FERN & ROBY Raven III, a full-range, single driver speaker

[@frogmorepipester7490]

In the 70’s & 80’s my friends and I use to build some great sounding full range speaker cabs. Pushed by 10w Realistic receiver, my 51/4 full range setup sounded great. I miss Radio Shack and my Dad’s workshop.

[@stevieg2755]

Yeah they were Jensen 6x9 car audio speakers

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

I have been listening to a pair of Lowther full-range horn loaded speakers for nearly 20 years now. Needless to say I am totally sold on the "full range" concept.

[@kloss213]

Been building full range loudspeakers for over 30 years. Pair I have now easily hits 25hz strong sounds like dual bass horns in bass can play pop pipe organ or any music at high SPL without issue.

[@lostintechnology1851]

@@kloss213 too bad full range desings really suffer in the high frequencies but hearing loss comes in handy i guess. lucky me i find designing crossovers extremely interesting

[@gdwlaw5549]

Quite a lot of loudspeakers use full range : Pearl acoustics, closer acoustics. some amazing ideas floating around and with transmission line acoustics.

[@fonkenful]

Indeed, both “full-range” / wide band drivers and variations on TL / MLTL topologies have been popular with DIYers for decades. Until I retired from active building about 6 years ago, I’d constructed scores of enclosures using drivers from, Fostex, Mark Audio and the original CSS, and 7 of the channels current 7.2.4 Atmos system include Mark Audio / Alpair drivers.

[@dilbyjones]

Yes.

[@fakeklg]

Definitely some cool ideas out there. These are pretty wild.

[@Larstig81]

I would like to listen to the ej jordan marlow loudspeakers. The full range driver is their own design but made by Scan Speak.

[@jm_1214]

I'm looking for some nice kits

[@BackwardsCompatible-Not]

Steve, so good to see you take these on! You now owe it to yourself to try a pair of locally made Omega Loudspeakers.

[@jasondeen]

I love my Raven IIIs, and agree with the tonal qualities of the speaker. Love them at low to moderate volume. I power them with a SIT-3.

[@fernroby680]

So glad to hear this, thank you for sharing!

[@ivansbacon]

I love the new organ intro music.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Awesome, it's by David Chesky

[@richardelliott8352]

When I saw the single driver, I knew the audiophiliac would like them . A solid wood cabinet is an unusual choice, if you have heard a marimba, you know why, but I have to trust in this application, given the praise for the quality of the product. And speaking of quality, the S.E.A.S company was founded by a doctor doing medical research on hearing, who, after finding available speaker drivers too imprecise to provide useful measurements for his work, had to build his own. which then provided the expertise to start the SEAS company I count myself lucky to have a three way tower speaker with four custom SEAS drivers, one being an unpowered slave woofer , all housed in black lacquered aircraft grade plywood, unlike the exposed solid walnut sides of my old JBL's , which were also famous, back then, for driver quality, and the noted " west coast sound". these experiences really made me a believer in driver quality above all else, as a primary buying trigger when selecting speakers, otherwise you are just buying weird looking furniture that will eventually become unsuitable as the system grows. . .

[@jamesbullock9209]

Years ago, I wouldn’t give a single driver speaker the time of day, but this seriously intrigues me. I’d also like to hear the baffleless version as well.

[@dertechniker8867]

I'm constructing and building fullrange speaker since around 10 years. My actual speaker has got a 8'' driver with 2 notch filter. To be honest, I can't go back anymore.

[@rickmathis8590]

I've been fortunate enough to have heard a handful of other single driver speakers, and this sounds like one that I need to check out. The ones I've listened to, do indeed sound more "natural" as you stated. Perhaps that's due to the lack on crossover. Thanks for another great one, Steve. My wallet may NOT thank you... 😂

[@NeilBlanchard]

As mentioned in the companion video with the designer, there are (notch?) filters used - an image shows 6 parts - 2 air core coils, 2 caps, and 2 resistors. Yes, there is no crossover, but there are filters to smooth out some (higher?) frequencies.

[@robertyoung1777]

I hope these make it to some audio shows where we can see and hear them. Nice looking product that looks great with the Pass amplifier.

[@fernroby680]

We'll be at the Capital Audiofest in DC this November and would love to see you there!

[@karlhartwig3981]

Just "re-listened" to the Catherine Wheel on vinyl and then the Zappa, stellar suggestions all on new gear, because I don't think I've heard those recordings fifteen or twenty years. Very enjoyable and they sound even better now-I guess that's the point. No wonder you have a quarter million subscribers!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Karl!

