GOLDENEAR T66 The Search For TRUTH & BEAUTY Ends Here!

[@alext2933]

I heard a pair of these recently and was very impressed. Also, to make all your own drivers, in-house, at this price, is rare indeed. The red looks way nicer to me. Go listen yourself....

[@goldenear]

Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen, for your thoughtfulness, and for sharing your experience with the viewers. You clearly captured what we're trying to achieve -- that perfect balance of truth and beauty -- and we're eager for many more listeners to experience the T66.

[@pj1333]

Steve is a FANTASTIC reviewer! Thanks Steve! Loved your comparisons. @goldenear, can you send a pair to Andrew Robinson for a review? He has MANY subscribers who trust he and his wife's subjective opinions who has been in the industry for many years. I own your SuperSat 60s with your SuperSub X and love them! I also have your SuperCenter X with ForceField 3s in my bedroom. I used to own the Triton 7s but downsized.

[@americancreekresources6895]

Steve, I can tell how much you enjoyed these speakers by your ear-to-ear grin and you're almost giggling when you speak. I have the same reaction to my Goldenear speakers and like you, my listening sessions have caused me to lose a lot of sleep because I have to listen to "just one more song"!

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Thanks for another great review. Look beautiful and I’m sure they sound awesome. I’m cautious with powered speakers because in my experience the amp or amps eventually need repair or replacement and it’s a real pain. The fact they only give 3 years on the electronics and 5 years elsewhere reinforces what they expect to happen down the road with the amps. Quality separate passive speakers and amps last for years and years in my experience. Waiting for a manufacturer to add a 5 or 10 year warranty on electronics to match the rest of the speaker. Then I’ll give powered another try.

[@ping2dk]

Hi Steve you missed out on its two bigger brothers: GoldenEar Triton Reference and OneR................ We really need a comparison between those and the new T66. The Reference goes down to 22 hz with a 1800 watt amp for the 3 active and 4 passive bass woofers.- I upgraded from Hegel H90 til H160 and was happy. Then a norwegian who had a room at a HighFi show told me: - HEGEL and NAD plays more correctly, but PrimaLuna is much more musical and engaging. So I bought the first edition of the EVO 400 the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP - Now I can finally say I have a real HighEnd sound. - It has a very Big sound stage with silky smooth sound with much more air and details. Combined with my GoldenEar Triton Reference it is a combination made in heaven used also by Sandy Gross in many shows. Feed by a DAC from: Audio Alchemy DDP 1 and PS 5 Power Supply + Audio Alchemy DMP-1 Streamer (Roon Ready & DSD Streamer)

[@ping2dk]

@AudioAdvice says: The flagship model is still better. !!! §;-) The comparision between these and the One.R is more interesting. That new cast metal base with better spikes makes a big difference, as that tech usually does in most speakers. You seem to get better clarity and resolution. These are also slightly more sensitIve making them a bit more dynamic. The One.R might have more deep bass punch, although not quite as controlled as this one- probably due to the base and feet as well

[@MrBazsi888]

I own double goldenear xxl subwoofers for my stereo setup. By integrating them, my system is an endgame systemin my eyes. I dont miss anything anymore.

[@CJ-vh2hf]

Great review Steve, we appreciate your hard work and expertise! We need reviewers like you are not afraid to review varying price ranges because we know everyone have different commitments! I have the Goldenear BRX from your review, this just seems much more of a good thing!!

[@americancreekresources6895]

Great review. I have the Goldenear Triton 1 Reference speakers (very similar to these) and just love them. While they really excel with voices, I find they are a great speaker for a wide variety of music. They also do a fantastic job for theatre (I use three across the front of my theatre so they all match perfectly). Good to see the company carry the torch high now that Sandy Gross has left.

