That is the way to do business. Kudos to Dali and Crutchfield. I just sent back an amplifier to Crutchfield and couldn't be more pleased with their customer service. Hope you like the new speakers. Subscribed
The Dali Opticon 8s, shipped yesterday. I was hoping to like the other speakers and had doubts about purchasing them, I am quite confident I will love the Opticon 8s and I am very excited for them to arrive sometime next week.
i think you will love them, i have the opticon 2's and recently got a subwoofer.. i cant believe what a sub does to these speakers.. its not just about booming bass it expands the sounds stage massively.
Man, i heard the Epikore 9 and everything i know about speakers (Kef R Series, Martin Logan XT Series, Bowers & Wilson 700 series)went out the window. But cant afford those. Epicon 8 is exactly the speaker i zeroed in and i am happy you will be reviewing it. Cant wait. Your review at the right moment. Am in Swaziland, Southrn Africa abd such reviews or showroom don't exist and heavily relay on you guys in western world. Besides it takes months waiting whisky on order. I like your Brian but wont help with shipment to Africa unfortunately. 😢😢
Good to hear from someone who has had the opportunity to hear the Epikore speakers in person! I have enjoyed this journey even though it has taken much longer than I thought it would. I am vey excited to get my hands on the Opticon 8s
Thanks for the video! I am looking forward to your experiences with the Opticons. I have the Opticon 6 MKII floorstanders myself and I really love them. Like you I am also sensitive to too much treble. The Dali combined dome/ribbon tweeter sounds very refined, detailed and airy IMO. Not harsh or 'hot' at all.
Thanks for commenting! Paul at Crutchfield is concerned about the double tweeter being too bright for me, but Brian says it's a non-issue. Glad to hear from a customer with sensitive ears that the Opticon 6 Mk2 is not harsh at all. I'll definitely drop a video once I get my hands on the Opticon 8s, break them in and spend some time with them.
Thanks, I'm blown away at how wide the soundstage and listening spot is with both Dali speakers I've heard. I was playing around with moving the Opticon 2 Mk2s closer and further from the front wall and I was standing 1ft away from the right speaker facing toward the right speaker and I could still hear the left speaker clearly, 8ft away to the side. So many other speaker companies have tried to make speakers with a broad distribution pattern by using multiple tweeters in dipole or bipole configurations and somehow Dali does it with only one tweeter per speaker. Amazing!
Great video. I bought Yamaha recevier 10 years ago paired with Dali Pico speakers. Switch it for Naim Muso 2 two years ago. Muso is great, no fuss all in one system. Focal speakars in it. But I miss stereo separation and I miss Dali s. It s an entry speakar but unique sound through whole line. Oberon 1 is my favourite for smaller room. Had chance to listen qa 3020, emit 10, bowers.. but Dali is having something that suits me.Wish you all the best!
This is an interesting project of yours to watch. Thank you for sharing it with us. I have heard very good things about the optikon 6 mk2 and was keeping that one saved in memory for when I'm ready to upgrade. But the optikon 8's are very large and a lot more expensive although it sure has deeper bass. Just too imposing for me, and that price. Hope the optikon 8's work out for you. Cheers!
I was on the fence about the Opticon 6 or 8 when I called Crutchfield to return the Opticon 2. Paul had been awesome, and I appreciate how recommending the Oberon 9s, they are great speakers but my ears (and Brian) are telling me the Opticon 8s are the ones.
Thanks for the review! Not many reviews on these speakers out there! Did they need a lot of space behind them to work properly? Best regards and looking forward to hear about your Opticon 8s😀
I knew there was a company named Dali that made speakers, but I didn't know much else about them until Paul at Crutchfield recommended them. They have a very unique sound signature to them that I really like, so I am as certain as one can possibly be that I will love the Opticon 8s. Even though Paul knew my room is about 14x14' and had recommended the Oberon 9s, I was concerned that they would be too boomy, like the Polk R700. I had tried the polk speakers up to three feet from the front wall and they were still a little boomy. I have the Oberon 9s about from the front wall and they sound fine, even though they have two rear ports. The Opticon 8s have slightly smaller woofers, with one woofer up high, they should not couple with the floor as readily as the Oberon 9s, and the Opticon 8s bass isn't as deep as the Oberon 9, so I am expecting the Opticon 8s to sound even better.