[@nickblood7080]

Love the music you tested on these. Well done.

[@danielgeiger7739]

The PearlAcoustics Sibelius is half price with thicker solid oak wood and Quarter wave cabinet construction. Love mine. Quite revealing of bad recordings. Should really get your hands on that single driver speaker. Great cohesion of the sound. Would have loved a comment of the upward slant of the cabinet.

[@chrislj2890]

$8,500 compared to the $2,400 Zu speakers? No thanks, my DW6 are just fine for me, but the walnut does look nice.

[@melbguy1]

Who's who in the Zu

[@theoriginalcraig]

I've got Zu DW Supreme Mk II and Union Supreme 6, and I'm totally happy with the money spent, especially considering the sound. Zu does price/performance ratios better than most anyone on the market. Extreme value and sound for money are top priorities, and I've got them both in spades. WooHoo Zu!

[@chrislj2890]

@@theoriginalcraig Yep, great value for the money.

[@DaveSchulze]

@@theoriginalcraigHow do you like your Union 6 Supreme compared to your DW2? I have the DW2 but want to upgrade.

[@middleearthltd]

Zu LOL

[@4bangerdean]

I heard this speaker about a year and hall ago at AXPONA. When I walked into his room I immediately made a connection with this speaker. I didn’t fully understand at the time that I was listening to a single driver speaker or what it really meant. It’s on my short list of speakers when I upgrade. It’s why I wanted to listen to Steve’s review and not surprised he liked it. Although It does seem to be priced on the high side. I’ve yet to listen to a Devore O/93 and waiting to do so.

[@The_Juan_Percent]

I had an opportunity to listen to these a while back, they sound great but IMO simply not worth the asking price compared to other full range offers, certainly no better than Omegas and they're half the cost.

[@2ChannelAudio]

Will be good to know the comparison with old Tannoy HPD385 in a good cabinet. 😊 These modern ones are probably not worth the price tag as majority of it covers profit marjins at different level.

[@brucermarino]

Thanks! 1. These would seem an interesting candidate for nearfield listening. 2. Is it not more correct to describe the F&Rs as a dual or whizzer cone rather than a single driver speaker like, for instance, the Pearl Acoustics speakers? An attached cone like this involves a very real mechanical crossover which comes with significant compromises including shadowing part of the main cone. 3. Having just listened to your interview with the creator, it's clear there's also significant, passive electrical contouring, in the speaker which is not dissimilar to what you might find in a typical speaker. A two-way, in fact, may have fewer pieces in its circuitry. And, is it not true that these contouring networks induce phase and other issues like typical passive crossovers? 4. I checked the F&R website I couldn't find anything even approaching a frequency response graph. Would it not be reasonable at these crisis to provide this basic information? 5. BTW, a review on the F&R says they are easy to place. Who can tell? 😊 Any thoughts? Thanks again, Steve and congratulations on the subs!

[@thomasdix8453]

Heard it at Caf; it is an interesting sounding speaker; not my cup of tea, but, it might appeal to others

[@elonmuskrat2830]

How he can say that price with a straight face is one of the great mysteries of the ages.

[@weatheranddarkness]

It's not out of place for the brand. It does feel out of place for being based on a relatively cost effective driver though.

[@roverjohn]

That pricing is absurd. I don't care about the brand so the fact they've built other overly expensive speakers doesn't really mean much

[@trukr817]

There was a company in the 70's that had a speaker a bit like that, with a single 6X9, no crossover or tweet etc that sounded really good. A store that sold records and tapes had four of them in the store, and it got loud in there. I don't know what they looked like inside, but the front had the speaker and the top and a port and the bottom rear.

[@robclendenning2806]

Changing my initial comment.. Steve didn’t speak about the custom work Christopher has done with SEAS on the driver (nearly 2 years of work). So to me this along with the filter network (which Steve mentioned in the interview with him) justifies in my mind more of where he is coming from re costs and value. But still way overpriced

[@mpi5850]

Exactly - an unknown company charging outrageous prices. Audiophiles must be very gullible.

[@robertyoung1777]

As a woodworker, I feel that price is fair and reasonable. There is a lot more than just the costs of construction to handmade loudspeaker building. Stand-up guy with a nice product.

