The SHOCKING GR-Research XLS Encore Audiophile DIY KIT Speakers ! My Final Review

GR-Research XLS Encore is a DIY KIT Speaker that makes high-end affordable for audiophiles in their home audio sound systems.
non-affiliated purchase links:
GR research XLS Encore (Finished): gr-research.co...
GR research XLS Encore KIT (No cabinet): gr-research.co...
GR research XLS Encore Flatpack Cabinet: gr-research.co...
Frederik contact if you need help building: [e-mail]
Amplifier used for XLS encore:
Starke Sound Fiera4: • Is The New Starke Clas...
Thallo Amplifier/Hades Pre-amplifier: • Denafrips' NEW KICK AS...
IOTAVX SA3 + PA3 Combo: • Under $1000 Integrated...
related videos/blind tests:
Which is the better DIY Speaker? CSS Audio 1TDx vs GR Research XLS Encore speakers: • Which is the better DI...
Is GR-Research XLS Encore DIY KIT Speaker a Giant Killer? vs Sonus Faber Electa Amator III: • Is GR-Research XLS Enc...
GR-Research XLS Encore Speakers & Speaker Cables Arrived ! AND The PLAN is...: • GR-Research XLS Encore...
Measurements: Coming Soon
Support on Patreon: / jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: / jays_iyagi
follow on Facebook: / jayiyagiofficial
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: • Jay's Soundstage! reviews
My Daily Components (All Tested And Proved To Work in Blind Tests)
Fancy speaker stands I use: shop-links.co/...
Speaker stands I use (budget): amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Desktop Speaker Stands I Use: shop-links.co/...
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
Speaker Isolation Feet I Use: shop-links.co/...
Turntable Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/...
Component Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/...
#hifi #audiophile #homeaudio

[@Jayiyagi]

Thank you for stopping by and feel free to share your experience in the comments below. Don't forget to click the like button on this video if it was helpful, it helps me out with the KZbin algorithm :) non-affiliated purchase links: GR research XLS Encore (Finished): gr-research.com/product/xls-encore/ GR research XLS Encore KIT (No cabinet): gr-research.com/product/x-ls-encore/ GR research XLS Encore Flatpack Cabinet: gr-research.com/product/x-ls-flatpack-pair/ Amplifier used for XLS encore: Starke Sound Fiera4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoKVi4xvgd2FnKs Thallo Amplifier/Hades Pre-amplifier: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGjQkKGIq6pkbc0 IOTAVX SA3 + PA3 Combo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWLOp6uGhMlsY9U related videos/blind tests: Which is the better DIY Speaker? CSS Audio 1TDx vs GR Research XLS Encore speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZDLXqafa9l9nsU Is GR-Research XLS Encore DIY KIT Speaker a Giant Killer? vs Sonus Faber Electa Amator III: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJTJY6ePrrisd7s GR-Research XLS Encore Speakers & Speaker Cables Arrived ! AND The PLAN is...: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6uamYxof5h1otk Measurements: Coming Soon Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 *My Daily Components (All Tested And Proved To Work in Blind Tests)* Fancy speaker stands I use: shop-links.co/choe8oQHC9w Speaker stands I use (budget): amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Desktop Speaker Stands I Use: shop-links.co/chofc1R7mpT acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM Speaker Isolation Feet I Use: shop-links.co/choffy3csSK Turntable Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofgeNORJP Component Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofhTC3wc7

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

The "KIT (no cabinet)" link is same as the third link

[@Jayiyagi]

@@sdrtcacgnrjrc corrected. Thank you :)

[@wa2368]

Nice review! Today the Encore, tomorrow the NX-Otica review and onto the NX-treme which shall be the full moon day you become enlightened like the Buddha himself.

[@PetraKann]

What it a DOUBLE blind test?

[@barney6888]

Are you posting these for sale in CAM?

[@wiebl5266]

Forget what Jay said, go for the XLS encore, it IS a better speaker, period. I've bought both, and both are assembled by craftsmen. And in terms of sound depth, overall integrated sound, and especially the richness of the bass, not just low bass but also the mid bass. The vocal is not the most refined, but on the overall it has beaten speakers 3x its price. Jay's ego was destroyed when he talked to Danny about his earlier comments and so now he wants to "get back" at Danny by giving the review "It's good, but.... depends on your taste.... (a lot of qualifiers)" Go for the GR Research--Encore XLS. Yes yes yes, everything boils down to personal taste. But there is a less biased review, when you hear the review across many reviewers. So, check out the reviews of New Record Day, GoldenEar and a few more, then draw your conclusion.