@@enduro500sp Dali's spec sheet says "Distance from Wall [mm]/[inces] 20-80/ 0.89 - 3.14". cdn.brandfolder.io/T355Y1FY/at/k9mqmwn695b66sfts3c5qnc/DALI_OBERON_Brochure_EN.pdf I think this is an error and they intended to say 20-80cm, not mm. 20-80cm translates to 7.87-31.5". I started with them about 1ft from the front wall and moved them out further, up to about 30" from the wall, but found they sound just fine about 12-14" away.
You need a McIntosh MQ112 8 band EQ from Crutchfield. I've got one built in to my McIntosh C52 preamp. Makes setting any recording be it CD or vinyl to my liking. No one recording sounds or is EQ'd the same and this makes getting the sound I like every time I listen. My speakers are the Focal EVO Aria No4's in piano black from Crutchfield. Paid full price for them and in about a month they went on sale $600 off each. Using their 60 day price guarantee they gave me back $1200 plus tax so they were around $4800 instead of $6000. Good luck!
Wow, I never knew this existed. Unfortunately, or fortunately, my Model 30 does not have Pre In/Out connections so I won't be tempted to buy it for a while.
I had a 12-band equalizer when I was in college and loved it. I could tune the sound to my liking. Now 40 years later it's the opposite, I DON'T want an EQ. I found myself playing with the dang thing ALL the time, on nearly every song so I sold it. It drove me crazy,
@@voiceofreason9238 I've had EQs in a few car stereo stereos I installed over the years, but I've never had one in my home. I dried DIRAC room correction on a NAD amp I was trying out earlier this year and I hated it so much.
DALI Oberon 9 speakers are truly exceptional. They will reignite the joy of listening to music. Yes, there are better speakers out there, but none that match the unique DALI sound.
There was a time when I chased ACCURATE sound. I wanted every musical instrument to sound like it was live! in my living room. The "flat" sounding speaker. I'm older now and I want speakers that sound GOOD, better than the recording. For instance if you've heard a 20 inch ride cymbal, it is pretty unimpressive from ten feet away. But with some speakers you can really hear the cymbal attack with great clarity, something you don't get live. That's want I want.
@@Koolbob2 if I were you, for fun id look into the outgoing epicon series..there might be some deals there. its a massive step up in quality, that`s true high end
No, I've been in this hobby for many years and have realistic expectations. I have a pair of friends with much more expensive systems ($20k Paradigm, VPI, Monitor Audio and $55k PS Audio) although I respect their preferences, I prefer what I have over their systems. I'm confident I can make my system more pleasing to my ears within my budget.
Recently heard the new Epikore 3, They don't look like much, but man what a sound (!) that hybrid tweeter setup in a small package is something else, unfortunately price moved up quite a bit.
Have you tried Magnepan? The older true ribbon models with wire on mylar are my favorites. I have 2.5Rs that I love. The newer speakers use ribbon on mylar, but I personally find them too bright/forward. Best of luck in your search.
I was Magnepan curious at one point after the Acoustats. I called Magnepan and they told me if I didn't like the Acoustats I wouldn't like the Magnepans so I didn't pursue it further.
That polite ‘we’d really like to help you,’ message from Crutchfield is probably two more returns away from becoming a ‘consider yourself black-listed.’ You’re applying a level of selectivity that’s probably unrealistic even at price-points far higher than yours appears to be. Also, don’t be surprised if your old speakers turn out to be better than those you’re attempting to replace them with. Nit-picker or not, you’ve managed to live with them for decades, after all… After going down a similar rabbit hole myself, and trying many of the current flavour-of-the-month RUclips-review darlings, I’ve finally settled on a pair of 25 year old Audiovectors.
I think you are right about Crutchfield, they have been very patient and helpful, and I've been buying from them since 1979, so I don't want to wear out my welcome. Excellent points, and I did return to my old speakers after each new speaker with renewed enthusiasm for my old speakers, until the Opticon 2 Mk2. When they went back and I hooked up my old speakers I missed the Opticons. Glad to hear you've found a good match with the Audiovectors.
Any new speaker needs to be run-in. I recommend close together face-to-face anti-phase connected on white or pink noise at a fairly high level for 48 hours min. Use blankets over them to reduce annoyance, then close the door to the room. I would hold onto the Oberons until the Opticons arrive, just in case you like the Oberons better. Good Luck.