[@robclendenning2806]

No way.. no internal bracing, fronts and backs are particle board… it does apparently have a crossover or filter network of sorts … but bottom line this is a ridiculous example of overpriced boutique audio.. you can spin a long story about how rare and hand made it is but that’s about it

[@saint6563]

Obviously you know nothing about manufacturing. Production on smaller scale always cost more than mass produced products. Watches, autos, knives, belts, everything!!! If the value isn't there for you, don't buy it.

[@robclendenning2806]

@@saint6563 I guess if you want a nice decorative furniture piece then sure makes sense. From an engineering perspective for a LOUDSPEAKER it’s not what I would call any value

[@lsaideOK]

Isn't the zu soul 6 a single driver speaker?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No it's a two-way concentric, with a tweeter in the center of the cone. A bit like the KEF Uni Q driver.

[@emrealtan3522]

Audio Nirvana 10”Alnico driver in plywood + mdf (total 30mm cabinet)+ Duelund speaker cables inside and outside + Velodyn sub + some room acoustic stuff + digital room correction costs below 50%… but I won’t make any further judgements without listening to them.

[@javierlineros5650]

Nice. Audio Nirvana from Commonsense Audio. But need a strong EQ. Because high peaks between 2khz to 4 kHz. This is my experience.

[@csj9619]

Audio Nirvana drivers interest me greatly and being a DIY guy, maybe I need to just pull the trigger and score a pair.

[@bobcooke4402]

You should really check out omega full range speakers based in CT.

[@truman4956]

Would love a comparison to Cube Audio speakers

[@Darkmatterme]

I second that

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Cube might actually be worth 8-9k Of course they’re selling for 16 lol

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@ColocasiaCorm I think the factory version of mine, the ceramic 8" was still about 8k recently? I'm running them raw, no filters, nothing. I don't know if they have filters from the factory, like these Fern&Roby. So hard to say exactly what to expect. I got a new TT and arm recently, and it seems to have unlocked a capacity to image that I didn't know my system had. No other changes, same cart, pre, and amp.

[@Rowuk2024]

I always have trouble with the description “full range”. Single dynamic drivers can be wide band but not wide enough to be “full range”.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I hear you, but of course everything in speaker design is a compromise. You could say the same thing about any two-way stand mount speaker, they cannot be full range. I think to be full range you need a really big box, with a 15 inch woofer. Like the Klipsch Cornwalls. But for most people they are way too big!

[@Rowuk2024]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac in Germany, the name for this driver type is "Breitband" - wide band. That all being said, if the speaker is this much fun, who cares what it is called.

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

I find it equally insightful hearing similar sized speakers compared with lower priced "generally well reviewed" speakers, and with approximately = priced speakers & just as important imo, also compared with far higher priced ones, all of similar overall size, whenever it's possible in reality or from a seasoned reviewers memory. All those comparisons only help get a better handle on the speaker under review, imo. Love the shape of the Mola Mola Class D job, it's a looker. I expect a good review from previous NCore costlier model reviews. Super high damping, I wonder how Maggie's or e/stat bass panels would sound under it's theoretically super-grip hold from the (4000 or +?) high damping factor.

[@melbguy1]

" Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the nightly shore - Tell me what thy lordly name is on the night’s plutonian shore!” Quoth the Raven “nevermore.” - Edgar Allan Poe.

[@carlosbauza1139]

Excellent review by a trusted reviewer. But careful audition is still recommendable conducive to purchasing.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Careful audition is always recommended for any sizable purchase. Everybody hears differently, and has different priorities for good sound. That's why there are so many different sounding speakers in the world!

[@analoglooney]

I don't want to appear negative but that seems a lot of money for a full range driver made by SEAS in a wooden box. Not exactly an innovation. Lowther have been doing this for decades. I'm not suggesting it's not a good speaker, but value for money is very poor. Surely if one is made of ash and the other Walnut they will sound different due to wood density. This is one reason why loudspeaker manufacturers normally avoid using solid timber as no two pieces are ever the same.

[@bryanwilliams3665]

Yes,the parts cost is low ( Speaker & Box)

[@markcomisky7106]

Hi wondering if you can review Yamaha n2000recever and the rotel michi x3 series 2 Thanks Mark...

