spirited conversation! Also, great questions. Andrew, I just wanted to let you know that, I upgraded to the Emotiva monoblocks from the BasX A based on a q&a during an older live stream. Holy crapola! 🤯 Definition, clarity and contrast is through the roof. I kept the PT2 and WiiM via Toslink. I'm also running mini DSP. THANK YOU!!! The R700s sound amazingly fun in my listening space!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Oh, those R700s with Emotiva monos get so close to being as good as it gets! So glad you're enjoying your system @dawanyecleckley8673

[@Maxxumus]

I have had my kef c3 bookshelves for 12 years now...folks still amazed at how good they sound. SVS, my friend, has those he just bought. Exceptional now that the tweeter was re engineered. KEF Tangerine is still the best tweeter ever made !!!!! 😮

[@GamingRevenant]

I find the comment on the poor bass response of the R11 in Home Theater weird. I got the R11 non-meta in a 5.0 setup (with R2C and R3’s all non-meta), and the bass in a scene like interstellar when he gravitates towards the black hole is absolutely insane. It’s so rumbly and low the tiles of our outside terrace were literally shaking so much my wife thought an earthquake was happening. I am using Yamaha A-S1100 as external amplification and the Yamaha RX-A4A and although they are really powerful amps, they’re not the highest top-of-the line that most would use to drive them. So my experience with the bass of the R11 without sub is quite insane. It’s so much that I don’t even see what a sub could possibly add more to it.

[@108stitches6]

Thank you for this review as this is how I found your channel! I have had an ultra system for a few years and this makes the upgrade sound worth it.

[@gges1605]

This is a very good example of personal taste different people prefer different sound for me I use proac future 0.5s which are incredibly open and detailed but quite bass light and they are also open baffle at the top giving a very different presentation to the sound that some people love some just don’t like

[@SteveRig82]

Good review on the SVS Titans and comparisons with R11 metas which I bought the R11 metas based on your spot on review. I was considering the new SVS tower line but ended up buying the Arendal 1723 Towers, huge speakers, absolutely love them and they are wife approved! Thanks Andrew and Kristy for all you do, love your channel!😊

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

So glad to hear you find our reviews helpful and that you're enjoying the R11 Metas.

[@tonyku5354]

Hey steve, how do you compare the meta r11 to the arendal 1723 ?

[@SteveRig82]

@@tonyku5354 first of all I love them both! It’s difficult to compare because they are at different locations. Certainly more low end with the Arendal’s because of their massive size. The KEF are slightly more forward in the upper mid range. Both are very clean and clear through out the entire range. However both will play loud and clear but the Arendal’s have an edge. The KEF’s may have an edge in the vocals. It would be hard to choose just one. BTW I just purchased a pair of 1961 towers with a SVS 3000 micro sub based on Andrew’s reviews for another system. One word -Phenomenal!!

[@tonyku5354]

@SteveRig82 hi Steve, you already have 1723 tower and now you have a 1961 with a svs sub. I assume you have three different place for it? I am looking to replace my emotiva t2 in the tv living room. Used it to watch TV 80% of the time and 20 percent music. Which one do you recommend? I am also looking at the svs speakers too..

[@SteveRig82]

@@tonyku5354 yes 3 different locations, depending on how much room you have and how do you want to spend. The Arendal 1961 Towers are on sale for around $1,200 (outlet) and the SVS about $900 excellent pairing.

[@WireHedd]

Another terrific episode guys, thank you. I really want to say thanks to Andrew for being able to express something I personally have been trying to explain to people for a few decades and it kinda hit me in the feels to know others feel the same about their gear. Specifically, I have owned a pair of Bose 601s since September 1986 when I worked for an A/V store and bought them new straight from the company. I got a full 55% discount from the retail price so I could not resist as these speakers were the ones I had chosen over every other set in the store to listen to whenever I was at work and was able to play my own music (Dire Straights and David Bowie primarily). I still have them and they are STILL under warranty from Bose as they came with a "Lifetime Coverage Warranty" which I confirmed a couple of years ago was still valid on my speakers. I also still have the Harmon Karden stereo receiver and cassette deck and Pioneer turntable I purchased in that bundle. Long story short I have these as my primary speaker set to this day and even speakers that are "superior" just can't find that type of sound that these 601s deliver even still. I LOVE the depth and warmth of the sound they make yet when they need to they can make bands like Metallica and Slipknot sound amazing and powerful while still giving me the details and raw details from old Muddy Waters and Miles Davis tracks. I'm glad I'm not alone in loving hardware that isn't what others expect or necessarily like. Thanks.