[@frederf69]

Danny is very helpful & responsive to email. I am interested in DIY as I can't afford great expensive speakers, & so therefore see this as a worth while compromise; doing some of the labour. Good follow up review, thanks 👍👍

[@TomlynAdvisors]

I'm new to the Encores, and what I see on KZbin is compelling. Been looking at Klipsch 600 / 8000, but have not heard the Encores. How much "better" are they in terms of Soundstage and replication ?

[@musiccritic8704]

As an previous owner of the rp 600m’s get the gr research hands down. The klipsch wont even compare. The klipsch will have MUCH more bass especially if you get the towers and the klipsch have amazing detail retrieval and really emphasize tiny details in the treble that you wont hear from other speakers, BUT the midrange is horribly sucked out and on some songs/recordings you don’t notice it but on the recordings with a lots of midrange harmonies, the klipsch sounds horrible which is why I returned them.

[@freone111]

Thank you Jay. Keep up the great work. I hope you enjoyed your time with these XLS Encores. I definitely enjoyed the journey. Frederick

[@carlsitler9071]

I prefer BIG box speakers (3-way with 15" paper woofer) as sometimes I like to crank them to full volume. My bookshelf speakers have their place but...

[@soundguy71.]

I'm in total agreement. I re-coned my Optimus Mack 3's a few years back, these 1991 radio shack speakers are amazing. I bought them brand new in 1991. They rock and no sub needed

[@stevenpaul3886]

I got news for you, those drivers sound amazing! Better the SVS driver as well as many others. I was shocked as well but you know what it’s the design sound that matters more in my opinion. They push a nice amount of air for a woofer that size the the cone material is nice.

[@justins.1283]

GR research has a flat pack available on their web site. I've heard them and when a subwoofer is integrated with the speakers placed about 3' from the wall they disappeared. Just my personal experience.

[@Jayiyagi]

nice !

[@ruger6049]

What bugs me about this "they disappear when way out into the room..." thing is that many small speakers that cost less can do this. My former Totem One's did just that when they were 4-5 feet from the wall and same with the very old Spica TC-50.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Slight correction Jay - the XLS Encore cabinet you have is made with Baltic birch plywood, and the corner chamfers are cut on a table saw. No veneers are involved.

[@JayBeezy31]

I noticed !! hes obviously a rich kid, and an audio elitist.... several of his videos display this.

[@JayBeezy31]

i bet my tiny paycheck that hes deep down PISSED that he cant be seen using the smsl su-10 DAC that freaking beats his 7 thousand dollar dac that i cant pronounce.

[@cvee2614]

Good review Jay. On a personal note, I have the XLS Encore's that I built a couple years ago with the upgrade kit option, Micaps, No-res, etc.... Do they sound good? Meh, sure, but not as good as I would like. Spaced properly about 3-4' from the wall on 30 inch stands, they sound a bit "choked" is the best way to describe. Alternatively, I have a pair of open baffle speakers (my own design, tang bands 5" full range and my engineered caps/inductors/resistors) that honestly sound way better, open, sound stage and imaging, impactful resolution of sound stage.

[@eightrodway]

Good review. Given your initial skepticism, you've really tried to be even-handed. It's very helpful to state your preferences, which you do admirably. Since I find Magico, Focal, and Klipsch to be too forward in the highs, it seems I'd like these speakers!

[@Jayiyagi]

Yes but to be clear… my preference isn’t those speakers.

[@Wormmmmm]

@@Jayiyagi Didn't you buy an Klipsch Cornwall IV ?