[@ThomasW.Insall]

I made full range speakers for use outdoors. It featured the World Famous Altec 755 E pancake speaker. . It was amazing ly flat from 45 to 14000 HZ in a smaller 2 cu ft enclosure ported to be placed against a wall. I can remember we though the world was going Crazy when Altec doubled the price inn1968. Around $70 as I remember. The Altec 409 was a Coaxial 8 inch speaker and had extended highs but the bass below 80 hertz was thin. It was cheaper speaker, but I preferred the 755E. They were both very popular if implemented correctly.

[@weatheranddarkness]

I've only heard the 755 for about one side of a record at a shop in the Shindo cabinet (or maybe it was Line Magnetic). It didn't pop for me in that situation that there was something special going on, but there was a lot of conversation anyway. I feel like I need to hear it properly.

[@mycosic1]

Steve, check out Jazz from Hell from 1986 if you liked Zappa's sinclavier work.

[@mugwump6885]

Are they better then the Evoice Baronet?

[@sudipdutt9699]

When is your review of AMP-2 coming ?

[@gtric1466]

Seems a a little on the high priced side for not being transmission line, also from what i am told depending how there damped. no 2 pieces of wood are going to provide the same freq. response, as would HDF with a quality veneer. but hey I'm sure they sound really smooth. It all depends on the type of music you listen to.

[@rand9994]

I think I'd buy Omega Super 8 and use the money I saved on a tube amp and a case of bourbon.

[@bobcooke4402]

I love my Omegas. They are also beautifully finished. Magic midrange.

[@TPQ1235]

Steve, when I think of full range speakers, Harley Lovegrove and his Pearl Acoustics’ Sibelius speakers spring to mind. The two of you are among my go-to sources for audio content. Hopefully you will be able to review one of his speakers now that you have started to look at single driver systems.

[@CVH0907]

Steve, Bring back your original intro music! It is your signature piece!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I just gonna use this for a while see how people feel about it. There's been positive and negative opinions on it so far.

[@jm_1214]

I built the hammer dynamics in 2000. They were one of the best speakers I've ever heard. 575.00 for the kit

[@weatheranddarkness]

I remember those times! Did you follow the single driver message board?

[@Mark-rw3kw]

I remember reading a review of “Switched on Bach” when it first came out. The music was completely produced by a synthesizer played by a Japanese “musician.” The reviewer said that he wished he could repay the Japanese in kind by opening a McDonald’s at the top of Mt. Fuji.

[@weatheranddarkness]

"Switched on Bach" is by Wendy Carlos who is decidedly not Japanese. Perhaps you're thinking of Isao Tomita doing some Bach?

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@weatheranddarkness I see now that you are correct, and it was undoubtably a different Bach recording played on a synthesizer. I am quite sure about the quote from the reviewer about putting a McDonalds on top of Mt Fuji is correct, so there had to be some Japanese connection, whichever album it was.

[@kloss213]

Suggest buying SEAS X-1 following factory suggestions for cabinet and correction network if wanted. Or just toss East Coast dollars at it and buy this.

[@rolandpritchard1731]

Wharfedale rs 12in dd full rang cabs form early 70ts , late 60ts . The sound is great. Nice night time with tube amp. Second set up.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

No doubt this speaker is of a good quality..however i would audition other speakers..at this price point.Steve Guttenberg gives an honest review..i myself do not have that kind of expendable monies..so i would audition other speakers..more bang for the buck.

[@alexmacdonald2644]

Solid wood cabinets. Tell me, how often do you get that? Know why? Cost. Mdf is so easy, quick to cut and join by comparison. These won’t be..

[@mugwump6885]

Its veneered multiplex, not solid wood.

[@bengleason508]

Do you know what SPL you were listening at for your late night listening?

[@redstarwraith]

Aren't the LTA's also Fern & Roby designed?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, but Fern & Roby designed the chassis of some LTA components.

[@FRL2000]

Would you buy this over KLH Model 5?

[@analoglooney]

You wouldn't if you have sense. The KLH is astounding value for money.

[@javierlineros5650]

I have a similar drivers from CommonSense Audio. Also are Immersive, very detailed and natural. The problem with this type of speakers is that the treble is extremely directional. that is, if you move off axis just a little; You lose a lot of treble.

[@weatheranddarkness]

I guess if you put on music to listen to treble that could be an issue. I for one most definitely do not.

[@javierlineros5650]

@@weatheranddarkness the important is the balance, if you lose treble, you lose the balance

[@craigross5945]

This goes to show there's a product for every customer. I don't personally feel the need to spend 9G on a full-range speaker, and I'm not saying they aren't those that will. Especially one as limited as this. Of course I haven't session'd it.. so this comment is basically at face value.