[@richh650]

Excellent video guys! Well done.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks!

[@navidmahmood876]

Great to see my question make it to a video from one of my fav channels! Made my day 😃

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Our pleasure!

[@KristiWright]

:)

[@billhennigan3773]

Update..Andrew...I recieved the Titans and replaced the JBL 590's...WOW!!..They blew away the 590's in clarity, bass and treble..ordered (2) evolution centers for my surrounds in my home theatre..You and Kristi are safe..I will still listen ..😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@jjnewbold]

How do the Yamaha NS2000A compare for dialogue? Are they more forward/intelligible like the Kef? Hate the price, but starting to think they might be the ones for me.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The Yamaha speakers are actually a little livelier or brighter than the KEFs which can add a little extra bit of emphasis to dialog more specifically moments of inflection, which better define a word or phrase. KEF is awesome in terms of intelligibility but the Yamaha's have that 10-ish percent more pop when it comes to the upper midrange and treble in my experience.

[@jjnewbold]

​​@@andrewrobinsonreviews do the Yamaha put dialogue more forward, like the Kef, or further back, like the SVS?

[@marklloyd5275]

I love the chairs in the room with those speakers . Beautiful. My preferences is the Meta ovrer SVS ,but im still sticking with my Polk R700s for music ,& my Focal Choras for movies . Awsome review . Enjoyed talk about the phantom center. What i love about my Focals is the center which enjoys being accompanied by a SVS sub

[@kodishield9152]

Hi Andrew, You are one of my favourite KZbin reviewers. I even bought some audio gear based on your review. On the subject of ''Time Alignment''. . . Many years back Dr. Floyd Toole from NRC ran rigourous, scientificaly double blind listening tests on that specific aspect of loudspeaker. The result was that the listeners could not hear a difference between a loudspeaker model with time aligned drivers and the regular model. When you think of it, it makes sense. When istening to the sound of a loudspeaker, you hear hundreds of audio frequencies bouncing from all surfaces and reaching your ears within a few milliseconds from each other. The time alignment argument is a great marketing tool but not an audible benefit.

[@hannie1301]

It might be that its more plausible you'd be able to hear a difference in a very acoustically treated room, like some audiophiles have. With less of the bounced sounds reaching your ear. I was actually impressed by some omni directional speakers a couple of years ago, listening in a great store. Where those types of speakers make use of all the bouncing of sound.

[@jc_b7941]

@@hannie1301 Hi, omni well designed models are special. If you ever have a chance to audition the Axiom active LFR you will be enchanted.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

WE LOVE THE ARTISTRY TOO 🤗👍💚💚💚

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank god! Some days, it feels like the whole hifi world only cares about what a robot measures and tells folks.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews WE MAY BE A MINORITY , BUT THAT IS OK 👌😂

[@herrtrigger7220]

Modulus only needs to raise the front of the speaker about an inch to be lined up good. The dip above 1K is on purpose, KEF uses it JBL features it on the 4349 and 4367. Harman says that is a key frequency that annoys as volume increases, while nobody really notices the dip at moderate levels (paraphrasing).

[@buskman3286]

Great video! It's interesting that many speakers nowadays have a noticeable dip in the 2k range where "good" speakers 50 years ago did not and were much "flatter" in overall response. So it appears to me that modern speakers seem to be specifically designed to NOT be flat. It used to be that you wanted a flat response speaker and any adjustment you preferred in your room was via tone/EQ controls. Interesting...

[@capuchadou-44]

Thanks for mentioning the "fun factor" that's sorely missing in our measurement obsessed hobby that's gone way too overboard in that respect. Chasing that dragon will result in a very sterile listening experience. I gladly traded what passed for accuracy for enjoyment with my Atalante 3 monitors and haven't looked back since I got them.