[@mrpmj00]

I use 3 GoldenEar BRX as my LCR kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5TEhpdupLVniZI

[@jamesflood2295]

Excellent review Steve. I have always been impressed with the Golden Ear speakers and subwoofer line. They represent enormous value. Your review made me want to go out and purchase a pair. Unfortunately they are out of my budget. Keep on sharing your insight based on decades of experience with listening to exceptional audio products that are within reach of most enthusiasts.

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

Sounds like Quest Audio Group has a home run with the T66 and that is fantastic news ! I own the Triton 1 Reference and happy with its performance as well. Thank you, Steve for your channel and great information on the audio product that make our lives more entertaining. Keep up the Great Work !

[@franciscorompana2985]

Nice shirt Steve. It's like your DNA. Love your videos. Your stories are like KZbin glue. Keep them coming. Congratulations again from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@greghopkins8086]

Great review, puts these speakers on my upgrade short list. Regarding one comment critical of the 3 year warranty for electronics, this is common. JL Audio mfrs some of the best subs out there and warranties electronics 3 yrs as well. Love the cosmetic upgrades as well, other than not a fan of red. Would look amazing in other colors like sports car putty gray, but then we are talking higher price point. Black please.

[@robgallos4669]

I would like to see a T-REF version of the T-66. Then I’m all in and ready to purchase.

[@dougg1075]

Love the look of em. Probably all the speaker anyone would ever need.

[@erics.4113]

Steve really did a great job summing up these speakers. If youre a GoldenEar fan and love what that reference tweeter can do, you owe it to yourself to demo these. Vs the outgoing One.R, the refinement really steps up with the T66, but its still very smooth and easy to listen to with any genre. "Truth with beauty" (paraphrased from Steve). You get the detail, but never feel as though its driving that detail into your ears. Bass is impressive, quite possibly no sub needed for medium sized rooms, and the special way in which these speakers do spatial cues and soundstage makes them ideal for simply playing into and filling a room with sound. Equipment matching is easy too. Lot to like with this new direction from GoldenEar

[@jefflashway6644]

I have a pair of T1 that I mostly used for HT for years. I used Maggies for 2 channel. When I changed my room around in a way that made the Maggies impractical, I started using that Goldenears. I had forgotten just how great these are. They are easy to set up and position and throw a beautiful soundstage. As much bottom as you could want without messing with external subs, It seems that Goldenears have fallen out of favor, judging from audio forums. That's a shame. They don't know what they're missing. PS...I still have my Maggies, packed away under the bed, It's always fun to change things up occasionally.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

i’ve only ever heard terrific things about Golden Ear gear

[@josesousa272]

Never heard that. Some exemples, please?

[@klaymoon1]

Great video! I wish Goldenear will release a full active version of T66 like some active KEF speakers.

[@mrpmj00]

I love my GoldenEar BRX speakers with the same AMT tweeter and neodymium magnets. source=Apple Music lossless

[@buffal0bilious]

I know someone with Triton Ones, and those speakers impress me every time I hear them. They're very three dimensional, detailed, and mostly neutral sounding but with serious low-end push and a bit of tasteful sparkle on top. Although I hear their sparkle can be a bit too much of a good thing with the wrong electronics. Still, they're a seriously fun listen. I'd love to give the T66s a spin.

[@teamsandvik]

Thanks for showing my low budget stereo setup. I didn't mean an "awful" Kenwood equalizer, but an awful good equalizer that I just love. Best regards, Bjarte

[@axelwunsch2366]

Their meetings are some of the best in the entire industry; you can always easily assess the products as to whether they are right for you. A big thank you for your discussions, which always explain exactly how the respective product works and can be assessed.

[@johnnyhiett]

VSOTD! Phillips GA212 turntable ! I had that model for decades. Using the ADC ZLM or XLM cartridge. A lower mass arm than most on the market now. Skin capacitance switches !

[@analogkid4557]

This was a great video Steve. Thank you.

[@andrewfurst5711]

Great review, but I especially loved the custom made speakers in the System of the Day.