[@michaelsegel8758]

How thick is the Richlite front Baffle? Its not cheap. Add in the Driver and everything else... definitely high quality.

[@paulburke9198]

You've got The Catherine Wheel sound track , ? ? . just a bit more than a little jealous .

[@oliverbeard7912]

Not wanting to be pedantic,but you have reviewed the Jordan Marlow in the past.So this may be your second full range driver speaker review?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You are correct sir! I messed up.

[@oliverbeard7912]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac It's all good.What's more important is the content ,quality and passion of your reviews,which I always find engaging and enjoyable.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Harley Lovegrove's beautiful solid oak Sibelius loudspeaker by Pearl Acoustics looks like better value compared to these. They really are crossover free and voight pipe/transmission line loaded. Hope you will review them Steve! 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵

[@fonkenful]

And a very close approximation to the Sibelius can be achieved for a fraction of the cost by a DIY builder in any of several enclosure designs by Scott Lindgren, using readily available stock drivers from the Mark Audio line, such as the Pluvia 11, or CHN110/120 . I’ve had a trio of the older Alpair 10.3 as front row in my home theatre rig for over 6 years. With a combination of reasonable expectations and modern bass management available in surround processors/receivers, “full range” drivers can work quite well in this application.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Please review the Closer Acoustics OGY! 1 single EMS LB5 driver. Transmission line. $1500. I won't shut up about them since I got them in 2022. They're so transparent.

[@jessicaembers924]

$8,500 a Pair? !!!!!!! I bought 8 Realistic 15" music instrument speakers for about $32 a Piece in 1,992 when they were discontinued. They work Just Fine wired series parallel 4 in each box parred with 8 2x6" pizo horns that play down to about 2,500hz. The 15's go up to 3,000hz and blend about perfect with No Crossover. Okay now, i get these babies rippen off an Allen Heath 500 watts per channel 12 track amp, then mix in my Tapco 8" bi-amped studio monitors in conjunction with 10" Tannoy sub-woofer cube. The SOUND Blend is astonishingly phenomenal to say the least. I'll stick with my ears! :-)

[@mfr58]

Is that 8 ohm across the frequency range? or minimum/maximum/nominal? Is that 94db/1W/1M?....What is the point of continually quoting meaningless specs? Sorry, but it does get a bit irritating....

[@isaacestep3321]

On a roll I was curious about the atc and fern and roby, lo and behold. Now do the heretic ad or those Joseph Crowe horns lol.

[@rb89509]

It looks like they took a Klipsch KG 3.5 and left out the tweeter.

[@solomonstewart1025]

Klipsch kg good value without the tweeter...hmm let me try that.

[@BKKLB]

So $8500 for a Seas FA22RCZ with a doped cone in a Snell E3 box with a front firing port.

[@nickblood7080]

Made in my home town!

[@frederickfranchi6408]

When you said those prices I just burst out and laughed 🤣🤣🤣 how do you do it???

[@fakeklg]

Wait… you just burst out AND laughed. How do you do it?

[@frederickfranchi6408]

@@fakeklg 8,000 +

[@frederickfranchi6408]

@@fakeklg 8,000 + reasons HOW

[@fakeklg]

@@frederickfranchi6408 oh. So would you have bursted and laughed if it were 4,000 reasons, or maybe just laughed at 500?

[@frederickfranchi6408]

@@fakeklg no, $500.00 would be a reasonable cost for that speaker🤔

[@veroman007]

i cant believe this is superior to the pearl acoustic TL design which is cheaper by 2 G

[@TexasScout]

This is far from new technology, that little cone in the middle, back in the 60s, was called a “whizzer cone“. You could buy speakers without the cabinet just like that from RadioShack back in the day.

[@mattmnx]

My complements to the marketing department.

[@jericlee1509]

you should try markaudio ma op single full range speaker... way way better. my end game speakers :)

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry, I don't do kits.

[@JamesJoyce12]

SEAS drivers are amazing but surely there is no audiophile argument for one driver trying to span the entire range. It strikes me as iconoclastic as opposed to chasing reality. Are you still using your open baffles as your reference? That strikes me as another iconoclastic choice.