[@jjnewbold]

@robinsonbrand if i sit just under 6ft diagonally from my speakers, would the R11s work better for me than these?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I personally think you'd be better served by a smaller tower or bookshelf speaker, for example the R3 if you're only able to get about 6 feet back. Thanks for the support and I hope you find a speaker that works best for you!

[@jjnewbold]

If I definitely want a tower, would you say your comparisons in these vids stand for the R5 and the smaller Pinnacle tower too?

[@larryhoffman7471]

From what I’ve been led to understand, is that extended treble isn’t expected to be heard as such, but that it will add space and air to the sound. There is sound up there that adds to the overall sensation of the music. I can’t remember the term that was used, but treble sounds produce some sounds at frequencies well above their own frequencies and those very high sounds are well worth preserving. We sense them even though we can’t hear them.

[@kr8sumtin]

I heard the SVS at a friend's house, and they sound great with a center. However, I didn't spend a lot of time with them to compare them with another speaker based on memory. My preference is the Klipsch. Yes, I am a Klipsch guy. SVS are great. speakers.

[@fuzz_spl]

LOL @ the opening. I get it. The Pinnacles are pricey to come out of pocket for. I can understand also not wanting to throw money away just for a review by utilizing the return window.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for understanding. We appreciate you watching!

[@fuzz_spl]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Always! I really enjoyed the review.

[@duraiden]

Ooh, been waiting for this one

[@MrRocktuga]

If I had to guess, that 1 KHz dip on the Titans is almost certainly a contributing factor for the minor intelligibility when compared to the R11s, as it sits right the the most important frequency of human hearing, but it does look to be made by design, as I can’t imagine that drive unit combination having that problem on that speaker. I guess that it’s hard to disagree that the R11s are pretty much a textbook design, and I’m confident that it would show on anechoic h measurements (based on other similar designs from KEF). They’re looking for linearity (both on and off-axis), controlled dispersion characteristics and insanely good internal bracing. Even the tilted in-room response in the higher frequencies is textbook, and I would be willing to bet that those small inconsistencies in the frequency response come from the room and not the speaker. The Titans have a WMTMW design, which by design (and physics) reduce the vertical dispersion, meaning that they are more sensitive to ear height position, but the also have less room interaction at those frequencies from both the ceiling and the floor. Loudspeaker design is always about taking compromises, but the R11s are the best loudspeaker here, if we’re looking at textbook design, as it should be, from a manufacturer with so many decades of knowledge and financial means like KEF. But that doesn’t mean that anyone should prefer one or another, since personal taste is definitely real and has to be respected. What I would say (taking the Cornwalls as an example of “having to work for it with EQ”) is that both the Titans and the KEF can be “tailored” with EQ to do certain things (like removing the 1 KHz dip on the Titans or increase high frequency response on the R11s). They will never sound the same, no matter how much EQ is used, but they can definitely be tuned in a way that some tonal aspects become more similar to each other. I’m not against EQ (I actually want it in the lower frequencies for taming room resonances), but I would rather start with a loudspeaker that sounds as close as I want it before applying any EQ, since it requires a lot less EQ, with all the advantages that comes with it. When I feel the need to apply a lot of EQ to any loudspeaker, it always tells me that it’s the wrong speaker (for my taste, for my room or for my listening habits). It’s a bit like buying the less powerful version of a car and then applying a ECU remap to increase its power to the levels of the more powerful version. It can be done (sometimes, at least), but you’ll never have the same engine as if you had bought the more powerful version in the first place, bearing in mind that the most powerful version can also be tuned. 😉 I totally understand why people do it, and budget is often a very good reason for doing it (certainly not the case with the Cornwalls here). But if the Cornwalls need to be tuned in order to be in the same conversation as the Titans and the R11s, it does feel like they’re the lesser speaker in this comparison, which is everything but surprising, since Klipsch is still one of those brands that have their own cult-like followers, and certainly not looking after any sort of textbook design.

[@midevil1980]

Very well said! 👏

[@mrcstb7479]

What is a reasonable choice of amplifier to those speakers? Something that would allow them reach full potential. Thanks

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I believe this is covered in the full review here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3WZH57d8maf8k.