You're being unfair, they're trying to run a business and each pair you return can no longer be sold as new. Returning once is reasonable but thereafter you should buy them and if you end up not liking them take the hit and sell them on like the rest of us do, sorry.
Obviously I disagree. I am grateful for their generous return policies, but rest assured they wouldn't let me take advantage of them. If you read the speaker reviews on their website there's one gentleman who was grateful for finding his favorite speakers after returning SEVEN pairs of speakers. I feel confident the Opticon 8s will stay assuming they arrive undamaged. Also, in typical retail situations if a product cost $1000 to manufacture it's sold to a retailer for $2,000. The retailer in turn marks it up to $4,000. Typically an 'open box' speaker is discounted about 10%-15%, so there's still profit to be had even with the additional shipping involved.
Auditioned the current Dali line. All very good. Rubicore 6 floorstander was totally worth upgrading from my $800 Dynaudio Emit10. However, I need to win the lottery to shell out 5000 euros plus shipping or 8000 dollars plus sales tax.
You're not 100% happy with your speakers frequency response... ever heard of EQ? Get a miniDSP and a measurement mic or something like that... just wait until you have full parametric EQ to either correct or adjust to taste your frequency response. All speakers are bright. All speakers are dull and rolled off. It just depends on your EQ settings! A crossover is just an analog EQ for each driver. Modern DSP equalization is actually higher fidelity than this approach, which is why good active speakers can really excel. But of course both can be used. EQ isn't optional to me it's a requirement for any system, can't imagine living without it.
I tried an amp with DIRAC room correction using the calibrated mic, using the minimum and maximum number of samples with two sets of speakers, with and without subs, with subs connected to the sub output on the amp and running from the speaker output as recommended by REL. Every single result from the DIRAC system was a hot mess with a soundstage only Picasso would enjoy. I tried at least 15 different profiles and they all sounded far worse than no correction. I would consider an external EQ if my amp had pre in/out connections, but alas it does not. However, dialing back the treble on my old speakers did help. Other speakers needed a little bump up on the treble and dialing back the bass just a touch. I find that it's much more pleasing to boost a warm speakers treble than try to tame a bright speaker by cutting the treble.
@Koolbob2 I had a pair of dali zensors, initially I was quite impressed but the more I listen to them the less I like the sound..I know they are low end but they have no sparkle to them, I'm guessing there's a vast improvement on the higher end models. But I do see a lot of oberon 5s for sale at big discounts new plus a lot second hand. I'm guessing they aren't liked as much as reviews make out
Have a pr. of these in one of our systems-- excellent value for the$ $-- sounds like other$ 6-7k brands--The Danes know what they are doing- they make some of the best in the world- we got for $1600 pr. new ,on a closeout
I'm currently using my first Ribbon tweeter speaker.. Amazing sound stage. They dissappear, have a smooth, musical top end. Very musical. Synergy with the amp, source is key. What amp are you using?
@@DddNnn-r2y Amps do make a difference, I used an Onkyo integrated amp for about 20 years and tried a NAD amp with DIRAC Live room correction software. The DARAC was a hot mess and sounded weird, no matter how many times I took room samples with the included mic. The NAD amp was ok, but the main reason for choosing it was the hopes that DIRAC would be useful. I got the Marantz Model 30 a few months ago and really like it. It's just the slightest bit 'warm' and has plenty of power.
I'm intrigued by the MoFi speakers and hear good things about them. I once heard a pair of small stand mount speakers with 6" concentric drivers in a hifi shop back in the 90s. They sounded amazing and the speakers weren't too expensive, but they were hooked up to a $30k system in a room with non-parallel walls and treated walls and ceiling. I didn't buy them in part because I was certain they would disappoint when I set them up in my humble abode.
I love hearing your Story. I had the MK1 Opticon 6 a couple of years ago, which was the first real Speaker for me and I had been very happy with them. So hearing how you describe the sound you want to achive just make me remember what I felt at that time. I wish you the best listening sessions with your new Opticons
Thank you! The Opticon 2 Mk2 were the first speakers I've heard that really got me excited since buying the TCM3s 35 years ago. I probably would have felt the same way about the Oberon 9s, but getting two left speakers and the shipping damage muted my enthusiasm considerably. I'm excited to get the Opticon 8s. I am a little concerned that Dali recommends 11-60" distance from the front wall for the Opticon 8s, but Brian said he has a pair in his 12x15' office and they are great.