[@harrylucas3415]

my bro makes a few of tese just for his front room and funky shapes

[@hippydippy]

Funny... I seem to remember years ago when I subscribed you reviewed products most us "normal" folks could afford. Sadly, not so much the case anymore. Just eye candy for a lot of us now & it gets kinda old, but If you can afford, enjoy.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You are correct, there has definitely been a lot more high end product reviews than affordable product reviewss. That's true for a number of reasons, but please understand only a tiny of number of people who read or watch audio reviews actually buy the products. That holds true for even the most affordable products, people read or watch reviews for entertainment primarily. If 100,000 people watched my review of an affordable product, only 200 or 300 actually buy it. This isn't a shopping guide, it's just for information and entertainment. I hope that helps you understand where I'm coming from, at any given moment I choose the most interesting products available to me to review.

[@stevieg2755]

Damn I had a set of those in my Chevy back in 74,they were called Jensen 6x9s and cost a whopping 39.00 my trunk was the box

[@abboberg]

Some things never change. Whizzer cones are certainly cheap to produce!

[@sonusancti]

Spot on. I've long embraced DIY. Way more fun, satisfying and value oriented.

[@bobsmoot8454]

You might want to hear a WE/Altec 755a, which is a phenomenon speaker which doesn’t rely on a whizzer either.

[@RB-is9su]

A box with a single driver for $8500...WOW! Fyne Audio Classic VIII for $6500 will blow this thing out of the water, and it looks a lot nicer.

[@drumhed]

Pair it with a Gjallhorn so you can have a Schiitty Ash system!

[@drumhed]

@@ChadwickJames no one is going to be Topping that reply anytime soon!

[@grahamtricker4103]

There isn't a full range speaker driver made today that can reproduce the full audio range. These are wide range drivers not full range drivers used in this speaker. If the speaker can cover 20Hz - 20KHz +/- 3dB then it can be regarded as a full range loudspeaker. If it doesn't cover that range, 20Hz - 20KHz within +/-3dB limits then the speaker is not a full range loudspeaker.

[@dilbyjones]

I'm telling u low level listening is where it's at. I didnt get Kid A at first ether. Its just full of angst, start there & u good.

[@andygrenn680]

No mention of Shatki Stone…I don’t believe in much, but I believe in Shatki Stone…

[@darkpatches]

A single driver speaker is the only way to way to go. First, two speakers is two drivers and one too many. I"m a subwoofer man, 'cause I want to FEEL the music....

[@metatron007]

So your going to do something that you have never done before and review a single driver speaker. Steve would I be correct to say that it is not completely true, you have reviewed a single driver speaker before the EJ Jordan Marlow CROSSOVERLESS speaker a year ago on your You Tube channel. Hmmm

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You are correct, and someone else noted that last night. And I put a correction in the description box below the video.

[@metatron007]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac That's funny, Peace..

[@onemic-theminimalist]

A wooden box with a $1000 speaker for $4000? What are they thinking?

[@analoglooney]

$$$$$

[@fakeklg]

Then. Don’t. Buy. It. Not for you or your wallet.

[@analoglooney]

@@fakeklgMy wallet is fine, but not for me as I don't like throwing money away either.

[@fakeklg]

@@analoglooney then it’s not really for your wallet then, is it? If it sounds great, then buy it. If you’re skint, probably not a good choice. Save your coins or shoosh.

[@onemic-theminimalist]

@@fakeklg It’s not for anyone unless they believe that the more is cost the better it is. And don’t assume I can’t afford it.

[@tomthompson7400]

Wow , and to look at them you would think they came with a 70s radiogram ,, goes to show , buy with your ears and not your eyes.

[@stevejones8660]

The home site lists $8500 a pair. I’ll pass.

[@mpi5850]

Another example of a boutique company that has to charge 3 times the price of an established company to pay themselves, and I’m sure pay themselves handsomely at that. Hard pass.

[@Phloored]

Well, the seas exotica full range drivers are a grand a piece. The cabs being solid wood are way more expensive to build with. So if you figure 3500-4k for the materials, a markeup of 2x is less than you pay for the "big brands". Those are typically 3x in mark-up by the time the consumer buys them. I'd put these speakers in a small room with a nice smooth streamer/dac and a slightly warm sounding amp and drift away for hours. I built some full range speakers and they provide an exceptional listening experience. It ain't Michelin 5 star, it's down home cookin' . Love it.

[@stevejones8660]

These do not use a variant of the $969 SEAS red ALNICO magnet SEAS Exotic X1-08 full rangers. The drivers shown look like a variant of the SEAS mud magnet Prestige FA22RCZ, which lists retail for $211 at Madisound. Even less in quantities.