[@connorduke4619]

Something voiced closer to neutral may also suit like a Dynaudio Evoke 20.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@Wormmmmm yes a while back. I don't own them anymore as they are simply too big to haul around in my forever changing system. Great speakers though

[@wiebl5266]

go for it! Be patient give in 1 week to loosen up, then you'll hear the "Layers" of music.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

A review of some higher tier GR stuff would b cool 👍

[@wokthetalk3079]

I hope Jay will review other kits as well Em B, such as the very inexpensive but highly regarded C-Note MT found at Part Express or the open baffle 2way LXStudio that was design by Riley Linkwitz and is sold by Madisound. Now if Jay is really adventurous he should try the 4way open baffle Linkwitz Labs, LX521 (Madisound). I just heard them in person this year for the first time at the Pacific Audio Fest and they blew my mind! Perhaps rather than me describing them, reader of this comment can search the ‘Audiophile Junkies’ YT channel and hear/see them for yourselves. This Ytuber has also reviewed higher end GR Research speakers too.

[@Rocker6969]

If I can only place the speaker 2 feet from the wall is the XLS encore worth getting ? Will it sound good ?

[@NosEL34]

I don't think this speaker is very practical for most homes.. 5 feet or more of a wall definitely wouldn't work for me. Placing it 2 feet off the wall while knowing it would sound better with an Xtra 3 feet or so would drive me nuts lol

[@Cujobob]

The ironic part about what is best for most homes is that large waveguide speakers control directivity the best which is the most important part about good sound in small rooms.

[@freone111]

I have built alot of these, and just to make it clear for everyone this speaker works well close to the wall. You have to understand that the purpose of bringing it out the room is maximizing the potential of any speaker to create soundstage. It is a misconception or a wrong perception to think that it only works 4 feet away.

[@simpsonbergman2185]

@@Cujobob I'm interested in that. What is an example of such a speaker?

[@alstonmaccow9386]

I’ve had a good sleep and woke still in a good mood and here is my thought on this review of this speaker and this nothing against Jay This should not have been a positive review and for 2 reasons 1 who has the room to have these speakers the distance from the wall? 2. The loose speaker binding post LOL that I just can’t live with and I would have stopped there and said no this is not acceptable.

[@freone111]

@@alstonmaccow9386 please go back to sleep

[@deoncruywagen5191]

Nice review, Jay. Some serious food for thought here. But this has me wondering- when are you going to Texas? After the long break between videos, I was hoping it was because you had gone to visit Danny in Texas. That is one video I am really looking forward to.

[@Jayiyagi]

Hopefully soon. I have a job and a life so I have to plan for it. As much as I’d love to, can’t drop everything and just go

[@miheadhurts]

@@Jayiyagi but the people here who you don't know, demand that you should go for our benefit 😉. I would be really interested in you reviewing Danny's high-end set up.

[@deoncruywagen5191]

@@Jayiyagi, thanks for taking the time to answer. I can understand that it is difficult, and we appreciate the fact that you're still willing to do it. My question sprang from the unusually long wait between videos. I needed my Jay's iyagi fix, man. 😂

[@jimberge5884]

Isn’t it true that if you pull any speaker 5 feet from the wall you will get a much deeper sound stage :. ????

[@Jayiyagi]

Mmmm. Not always and the level of deepness depends. Ex. It’s not always the same ratio (distance:soundstage)

[@northa4021]

On a recent trip to Texas I stop at GR Research, almost unannounced, and Danny was very accommodating. I suffer from minor tinnitus so I decided to not get the upgrades however there were 2, 0.1uf sonicap bypass caps included. I did get the No rez. I am looking forward to getting these speakers built. Are they the be all and end all in speaker design? Probably not but, they do come with support from someone that is passionate about what they do and is more than willing to help. Thanks for the review Jay, I am looking forward to the NRC measurements.

[@sentineldragon]

Can't recommend Frederick's work highly enough. He sold me the production AV123 XLS Encores and upgraded to the Sonicaps for half the price of a pre-built kit from GR-Research. New to the audiophile game, but I can already hear more than I could on my Emotiva B1+. For $600, I can cut my audio chops on these for a few years.

[@ziggy8757]

are the mids and highs on these encores better than emotiva b1+, more refined? what are your thoughts

[@G3rain1]

I have no prior wood working experience and was able to assemble the XLS Encore perfectly first try.

[@Jayiyagi]

Good for you man !