Wow with specs like that I bet they are a hoot! Sensitivity: 90db Frequencyrange: 29hz-30khz Impedance: 8ohm My Omni Sounds have similar specs Sensitivity: 92db Frequencyrange: 36hz-21khz +/- 3dB Impedance: 8ohm 8" hand-made custom-designed ; polypropylene bass-midrange, 1" soft dome ferrofluid tweeter
Hi. If you for some reason (can not thing of any), should not be satiesfied with the Opticons, may I suggest Arendal 1528 series. They are very dynamic, and your ears will quit before they do. I think the Monitors would be enough (even without subs), and perhaps the bookshelves too. The towers, might be a bit much bass, and they need some distance to mlp for best synergy. The 1528 series, is rather powerhungry (from what I have read, so keep that in mind) 😊
@@Koolbob2 That is good. Research is important😊 I listened to the McIntosch ML1 MK2 yesterday (way out of range🙊) but that, along with the bigger speakers from Kerr, are my favorites so far in my journey of madness🤪 As I said previously, I see no reason why you should not love the Opticons, they are bery good speakers. It will be ineresting to hear what you think of them😊
I think you need to keep going... after you receive the Opticon 8s you'll need to get some Mofi 888's and then the Kef Q11 and then do a side by side and give us your opinion, lol just kidding but really looking forward to the Opticon review.
I've progressed from Opticon 6 Mk2s (way better than my previous Oberons) to Rubikore 6s. They are WAY better again. All Dalis are superb.... until you hear the next model up, sadly. 😜
Honestly finding the right speakers feels a lot like shopping for a new car, or house! I'm feeling like I'm on the right path with the Dalis and I can afford to go one more step, plus I'm getting a little weary of hauling speakers up to the second floor, so unless the Opticon 8s take an unexpected turn I think they will mark the end of my journey.
Thank you! I just gave my honest opinion and I'm delighted to receive so much encouragement, advice and sympathy from others who have been on the same journey.
@@Koolbob2first time seeing your channel. Really enjoyed your presentation, how you go through your thoughts and experiences. You have a new sub, looking forward to checking out your other content.
I think you're getting lost by listening to equipment instead of listening to music. The nits that you're focusing on have become an endless distraction and is driving you right down a rabbit hole. Once you find your forever speaker, I predict you'll soon start the whole cycle again. Enjoy the hobby, but focus on the music. BTW - I agree with you on importance of speakers relative to electronics/cables.
Good point, I find that a new speaker will sound great to my ears and I'm completely into the music, until I experience a recording that is somehow off a bit. Then it's hard for me to simply enjoy the music again. I know no speaker will be perfect, and I have realistic expectations. I think I'm on the right path with the Oberon 9s, and if the Opticon 8s have the resolving chops the Opticon2s did along with the dynamics of the Oberon 9s then I expect my search (and budget) will have reached it's end.
@@Koolbob2 I wish you well on your journey. Here's a tip that has worked for me as I too "chase the rabbit" and have 3 complete systems all over the house. Take an album you like and listen to a track by following a single instrument or voice, and do it over again, several times until you can more deeply hear all the nuance of each instrument in each track. That process will help you to become a better music listener and distract you from finding fault with the speakers. The process never ends, there's always something to trade up for, but if you can get better aligned with the music, it may be an aid to focus less on equipment.
@@jeffreypicciolo7706 I have about a dozen CDs and LPs that I know intimately. I like to listen to less familiar music with new speakers for a few days before I try them with music I know very well because the reproduction of familiar music is often the dealbreaker for me.
To call a speaker a “forever” speaker is too much pressure for any product to stand up to. You may want to have two or three favorite speakers and just enjoy the music.
I'm hoping for a 'forever' speaker, but I know in my heart that if I'm still into this hobby in 5 or 10 years I'll probably do another major overhaul of the entire system.
Yes and no. I expect to be satisfied with the Opticon 8s based on my experience with the other Dali speakers. However, should I come into a lot of money unexpectedly I would probably invest in a professional acoustic evaluation of my listening room and even better equipment.