[@Phloored]

@@stevejones8660 Well because they are custom made, we don't really know what they are do we? I'm just not assuming they are trying to rook people out of their cash because i can't afford them or don't understand why they cost what they do. Is it possible they are doing that? Of course. Glass half empty/half full perspective. I never priced a custom order speaker from seas so i don't know exactly what it is. I bet if i called them up they would give me a good idea what they are going for with their custom driver through. I'm just not going to condemn a company for being in business to provide a product and earn a living like we all do.

[@terryhu57]

In America everyone has a right to ask whatever they want. That being said I’ll keep my Tekton’s at a 600 per cent savings and a 3 per cent loss in sound quality.

[@ernies8828]

Wow, $8500 for that? I'm sorry, no offense, but that's way overpriced, in my humble opinion. After I heard the price, and even costlier for the walnut option, I had to stop watching the video. I don't even have that kind of money. But if I did, I would not buy that speaker or pay anywhere near that for literally anything, especially audio gear.

[@kaybhee6]

doesnt seem like fostex,, huh

[@mikehughescq]

Interesting that the Zu reputation is significantly based on tone but here’s a speaker with better tone than a Zu.

[@RamisDad]

Is Steve smoking crack? Reviews zu speakers and then says he's never reviewed a speaker w a full range driver!?!

[@mikehughescq]

He actually said single driver full range. Zu all have super tweeters in various forms.

[@themountain59]

8500$ ?? Ridiculous like the Pearl 😵‍💫😂

[@davea3791]

8K kind of a joke IMO.

[@analoglooney]

Mine too. Ridiculous.

[@puciohenzap891]

It's insulting, they will be going for 2k at best, second hand. If anyone even buys a pair.

[@mugwump6885]

Too expensive, but the drivers alone are 1700$ (seas exotic slightly modified). 7grand for the work, a cabinet and an impendance correcture is a bit exaggerated in my opinnion.

[@stevejones8660]

They are not using those $969 alnico motor exotic SEAS drivers. They are using a variant on the $211 ferrite magnet 8” inch driver

[@mugwump6885]

Good to know, this is disappointing@@stevejones8660

[@bladerunnern6]

No way

[@artyfhartie2269]

My speakers are Cactus and Bobby. And they sound great

[@fakeklg]

2/10

[@burgie4241]

these speakers are priced way too cheap! I think they should be priced about 4 times higher-- that way, the people that bought them would convince themselves how great they are just because they cost so much.

[@MrGfunk215]

$8500!!????? Not over priced, WAY over priced!!! Come guys. We need more affordable gear to spread the hobby to new comers. Reviews Like this are going to turn many people off (including myself). There is zero parts or materials that would make this ANYWHERE near its asking price. SMH

[@dimidoul8166]

Kinda like Lowther

[@sdr1769]

Ok so let’s see now….no crossover (no engineering, design, components) solid wood cabinets (6 pieces + plinth + glue and damping material) high quality connectors and internal wiring. Remember that they have to recoup costs & engineering etc. Almost $9k US.? OK Great! Wow direct to end user so no middle man mark-up. Yes ok sounds good!!!

[@spuddyl9938]

The price is a joke, even if it is solid wood

[@jamesschneider3828]

I'd rather have DW6 Zoo. By reading comments I don't feel that you sold too many on this speaker. There's just too many can't do that don't use withs and just over all too many negatives for a speaker in this price range.

[@puciohenzap891]

Sorry to say but the price of $8.500 for a small, single drive cabinet in a simple veneer finish is simply unrealistic, especially for Europe when including taxes and all.

[@jan9]

Veneer? This is solid wood. Please watch the episode before commenting.

[@puciohenzap891]

@@jan9Even if it's pure ebony of whatever wood, that doesn't change anything in regards to the ridiculous price. In fact it's probably easier to work than veneering. As soon as I saw or heard the price and saw the speakers, I didn't bother watching any further. Getting good PR from Steve is a swan song for this company.

[@jan9]

​@@puciohenzap891 High end hifi is expensive, but not if you compare it to a high end handbag :)

[@TheDjcarlos67]

😅😂 Give over

[@gtrguyinaz]

Boy, lots of chat about these… price seems to be an issue..

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Of course! If someone doesn't think it's worth it they don't buy it! That's easy. But apparently there are enough people buying Ravens, so everybody's happy.