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

Kef R11 are $3,250 each and the SVS Titans are $2,000 each. So it would be a better comparison to the Evolution Ultra Pinnacle that are $2,500 each People are asking to compare the Titans to the Arendal 1723 which are 150 watt I believe so it’s maybe not fare to them either. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@larryhoffman7471]

I’m not surprised that the Titans have solid bass. They did make their reputation as an excellent sub manufacturer.

[@maxpower78-15]

Hey there!! Just in time for lunch break

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

NICE! Appreciate you finding time to tune in.

[@maxpower78-15]

Cheers!

[@hakansalihoglu]

If we were to choose between focal vs b&w, which one should be preferred in terms of sound quality for movies + music?

[@Cy_AV]

Hello Andrew, just curious. I noticed you have never reviewed an Emotiva speaker which seems a little odd to me considering their price point benefit. Do you have any plans to review their new Xt line such as the Xt2 and Xc2 which would seem to be a good fit for the size of your listening room?

[@paulcanniff4308]

hope you do a review of the new SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf. Not everyone is interested in using towers.

[@nickburge8036]

Loved the not so subtle Walking Dead reference. 😅 Appreciate the honest conversation on how much preference & what kind of listener you are should play into your listening experience. It's not all about measurements, sometimes it should really just be what yiur own ears tell you.

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

how about tone controls and equaliser fixing that dips or roll off , there are no perfect speakers anyway , tune to your liking ! i have 8 sets of iems , equalising my music for my close to perfect sound 1k 2k most of the time , i needed to lower it for a smoother vocal listening. otherwise it can be too aggressive for slightly louder listening.thank you.

[@IN-rf1pv]

I haven’t been watching these (not for any particular reason I just don’t have time to keep up with both releases each week) but did enjoy this one. And it coincides with an interesting experience I had today. While picking up a piece of gear at a high end audio dealer, he was kind enough to demonstrate what I presume was a half million dollar + Wilson system with a pair of WAMMs (I think) and it was a somewhat sobering experience. This room was well treated, the source and electronics were top notch, and the WAMMs in sheer presence, construction and utter dominance of a space in turn make the 801 Sigs look look like the toys… and honestly I was left unimpressed with listening to my favorite track on those speakers. The sobering part was realizing how much today’s mid pack models… the R11s, the Titans, the R700s etc are just knocking it OUT of the park. It’s really down to visual impact and construction quality in a lot of cases at this point. And I would say that unless you want to experiment with esoteric brands, you would be hard pressed, at any price, to exceed the Kef Blades or 801 Signatures with some good electronics.

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

Cannot wait for that B&W review!

[@Randomviewerfromthe90s]

I wonder how these compare to the arendal speakers.

[@markmallinson935]

I auditioned the Kef R11 Meta, in my opinion the only thing they did well was vocals, they were powered by Ps Audio mono blocks so amplification wasn’t the issue, I found them very plain, certain not my taste.

[@johntucker5994]

I subscribe to the idea that in the vast majority of cases, the product that costs more will be objectively "better" compared to a lower cost product. But there can be exceptions, and depending on the delta in performance, the lower cost product often is the better value (price to performance). Additionally, each individual's personal preference comes into play, which is a wild card and hard to account for.

[@tylerflores4761]

I love to seeing this comparison of, svs, kef, and q acoustics please put review the arendal 1723 thx towers. Id love to see how those compare to these. Especially waiting for the review of the Anthem str. Because ive been wanting to see Anthem vs Rotel x3 sucks these two monster amps dont have hdmi 😢. Still cant wait thanks for reviews loved it watched whole 36mins

[@jacksonfro]

While I can’t complain about my good vision, I sometimes envy how people with glasses can style their look in so many fun and good looking ways (such as yourself)! Fuck anyone who says they’re distracting, you look awesome!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you!!

[@O.G.LIL-MAN]

Andrew, when I knew you compared the SVS with some Martin Logans, I knew you weren't really looking at the SVS to a KEF like you were cross shopping. The Martin Logan reference made me think of the level of quality you thought of with the SVS which stuck out to me.

[@laurocantu3324]

I know you have a personal reference setup for home theater and 2-channel listening, but with as many reviews as you do and I can only imagine the waitlist of speakers, amps, tv's, etc., waiting to be reviewed, how often do you actually get to listen to your reference systems?