Ffs man. Seen previous video this one with rubicon bookshelf and first You said they are sweet and awesome but then You changed Your mind now same with oberon 9... just wonder is it really speaker or is it something wrong with You?... I wouldnt be suprised if same story will be with opticons 8 🤷♂️well sorry to say that but i think You should go to the shop and listen all different types instead ordering and then sednding them back over and over again 🤷♂️
I appreciate where you're coming from, but obviously I disagree. The overwhelming number of comments on my quest for a better system have been supportive, but a couple of viewers have raised objections to my videos and it's important to me to address the concerns. I am doing this in pursuit of greater listing pleasure. I barely watch TV anymore and listening to music is how I spend most evenings. I thought it would be interesting to share my experiences in the hopes of helping others, I apologize if my video 'blog' on my audio journey are upsetting to anyone. I can't express how grateful I am for Crutchfield's guidance and they have done a phenomenal job helping me narrow my search, but it has not been without some setbacks. (1) We discussed my disappointment with the KEF LS50s and a pair of small floor standing Monitor Audio speakers I borrowed from friends and how they both sounded very 'small' and better suited for near-field listening. We discussed how I would much prefer a larger speaker, preferably a three-way, even though I have a pair of subs. The Opticon 2 Mk2 was recommended to me and I accepted the recommendation reluctantly after much assurance it would sound much more like a floor standing speaker when paired with my subs. On the plus side, I discovered that I love the signature 'Dali sound' but there's no getting around the fact that like the LS50, is a small speaker. (2) When I called to discuss my concerns with the Opticon 2, I asked for advice on whether I should buy the Opticon 8 floorstanding speaker or the Opticon 6 if they felt the Optionc 8 was too big for my room. I was instead guided to the Oberon 9 which is a lower level product, with assurances it would fulfill my needs. The Oberon 9 is very impressive for the money, but the lower tier components used are subtly audible. I probably would have accepted the Oberon 9s as 'good enough compromise' and stopped there if I had not received two LEFT speakers with one arriving badly damaged. But since a return was going to have to take place anyway I purchased the Opticon 8 which I was planning to buy before being guided to the Oberon 9s. Unless the Opticon 8s speaker are damaged in transit, I fully expect to enjoy them and keep them for many years to come.
No speaker will ever be perfect. You will be looking forever and spend more and more. They ALL are a compromise not forgetting your room is just as influential. You will, absolutely no doubt (!) will find fault with the Opticon 8’s too after a while. At some stage you just have to realise that what you already have may be all you need. Of course, if you have a youtube channel that may be rather boring. I went around and around the hifi circuit, spent way too much cash and ended up with a speaker I owned some 25 years ago. It is human nature to almost never be satisfied unfortunately. Also bear in mind that expectations will get greater with the amount you spend. Equally, disappointment will be quantitatively larger for any shortcomings. Good luck with your search. My advise after decades in the game and for your own sanity; Once you have something you enjoy most of the time and for which no difficult financial decisions have to be made anymore, stop unless something breaks down and be happy.
You are so right. The search for the holy grail is an endless search that never ends because there is no perfect speaker. Unless you're a multi-millionaire, there will always be a "better" speaker out there. Fortunately, I've been satisfied with my ADS 1230s for 42 years years. Since buying them in 1983, I've heard a ton of speaker systems, but none that wowed me enough to part with what I've got. People lose perspective and seem to forget why they got into this audio hobby to begin with, and that's because they have a passion for music. Searching for the "right" gear can be fun. It becomes less fun (and incredibly expensive) when the gear takes priority over the music.
I agree with you 100%. I have enjoyed expanding my palette and experiencing a lot of different flavors of speakers, but I'm ready to quit searching and get back to the music.
@@MarkMiller-i8q Yes, I have two friends who have spent a lot of money on gear and I have purchased their hand-me-downs when they upgrade. I bought a VPI Classic turntable with a $1,200 Shelter cartridge for $800 from one friend when he upgraded to a $10,000 VPI Avenger. I also bought a REL T/7x for $500 from another friend and then a one-month old pair of REL T/9x for $1,000 when he upgraded his subs again. I've enjoyed this journey and I'm ready to move on from my old speakers, I am fully expecting the Opticon 8s to be my goldilocks speaker for years to come.