[@ejdavis72]

The thing I really like about the XLS Encore is that it's very forgiving and plays everything very well. Hard to find a speaker that does that. Now, I will admit that it does have it's dull moments but I am coming from many years of listening to speakers that were not neutral like Klipsch, JBL, Cerwin Vega etc... I ended up taking some of my room treatment down to add a little more sparkle to them and it worked well. I have also found that in a smaller room such as my master bedroom they sound incredible with nothing lacking. These just are not great for large rooms.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

IME almost all speakers sound better for sound staging when you pull them out into the room. This is not specific for GR Research. Only exception are for speakers specifically designed for corners of the room like some Klipsh.

[@Jayiyagi]

Not specific to GR but the difference is more drastic because of the design goal

[@stephenstevens6573]

I was talking to Danny on another post about the tube connectors, but we got separated somehow. I was asking about the gains of the tube connectors over the banana plugs and he was saying that it makes a big difference in sound quality, and I wasn't arguing that point. Maybe he will see this here. What I was asking for clarification on was when you are using the tube connectors on the speaker end, what about the fact that nearly all amplifiers have banana plugs or spades on the output of the amp. My question is when you have banana plugs on one end, how do the tube connectors make such a big difference on the other end?

[@tinnitusintx]

My guess would be that perhaps each "lower quality" connection presents a degradation to signal integrity....so banana connectors at the amp degrade the signal, then banana connectors at the speaker degrade it yet again. With the tube connectors at the speaker, that second signal degradation scenario is eliminated. Just my WAG.

[@Jayiyagi]

I think danny’s explanation for these type of questions would be “everything matters”

[@robh7106]

Don't waste your money on Tube Connectors. It is impossible for them to make any difference in the sound whatsoever. In fact, if anything they could possibly degrade the sound by their inability to make a dependable tight physical connection to each other.

[@robh7106]

@@tinnitusintx There is no evidence that quality banana connectors degrade the signal in any way whatsoever. The is just something that you and others are making up in order to justify using Tube Connectors.

[@johnshore3095]

With my 1st pair of speakers, which I modded I hard wired the speaker cable from amp to drive units with no breaks through the back of the cabinets. Sealed with blutack. That was 35 years ago and was a pair of Mordaunt Short MS100's only one component in the crossover a capacitor, which I upgraded too.

[@Ryu288288]

Great review Jay, any plans on reviewing Arendale speakers, especially the 1723 Tower S THX?

[@rael2099]

Sturdiness in a speaker is important to me because I tend to run over my speakers with a truck by accident, all the time. Clumsy me.

[@Jayiyagi]

hahahaha

[@foblivio]

Damn, Jay, your listening space is looking really good. Love the plants.

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks !

[@rmzidann]

I think that was an excellent and fair review. Good job! Now, I have a better understanding of it’s sound.👍

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

First things first…Jay, you have been a class act through all this. On to the speaker… For most people it’s just not practical to pull speakers so far into their room but if they sound best that way so be it. The real culprit in speaker disappointment is not experimenting with placement, rearranging items in room, etc. I think many people underestimate the importance of these variables. It requires some trial and error and patience. Lastly, some well researched wall treatments can do wonders too. It doesn’t always involve just buying another speaker and hoping for the magic. Honestly, I’ve known a couple of people that built the Encores with good results. They’re good speakers and it’s a fun and rewarding project but it’s not magic either. Building a speaker that does great things is a balance of science and art. It’s brains and it’s finesse. Furthermore, tube connectors aren’t magic either nor are they practical w/all cables so take that for what its worth. Honestly, I like the newer PSB and Q Acoustics binding posts. They are 2 different approaches but well executed. Many engineers have been using quality binding posts forever and frankly they work quite well. You’d have better gains with improved crossover implementation/parts and this is where I align with Danny most of all. I’ve built crossovers, cabinets, etc over the years and it’s super fun but not easy and honestly, it can involve a lot of math to get things right. However, there is no such thing as a perfect speaker hence the audiophile journey and all it’s joys. Danny does have a point because almost every big speaker company builds something if not almost everything to a price point and that’s usually not good for the customer. Speaker companies throw all kinds of shortcuts in the cabinet because they know 99% of people will never look in there nor would they know what they’re looking at if they did. Therefore, just about everything can be improved upon in some meaningful way if you have the knowledge and patience. It’s been this way forever with everything from speakers to shoes to cars. However, with more companies doing good work and offering direct to consumer speakers, you can acquire high quality pieces built to great spec. I never thought that taking a $400-$500 speaker and spending another $300 to have a marginal “improvement” was really that clever when you could just buy a better speaker in the first place but hey that’s just me. I think Danny is a very smart guy with true insights but I just felt like he could have spent more time showing and teaching with his own products rather than slagging others. His message was never incorrect IMO, but it’s delivery was not always welcoming. It’s just not a good campaign strategy in such a small niche world. But again, you handle yourself very well for such a young dude. Keep up the great insights because a lot of folks new and experienced are listening. 👍🏻