[@KristiWright]

The better question is how often do we get to listen to our preferred system. Answer: not often enough

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I always do my best to piece together my reference rig(s) for A/B comparison sake when reviewing any speaker or amp --even if I don't call it out. That said, I get to listen to my reference gear for personal enjoyment way less than I would like.

[@kevinkraska3612]

Can you review the bookshelves, more reasonable price point.

[@tedkay5272]

Reviews are out. They are excellent.

[@coreymoyers]

I wish SVS had used planar ribbon tweeters. It would have delivered that clarity that is missing while preventing any harshness metal domes are known for.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Based on what? As with any driver or material, it's all in how you implement it. It's easy to screw up a planar ribbon tweeter just as it is a metal dome or whatever the material.

[@amazoidal]

Tekton can add that to almost any of their speakers like the Moab.

[@vinylvagrants4829]

Was looking forward to the SourcePoint 888's, but now these Titans may be a better fit for me. I think the Pinnacles are just too big for my space. Thanks for all the information.

[@scruffy8861]

If considering the Ultra vs KEF for a home theater setup i'd want to listen to the center speaker of each and pay attention to its "tonality" before deciding.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

That's fair. I would recommend everyone listen to whatever speaker they're considering first before making any buying decision.

[@gavriushka]

My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the armies of the north, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife, and I will have my vengeance. In this life or the next. I’m not a nerd, you’re a nerd. Still remember seeing it for the first time and crying. What a movie. Also Kristi, saw Fallout. Absolutely stocked for the next season. Awesome show. Even my wife, who isn’t into shows like this with monsters and zombie style stuff, really liked it. Here’s a fun insight: as a professional musician (trumpet) playing in a very hi end orchestral setting, measurements have always been considered a sign of unprofessionalism. If you used a tool for tuning your instrument, it’s always been frowned upon in a classical music setting. And learning to do everything by ear, absolutely everything, I don’t understand the obsession of measurements. Use your ears and just enjoy the damn music. If you don’t like what it sounds like, get a different speaker. If someone whose literal job is to be exactly on point in terms of “measuring” your pitch, doesn’t use those, it might mean that those are overrated and over used. Music is a beautiful, incredible thing that unites people, and if you’re so dead set on using measurements that you’re willing to argue with people instead of listening and connecting with them through music, you’re doing it wrong, and you’re definitely the problem. Great conversation and absolutely love the extra length of it. I know podcasts is not everyone’s thing, definitely never been mine, but I would absolutely listen to y’all just talking about random stuff. Design, photography, cinema, food. Whatever it is, I’d listen to it. Hope everyone is having a lovely Friday and hey, it’s Friday. Let’s party! 🎉 Update: and just for reference, I do understand, measurements can be an incredible tool. But if it becomes an argument point for whether the speaker is good or not, that’s when it turns into a problem. By all means, use it as a helping tool to setup in your home, help clean up some things. But don’t use it as a tool that turns the speakers from gold to mold. Pretty please and thank you.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

100% agree. I think people should like, buy and enjoy what speaks to them and their tastes. Unfortunately as a review channel we can't always do that and have to try and maintain a stable of products that we feel represent a good cross-section of a lot of peoples' tastes. If it were up to me, and what I really wanted or preferred, I likely would find a way to keep the 801 Sigs or get Beolab 50 or 90s, but hard to run a channel with those to speakers as your sole reference as sweet as it would be. Hope you're having a great Friday my friend!

[@gavriushka]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I honestly hope B&O would give you a pair of 50 or 90 to review/keep as reference. I think both absolutely stellar. And I cannot wait for your full thought on the 801 Signatures. From the little bits and pieces you’ve been throwing, it seems to be one of those speakers that comes along rare, and stays along for a really long time in people’s heart and ears. I’m doing well by the way, thank you. Making some Lasagna!

[@ROYALUSTER]

Hello from Home this week.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hope your Friday is off to a good start! Thanks for joining us.

[@2HatHudders]

Also guys, your house is looking fantastic. Love that entertainment unit. Would love to know where its from and hopefully its available in england lol😂

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The low-boy marble console is no longer available. According to the manufacturer (Restoration Hardware), we bought the second to the last unit they produced in this finish and size. I believe they sell an alternative, though I think it's white with black veining.