[@charlesf2804]

It seems as the T66 is the replacement for the Triton One.R, which isn't available in North America anymore; not a coincidence, probably. The Triton Reference is the next up from here now. Nice review. I'm not a fan of powered speakers necessarily (my room is wall-plug challenged), but these have my attention.

[@peterlarkin762]

I do love a multi point source speaker... "How many drivers would you..." "All of em."

[@Jack96993]

Love to hear these speakers I have the grandfather to these with all the same features The speakers are the Definitive Technology Mythos ST's and if fed a good source, they sound pretty darn good

[@windv]

I have the same mythos speakers and have been wandering if upgrading to the t66 or the reference models would make a huge difference to justify 10 times the price I paid for the definitive technology...

[@dilbyjones]

I would sum the " quest " up like this.. lol love it.

[@silkwurms]

Us3 is wonderful!

[@dwaynesbadchemicals]

Agree with you about Radiohead. Didn’t get them at first but I soon found their musical genius overwhelming.

[@lexiconthx1]

On the viewer system of the day my school roommate had that same kenwood eq always loved the spectrum analyzer in it. New systems need to bring those back!

[@dougg1075]

Man I’m a huge spectrum analyzer fan. Had a Parasound for years with one and when it was gone , it felt like something was missing. Makes the component seem like it’s doing something. Fun

[@teamsandvik]

Yes, I think the word good was lost in translation. I didn't mean an "awful" Kenwood equalizer, but an awful good equalizer that I just love. GE-7030 is perhaps one of the best ever made. Best regards, Bjarte

[@lexiconthx1]

@@dougg1075 Total agree really like the display on the new Michi amplifiers. Kind of brings back this style display.

[@lexiconthx1]

@@teamsandvik It is really a sweet EQ and they still go for good money if you can find one!!

[@The.SpotlightKid]

I tip my hat to Dr. Oskar Heil, inventor of the F.E.T. & the only guy who bothered to physically disect & study the larynx & the equivalent of 'vocal chords' in the common frog, who's croak, Dr. Heil had noticed, is so very unnaturally loud for the tiny size of frog's sound making bio'mechanism, the folded pleated membrane that gives the frog a 'voice' of sorts, was the direct inspiration for Oskar Heil to invent the folded membrane (or rather 'discovered' nature's method) of the frog's A.M.T. (air motion transforme r) ..mid &/or tweeter. The 1'st 'Heil' mid-tweet was larger that the tweeter only versions & went down flat to 900'Hz in old ESS speakers who first (as far as I know) took Oskar's design on commercially. A 2"inch wide & 4" high A.M.T. of Oskar's design had an equjvalent surface area of an 8"inch cone speaker, but the folded pleats squeeze the air compressions & rarifications of a soundwave out with barely perceptive movement. Hats off in respect to Dr. Oskar Heil (with a 'K' i think without checking)

[@segovia2us]

Really enjoyed this episode. Speakers are beautiful, though I might like them a little better in some type of rosewood or burled mahogany. (IMHO)

[@hbg70]

I would really like to see you review the Copland CSA 100. The most beautiful int. amp I know of.

[@mjot2360]

I'm glad to see you used Triode Wire Labs speaker cables. What are your thoughts on their cable line?

[@xicofaria]

Steve, you have an album on the shelf of the London band The Passions. However, the cover doesn't correspond to any of the bands known albums (Sanctuary, 30000 feet over China, Michael & Miranda, Passion Plays). Which one is it?

[@redstarwraith]

I was very much looking forward to this review and you did not disappoint. Thought it was a shame you didn't have the Eminent Technologies speakers in house to do a comparison but, we cannot have everything we want.

[@gtrguyinaz]

Steve, for me… I desire comparisons also.. Eminent Tech will never sound like this for sure.. I plan to listen to Eminent Technology soon..

[@danielwilliams1921]

I just ordered a pair.