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks man and well said ! I agree with everything you said here

[@rikardekvall3433]

Well even Buchardt sells upgrade crossover (650€/pair) to their S400 Mk1. So they sounds better. If you buy a better speaker, then you should check out Danny’s test of expensive/better speakers. Or buy a kit from Danny or CSS. Now we are talking.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

@@rikardekvall3433 I agree with you but this is one of my points. Buchardt is a direct to consumer brand. Yes, they understand better parts can equal a discernible improved performance. However, it doesn’t always for everyone. Danny is not wrong in his findings. It’s not rocket science as crap in will generally equal crap out. However, many wouldn’t feel comfortable tearing open their expensive and pretty speakers hoping to get it right. And if they damage their speaker they’ve just invalidated a warranty. They’d rather just buy a different or better speaker if their budget allows. Furthermore, with Klipsch, ELAC, KEF, B&W, you don’t have these options. You get what you get unless you buy w/the intent on “improving” which most don’t. Zu, Tekton, and a growing number of the DTC brands will give you these options. In the end if you want to tinker then tinker. That shit is fun and rewarding. Otherwise, do some research, save your money, and buy a better speaker.

[@tonycherryhomes3607]

I feel everything you wrote was well thought out and well written. I am with on 90%. But, I love the fact that Danny opens stuff up for us all to see and present graphs on the existing responses and his" recommended" upgrades. I don't know how he could be more helpful.

[@DethFromAbove1985]

For me personally I don't care much about what a speaker has below the waste. The magic is all from the lower midrange to the tippity top. I will always have subs for bass extension.

[@ManuelMedellin.]

please review Floorstanding speaker: - Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G (or 300 7G) - Arendal 1723 Towers Bookshelfs: - Triangle Comète 40th Anniversary (WILL blow you away)

[@editorjuno]

How can a DIY two-way speaker kit represent good value when you can buy a pair of excellent three-way active speakers for less than USD $800 MSRP? I guess if you really love to DIY, but still....

[@robh7106]

Because when you spend $800 for four drivers and the parts needed for two crossovers you are getting top of the line products with outstanding performance. When you spend the same $800 for a pair of manufactured 3-way active speakers most the money is going into the retailers pocket and the manufacturers cost for the cabinet, assembly labor, internal amplifiers, and mark up. So the amount left for the drivers is a very small part of the $800 and as a result you are getting cheap low performance drivers. The difference in the final sound quality is huge.

[@freone111]

I doubt you can buy a excellent 3 way for $800

[@jean-francoisrousseau896]

i understand that the sound of the speaker is good, but for me the driver look so cheap, i don't want it in my home. the inside is important but when i put a speaker in my room , i want something chic or quality looking stuf. that speaker looks like a 150$ speaker, and it's juste because of the driver . I don't know why GR research put this speaker everywhere, almost the flagship speakers are made with this cheap looking driver.

[@vynleshmynle7372]

It’s a pick up truck. You could run the back tire over your foot with no issues. This a perfect example of GR audios exaggerations.

[@roybatty-]

Looks like he has to cut some corners with parts in order to hit a price point...... Sort of what he accuses everyone else of doing.

[@tallpaull9367]

Also something worth mentioning is that if planning to use a subwoofer, XLS encore is an even better value proposition. Personally, I would much rather spend $1000 less over getting CSS 1TDx and put that $1000 towards a good subwoofer. XLS and a Sub will blow away 1TDx !

[@Jayiyagi]

Depends on taste. Id personally still choose the css audio. Or course, if budget allows.

[@paulmelendez2834]

I have the XLS with upgrade crossover and Path resistors paired with a SVS sealed 3000 and it’s tremendous.

[@34332]

I'm with jay here. Adding a sub to a speaker that isn't my taste doesn't magically make it a better deal or more likeable. That doesn't make any sense.