Erm, U have ''Down Graded'' to a Lower Model Range ! ! ... As U already have 2 'BIG' & Excellent REL Subs, I Think U would be better off auditioning the Brilliant ATC SCM 19 ''Stand Mount'' speakers. ( NOT the Floor Stander Active Versions ) ... Glorious Mid's and that 'Mega Engineered' Amazing Mid / Bass Driver is Something Else .... Do some 'Research' on that .... If U love your ''Mids'' ( Vocals & Acoustic Instruments ) ... U Really MUST HEAR some ATC Speakers .... It is what ATC's ''Do'' .... Don't get out your Credit Card until U have heard some .... And, as U 'Have Room' and if U really Want Floor Standers, then, there are No Excuses for NOT listening to the Utterly Stupendous ''3 Way'' SCM 40's ( There are both Passive AND Active Versions ) .... Yes, the 40's are Very Expensive but they really are ... ''End Game Speakers'' ... Also, they are not yet another set of 'Boring Square Boxes' ! They have lovely Curved Sides. And they are Sealed Boxes, so will work Very Close to the Front Wall ... Enjoy the ATC ... ''Journey'' ... I now own '4' Different Model 'Pairs' in various systems around the house .... BTW, REL Subs are a Great Pairing with ATC Speakers. So yes, I admit that I 'AM' an ATC ... 'Fan-Girl' .... Oh, and anyone reading this who owns ( or is thinking of buying ) a 'Hegel' Amp then, Yes ... Hegel / ATC / REL is a Match-Up ''Made in Heaven'' ... ATB ''Band'' recommendation for Y'all ... Tiny Ruins ( Hollie Fulbrook ) WoW - What a Voice ... Easy Listening Female Vocals / Acoustic Guitar with 'minimal Bass & Percussion'. Just Listen to the 3 albums ... Ceremony / Olympic Girls ( NOT the 'Solo' Version ) ... Brightly Coloured One. .... Tracks ... Dear Annie / School of Design / Me at the Museum ... Enjoy ...
I just googled both speakers, they are certainly handsome and I have seen many positive reviews of ATC speakers over the years. If somehow the Opticons are not all I had hoped they would be I'll check out the ATC offerings.
I've worked at a hi-fi shop for several years and let me tell you- that's the worst retail job. People who buy components are so difficult. So much effort has to go for explaining, advising, just for someone to return the stuff after some time. Even if it was their choice of the speaker/amp/source.
I bet working in the hifi industry sounds a lot more fun than it is in reality. Whether you know it or not, I'm sure that there are lots of people you helped who are thankful for your help.
I'm jealous! Other than BestBuy and Facebook marketplace, there isn't a place to hear other speakers within 200 miles of where I live. For the same money what speakers would you prefer?
I don't know you, but I felt compelled to echo some of the comments here. I think you're being too picky here and you are abusing Crutchfield's policy. It's unfair to them, and honestly, I am sure they don't want you as a customer anymore. The sense I get is that you are at a point in life now where you want to try and experience new things and gear and make videos about them. And that's totally fine, but you are disguising that desire in the form of claiming that you are looking for a perfect speaker. Perfect doesn't exist. You owned your previous pair for over 30 years, so I think it's safe to say you just want to try new things. You should just buy and sell used gear. You get to try all sorts of gear and don't have to hurt any retailers in the process. It's a good way to try stuff for people like you. I don't want to come off as judgmental or harsh, but I think it's dead clear to the viewers.
I appreciate your opinion, but you are mistaken. I blame the frequent Crutchfield emails and my two friends with very elaborate and expensive systems for motivating me to finally upgrade my system. 😄 I was fine with my system until one friend spent $50k over the past 18-months getting the absolute best of every product PS Audio makes, with the exception of speakers. He showed a little restraint there only spending $20k for a pair of Aspen 20 speakers instead of $30k for the Aspen 30. First thing he did when his new speakers shipped was give me his malfunctioning Acoustat 2+2s. I found one of the Acoustat engineers on a forum and he emailed me all the information I needed to replace every capacitor, diode, wire and many other components in the interface units and refurbish the speaker panels themselves. It was a fun project. He also loaned me his KEF LS50s and another friend loaned me a pair of Monitor Audio speakers. Multiple listening sessions at his house as he bought more and more PS Audio gear combined with the Acoustats to convince me I could improve my system considerably for a lot less money. He has been cajoling me weekly to buy a pair of PS Audio Aspen 5 speakers, but honestly I don't really enjoy his Aspen 20 speakers all that much. I have been buying from Crutchfield since 1979 (probably spent at least $10-15k over the years on car audio, TVs, VCRs, Laserdisc, DVD players, CD players, cameras, etc.) and I've never returned anything until recently. I fully expect the Opticon 8s to be the end of my quest for better speakers.