[@2HatHudders]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews it's incredible. Thank you for sharing. Your aesthetics are really on point. Very minimal with hints of danish/swedish design.

[@MattyDaddy14]

Thanks for doing a follow up! 🎉 I’m really glad you did the review of the titans Vs the pinnacle, just personal preference.. but now I’m really curious how the Bigger drivers on the Pinnacles would compare! 🎉also it would be really cool to get the elevator and nanos in! 🎉thank you

[@Mark-rw3kw]

It's really a matter of room size. The Titan's should be fine unless you have a really large room, which some people do with open floor plans and 2 story ceilings.

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

Sounds like KEF need to send Mr Robinson a pair of Balde Metas. Can't lose the crown without fight, surely! 😄

[@GamingRevenant]

@@Albet27the design of the blades is completely different. Frequency response is just one aspect of the sound. Blades are the pinnacle of pointsource audio. The SVS have none of that, and only Hz in ranges that are for all intents and purposes inaudible.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

Unrelated question... Will you ever get the Wharfedale Dovedale in for review? After the mass of reviews for the Lintons, there's almost nothing out there for the Dovedales... are Wharfedale not sending out review units?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Probably not happening. I believe we have a Wharfedale speaker review in the works but it's not the Dovedale.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Super Denton's?

[@davemccague222]

Fantastic dissection and analysis guys. I have a dedicated theater with an acoustically transparent screen. I have 19 inches of clearance behind my screen. I would like to place the Titans behind my screen and would have roughly a 1.5 inches to spare. What are your thoughts on this Andrew. Would the Titan work well in this scenario? Keep up the great work!!

[@s.daniel9224]

Q acoustic puts special sauce in a few of their models. The 3030i’s are my most fun. Can’t wait to see how the new 3000c series sound.

[@2HatHudders]

I think theres a conversation to be had regarding buyers and buyers remorse. People should really watch as entertainment or not watch once you have purchased your gear lol. 😅

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It's not a bad topic, though I would hope no one watches or reads any AV publication or review channel thinking they have to buy everything covered in an issue or episode.

[@2HatHudders]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I feel some of the comments you guys read regarding the Kefs felt like there was a hint of remorse. These are great products regardless.

[@j.taylor89]

Hi to you both! Great video! I was really curious about these speakers! May I suggest that you add a foot note or subtitle in your videos when giving measurements of height and weight in meters and kilograms for non US wievers? Thanks! Greetings from Spain!

[@JC_Onofre]

For me it was clear what he meant when he said "I dont hear measurements (or graphics, i can't recall exactly), I hear speakers" . Some speakers can be real good technically but others are just fun.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'm glad my intentions were clear for you. I get how things can become confusing, but I hope this video clarifies things.

[@fonkenful]

FWIW, at least one of my other favorite reviewers who goes out of his way to reconcile his subjective listening tests with very detailed Klippel measurements has run into grief with a speaker manufacturer who shall remain unnamed here - but that’s an open secret. Yup, I think it’s fair to say that A&K have earnestly earned the attitude of “know what your listening needs/wants are, understand few of us are alike in those regards, and most have less than ideal rooms”; so compromises will likely need to be made - and we’ll adapt.

[@ms19631964]

She said," I have to listen to the speakers first". Try out the Arendal 1723's at $3600 a pair versus the SVS Ultra Evolution pinnacle at $5000 a pair. Let us know what you think.

[@gage4375]

Love Kristi's wanted poster,cowboy hat and cigar would look cool🤠

[@chr6150]

Hi I know you’re a busy man, maybe one question possibly? What would you prefer SVS Pinnacle or KeF r11 meta with a Sub or two What is your basic opinion about adding subwoofers to floorstanders? Will you test the pinnacles soon? Thanks from Vienna

[@rodgercoble1100]

Interesting review. I have SVS subs and think I need to go to Audio Advice for a listen. Just a thought, after all these years, I wonder how you feel about your Heresy IV's?

[@jaimeballester840]

That 35Hz dip looks like a prominent room node.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

As stated in my review.

[@jaimeballester840]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews - sorry Andrew, I missed that part. Thanks!