[@1997inspire]

After reading your post I wont bother to post mine, you took the words out of my mouth.

[@obijuan8466]

@@34332 Makes all the sense in the world, if your only issue is low end extension.

[@staLkerhu]

11:49 So, it is a bookshelf speaker which fails to be a proper bookshelf speaker. Like, I don't know how good it is regarding to other bookshelf solutions, but if it is designed to be at the middle of a room, and maybe it doesn't sound all that better than the others when placed close to a wall on an actual bookshelf or dresser, then what is the actual point? 🤔

[@BostonMike68]

The gr mids probably cost them $15 they are plastic and have tiny magnetics

[@carmelovillena6174]

Looks like jays is very carefull in not critizising danys encore are afraid of danny?

[@cobar5342]

I think you have over-estimated the assembly of the Encore. It is really easy and saves you heaps of cash. Not to mention that making speakers is fun! You can always get someone to build the boxes if you do not feel confident or have the equipment.

[@freone111]

You are correct, it is not that difficult.

[@4thewinir344]

But CSS makes it much simpler for the novice. I applaud the simplicity and strength of the flat pack they chose. Design-speaking, If Apple were to build a DIY speaker kit, it would be more like the CSS than the GR.

[@jaywatterworth]

Excellent, professional review. You consistently do such a great job and, most importantly, have fun doing it. Thanks from your namesake.

[@mabehall7667]

Lots of caveats here. Sounds a lot like a review presented by one of the old audio magazines where they didn’t much care for the product but didn’t want to upset someone who buys a lot of advertising space. And yes, I know Danny didn’t pay you. After watching your and other reviews, I bought the CSS audio 2TD-X (I have a large room) and I couldn’t be happier. I’m sure there are better speakers than these but much better and I couldn’t stand it. I’ve spent more time listening to the 2TD-X the last 3 weeks than I spent listing to my Yamaha NS1000M the previous 2 years. The Yamahas are great speakers but WOW! Thanks for your work.

[@Jayiyagi]

glad you are happy with the CSS. Yes there are caveats but I tried to be fair about it and overall it is a great speaker for the money regardless imho

[@robcaldarelli4520]

Is there a video where you talk about the diffusion on your front wall? Would love to hear more about it.

[@Jayiyagi]

Coming soon :)

[@JimmyAdam-d1h]

Wilderman Locks

[@adamjj85]

Nice balanced review Jay. Are NRC measurements still coming on this?

[@Jayiyagi]

Yes it’s coming :)

[@AndersonMichael-c2u]

Sedrick Common

[@tallpaull9367]

Odd to say that GR kit requires so much more work to assemble than the CSS?!? Assembling a flat pack from either CSS or GR should be quite similar. GR has a video showing how to assemble crossover, looks straight forward and easy to me.

[@Jayiyagi]

Good for you man. I was just looking at it from a first timer perspective. I just thought GR was harder for first timers from what I saw/heard from people that built it.

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

It's a point being repeated in the comments. There is indeed a flatpack available, the liberty of not having to buy the flatpack but make your own is a plus to me. In the end it's about taste, as jay says, they are a good speaker for the money.

[@danashay]

I'm thinking those beveled edges are where things get complicated. Tougher to align...

[@outboardfun3353]

Your right that woofer is very cheap

[@dioncassius4348]

Dynaudio Heritage in the back?

[@Jayiyagi]

;)

[@seanb3303]

If you like string instrument zing you would love Tekton Lore.

[@Jayiyagi]

I do 😂

[@rlowes]

Would you say the treble is something like the original Buchardt S400? Like really smooth and even, but missing that bit of sparkle, air and bite?

[@Jayiyagi]

Mmm. Kind of. Id say the gr is more smooth and refined

[@gene8933]

Take a trip to GR-Research give us a review on the rest of products.