[@geraldgreene5563]

Looks a little better than there stuff in the pass.. looks is a deal breaker for me but I could love with those

[@winstondex4042]

Please review elipson 3210 speaker

[@winston755]

I have a pair they are amazing ❤❤❤

[@mpaige6224]

Steve , how do these stack up to the Triton One.R set ? Great review !! I am debating getting these or the One.R to replace my old DefTech 7002 pair :)

[@johntucker5994]

Great review Steve! I am interested in the changes you made to your Pure Audio Project 15 (guessing they are in the crossover) and how that affected their sound. Perhaps you could share on here or during a video. Love your reviews…

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks, I will be talking about the changes in the Pures in a few weeks.

[@mehulpatel5144]

Please ASAP. Thinking of purchasing these and would like as much information as possible regarding the crossovers and driver choices.

[@user-ue8wz2rs7p]

Any chance you could look st the Borressen X6? Looks like their trickle down flagship! Nice review, Cheers.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No but I have the X3 review up today

[@shitmandood]

Try as I might, I just don't trust speakers with built-in amps in them. The internal electronics tend to break early and my expectation of a good set of speakers is that it can last a long time. My old, crappy Polk Audio Monitor towers are still working 19 years later. But the powered subs all died in less than five years. Tried them twice and the same thing happened: the amp died, call the manufacturer and they tell you it's out of support/landfill. These Golden Ears look great and probably sound great...if only they didn't have the amps in them.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I understand. They also make all passive designs.

[@nirodha35]

If the internal electronics break they are made of crappy parts

[@CinemaPunk]

how does this compare to the trition 2 plus? i notice the frequency on the t66 is alot less compared to the t2 plus also the t2plus has 1200w sub and the t66 has only 500w sub.

[@CUBICUB]

Great review, Steve.

[@retroelectrical]

I came hear for some Police Academy antics. Instead I get a review for a speaker that costs more than my car.

[@jpmerrick8886]

I wonder what Steve feels about bw90

[@onchuner]

thnank you for video i know i know nothing but half an hour isn't nothing

[@kennethdias9988]

Have you reviewed the Yamaha ns 5000s

[@matldn2697]

They do make some of the best speakers in a price range.

[@ctrhinos1602]

They "used" to make some of the best speakers in a price range. Prices have really ramped up from when they launched and especially when the company was sold.

[@cirwin4099]

triton 5's are amazing and at a great price point.

[@sigurdbjrkas5678]

Hi Steve! Thanks for a nice review :) How does these stack up to the Audio Physic Tempo 35 that you reviewed some time back? Thanks!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

It's a good question, but there's no way I can mentally compare speakers I've heard years apart. I will say I'm still drawn to 100% passive speakers, it's just more to my taste.

[@sigurdbjrkas5678]

Thanks for the reply! Fully understandable :)@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

[@IsaacChew]

Designs like these, wouldn’t the sub cause vibrations in the speaker and affect its performance? Just wondering.

[@vtkz]

how ? than all floorstanders with big lowend drivers wouldnt work. well integrated subwoofer(s) are problem solvers and are deliver an way better performance than any floorstander would do. A good setup DSP and correct subwoofer layout is the way for best lowend

[@trevornmartinmartin2756]

excellent

[@dry509]

Would not the search include being able to hear the musical lines and the rhythm clearly…it’s not about sound…it’s about the music.

[@robmaxwell3678]

Steve, if you really a want a remote to control the bass levels, a good option might be an integrated amp from NAD or Lyngdorf that have the bass management systems that you can control from your phone app. I think preamp streamers from NAD have the bass management, and maybe Bluesound also.

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Or get an SVS sub that has App remote control!

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

7k is a bit rich for my blood, but the top 2% would surely enjoy them.

[@Jack96993]

People north of Richmond could afford them 😅

[@erics.4113]

I have speakers that equal half my yearly salary. No 2% I'm poor, I just have my priorities 😊

[@JanPatrickLucas]

That a boy Steve! Was highly anticipating this one! You are the man!