[@SharonThompson-i8s]

Delmer Road

[@CharlesJohnson-s8w]

Durgan Islands

[@ShelleyMarico-z5k]

Judah Walks

[@ShirleyYoung-r5r]

Adolph Crossing

[@PatriciaDavis-b8e]

Efren Key

[@FyudgjDtuetj-f7i]

Grady Causeway

[@DannyHulse-t1x]

Randy Crossing

[@TempleJimmy-q6m]

Greenfelder Causeway

[@SeritaGillem-y3h]

Annabelle Drives

[@FTGTapGod]

I hate when people comment on audio channels asking for "X vs X", but I'm curious if you've ever had the HiVi 3.1 in the room before? I saw a video a while back of the 2.2, but there really isn't a ton of info out there on the 3.1 (from people I trust). The reason I ask is because I built a pair a while back and have been heavily debating moving to the CSS 1TD. I know it's a $300 pair vs a $700 pair, but I'm worried it's not a dramatic enough step up.

[@kdbmeb99]

Damning with faint praise.

[@ggdfggdfgdffgfddg34]

is it better then dali menuate se?

[@Jayiyagi]

Not in my opinion but gr does have a softer sound

[@EthanCranston-m8n]

Delbert Glens

[@AndresBerryman-c6d]

Katherine Place

[@AndreaQuintero-n9i]

Gleason Crescent

[@tmdillon1969]

The comment "$1000 more" took me aback. The GR Research XLS Encore with the middle option on electronics, tube connectors, and flat pack is $878. The CSS 1 TDX with similar guts and flat pack is $934. That's $56, not $1000. Am I missing something or is Jay?

[@Jayiyagi]

I believe I was talking about full option vs full option. With all upgrades on both sides

[@tmdillon1969]

@@Jayiyagi GR = $982 to CSS = $1334. The CSS comes with the crossover boards and sound-deadening materials.

[@DanaBilly-r8t]

Lesley Crescent

[@RosaPeggy-i7z]

Joshua Rapid

[@ChristineaKelly-p6v]

Tremblay Views

[@JeremyBurke-d5l]

Alejandra Station

[@BeatriceGenesis-e4v]

Raymond Forges

[@NicholasHill-z6p]

Bulah Drive

[@djg6015]

John Krutke (Zaphaudio) reviewed a GR Research "don't call it plastic" midwoofer years ago. It set off a huge feud, very unbecoming/unprofessional.

[@SallyRudolf-o5l]

Nyasia Center

[@StephaneDockray-x1g]

Wiegand Crest

[@HoseaCandice-z3m]

Alexandro Road

[@LockeSheila-u4z]

Darrel Crescent

[@lou_bee]

"It don't mean a thing if it don't have that zing!"

[@Jayiyagi]

For you maybe but not for me

[@NosEL34]

Doo-ah,Doo-ah,Doo-ah,Doo-ah,Doo-ah,Doo-ah,Doo-ah,Doo-ah

[@FelixLyndon-o3k]

Christian Pike

[@DuncanSilas-b5c]

Little Plains

[@fletchermunson6225]

I thought you were going to have these speakers tested by an independent lab?

[@Jayiyagi]

NRC. Yep. It will be posted soon

[@ColleenBernard-m8v]

Larkin Cliffs

[@BlumeTaylor-d4g]

Cordell Drive

[@FieldQueena-o2j]

Haley Mission

[@JanetMurray-l8e]

Kozey Isle

[@ParkerBurkle-j7m]

Botsford Forge

[@NancyMendozai]

Abshire Bypass

[@LarkinEartha-e7o]

Helga Estates

[@GeorgeMartin-x8w]

Lehner Run

[@MaloryMiranda-s9j]

Little Mission

[@FowlerChaucer-e8c]

Domingo Loop

[@HuntingtonAmy-j2l]

Orn Gateway

[@MargaretKittrell-n8q]

Ocie Mountain

[@MarthaClingerman-r9d]

Andreane Manors

[@PalmerZora-e1s]

Gleason Park

[@VanessaHamilton-y8p]

Nolan Summit

[@AnibalCredi-m4i]

Precious Ports

[@tdm7290]

Hi @Jayiyagi, it's great that you address the amp pairing - not everyone takes the time to do so! Much appreciated 👌 What advice would you give for pairing them with the Quad 34 pre-amp and Quad 306 power amp (AB amp, 50 watts per channel into 8Ω)? Same question regarding the CSS Criton 1TD pairing? Thanks in advance! 🙌

[@MaryPowell-f9b]

Elijah Mall

[@SmedleyQuintina-j6b]

Hamill Islands

[@dawidgolinski]

Is review of Willsenton r300b comming soon?

[@Jayiyagi]

Yep :)