[@mpp9964]

No matter the sound, those grilles make for a no-go. Looks like something from Radio Shack

[@tallpaull9367]

It ends right here !?! : )

[@nelsonclub7722]

It doesn't. It never ends.

[@brucen6117]

Steve: You say you made changes to your Duet15s. What were they? What didn't you like about the originals? Thanks!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I'll be talking about that later this month or early December

[@brucen6117]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I look forward to your impressions.

[@brucen6117]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac A thought: Try the Duet15s with a Nelson Pass designed DIY ACA Mini amplifier (5 watts). It is astoundingly clear and clean sounding. I replaced my Schiit Aegir with one. Maybe Herb Reichert will lend you his. 😉

[@slawek6829]

Goldenear or 702s2 ??

[@CinemaPunk]

just heard the t66 compaired to the triton 2 plus. not a HUGE difference. triton 2 plus is more worth it. i also got a second pair of t2plus for 2799 holiday price. the t66 also has imo snake oil audio-quest cabling.

[@joramvandervorst7715]

I don't get the comparison with a open baffle that requires a totally different listening environment and has a total different tonal signature then the T66, makes no sense in my book...

[@ryanschipp8513]

Or.....save yourself a couple grand and get the Goldenear Triton One.R.....5k.

[@erics.4113]

More bass from the bigger One.R, but they do not have the detail and refinement that the T66 have. Not really even close when you switch back and forth..

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@erics.4113 You did an AB comparison?

[@erics.4113]

@@ryanschipp8513 yes, and have now spent a good amount of time with both. Setup right next to each other, then swapped the bananas, driven from NAD M33 bridged with M23 .. the GoldenEar and the NAD Purifi is a nice match btw. The One.R have the physics on their side, being physically larger. They can absolutely output more bass SPL for a larger room. But the T66 just sound like a more refined speaker. Better separation. Better detail, more finesse, but still very smooth and walking that line of high level detail without being brash, shouty or too bright. In audiophile terms, the T66 are the proverbial "lifting of the veil" and clear window pane compared to the One.R. . I'm paying them a good compliment because I think the One.R are very good. T66 is next gen level. That tweeter really did it.

[@erics.4113]

@@ryanschipp8513 almost forgot - you're not wrong about saving some dough for the One.R. If there are any left at $5k, absolute bargain and shouldn't be overlooked. Especially if you have a bigger room. Also, if you tend to like a warmer sounding speaker, the One.R might actually be your preference. But you'll trade all those other refinements for that warmth. Subjectively speaking...

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@erics.4113 anyone can find them on the Internet for the 5000. They are 100% available right now

[@jeffkalina7727]

Truth, justice and the American way. Still made in China, right?

[@RennieAsh]

So he's not going to review any more speakers?

[@mvallely79]

Audiofools are so funny.

[@donalddietz4755]

Sorry Steve, but if you’re streaming with the node your already not getting anything near what streaming has to offer as a listenable source. A valid comparison of a vinyl rendition of a recording to a streamed version requires that you respect the streamed version by listening to it on something better than the node

[@donalddietz4755]

@@KillianMcBride You might be surprised. You might not

[@davidfairchild1640]

Which streamers deliver the bits more accurately to the DAC?

[@jamesschneider3828]

I guess it depends on the DAC used. That node can sound great if you use a really good dac.

[@IsaacChew]

I agree. A better digital player makes a lot of difference. The bluesound is good, but isn’t at the same level as the rest of your gear. With an average source, the potential of all downstream equipment are held back. As a professional reviewer you will need something better.

[@1337wafflezz]

lolololol how many times do you audiofools have to be debunked?

[@DjBlaaack]

My uncle has a pair and I only hear good reviews, they’re just so damn ugly to look at

[@paulomontero12]

Why is he still talking? Show an in depth look at the product please. Show more of the product less of the consumer.

[@peterlarkin762]

Steve doesn't really do cinematography! Never has. Just audio reviews.