Je ne sais pas ce que vaut cette référence. J'ai eu pendant plusieurs mois DALI OBERON 5 (ampli audiolab) et j'ai trouvé le son mauvais ! Manque de transparence, manque de dynamique et surtout des basses trop présentes et artificielles. Ce sont des hauts parleurs finalement assez bas de gamme et bien trop chers. J'ai pris plus de plaisir avec les petites Sonus Faber Lumina 1 ! Plus de détails dans la musique et plus de clarté !
I seriously considered Sonus Faber speakers, and probably would have tried one if I hadn't heard the Opticon 2 Mk2. So far both the Opticon 2 and Oberon 9 share a sound signature, that I like. I am confident I will like the Opticon 8s, but if for some reason I don't Sonus Faber would be one of the brands I would try next.
That is the way to do business. Kudos to Dali and Crutchfield. I just sent back an amplifier to Crutchfield and couldn't be more pleased with their customer service. Hope you like the new speakers. Subscribed
The Dali Opticon 8s, shipped yesterday. I was hoping to like the other speakers and had doubts about purchasing them, I am quite confident I will love the Opticon 8s and I am very excited for them to arrive sometime next week.
You are absolutely in the same way of thinking as I am. Can't wait to hear back with your comments on the 8´s.
i think you will love them, i have the opticon 2's and recently got a subwoofer.. i cant believe what a sub does to these speakers.. its not just about booming bass it expands the sounds stage massively.
Man, i heard the Epikore 9 and everything i know about speakers (Kef R Series, Martin Logan XT Series, Bowers & Wilson 700 series)went out the window. But cant afford those. Epicon 8 is exactly the speaker i zeroed in and i am happy you will be reviewing it. Cant wait. Your review at the right moment. Am in Swaziland, Southrn Africa abd such reviews or showroom don't exist and heavily relay on you guys in western world. Besides it takes months waiting whisky on order. I like your Brian but wont help with shipment to Africa unfortunately. 😢😢
Good to hear from someone who has had the opportunity to hear the Epikore speakers in person! I have enjoyed this journey even though it has taken much longer than I thought it would. I am vey excited to get my hands on the Opticon 8s
Hope the opticons will hit the sweet spot. Looking forward to your update.
Thanks for the video! I am looking forward to your experiences with the Opticons. I have the Opticon 6 MKII floorstanders myself and I really love them. Like you I am also sensitive to too much treble. The Dali combined dome/ribbon tweeter sounds very refined, detailed and airy IMO. Not harsh or 'hot' at all.
Thanks for commenting! Paul at Crutchfield is concerned about the double tweeter being too bright for me, but Brian says it's a non-issue. Glad to hear from a customer with sensitive ears that the Opticon 6 Mk2 is not harsh at all. I'll definitely drop a video once I get my hands on the Opticon 8s, break them in and spend some time with them.
Adding a set of Iso Acoustics’s Gaias or even Oreas would be outstanding! Love the idea you have them on plynths.
im interested myself in these dalis, so this is perfect. good views with integrity. also like your relaxed style
Thanks, I'm blown away at how wide the soundstage and listening spot is with both Dali speakers I've heard. I was playing around with moving the Opticon 2 Mk2s closer and further from the front wall and I was standing 1ft away from the right speaker facing toward the right speaker and I could still hear the left speaker clearly, 8ft away to the side.
So many other speaker companies have tried to make speakers with a broad distribution pattern by using multiple tweeters in dipole or bipole configurations and somehow Dali does it with only one tweeter per speaker. Amazing!
Great video. I bought Yamaha recevier 10 years ago paired with Dali Pico speakers. Switch it for Naim Muso 2 two years ago. Muso is great, no fuss all in one system. Focal speakars in it. But I miss stereo separation and I miss Dali s. It s an entry speakar but unique sound through whole line. Oberon 1 is my favourite for smaller room. Had chance to listen qa 3020, emit 10, bowers.. but Dali is having something that suits me.Wish you all the best!
I have had Dali Mentor 6’s over 10 years you won’t be disappointed!
This is an interesting project of yours to watch. Thank you for sharing it with us. I have heard very good things about the optikon 6 mk2 and was keeping that one saved in memory for when I'm ready to upgrade. But the optikon 8's are very large and a lot more expensive although it sure has deeper bass. Just too imposing for me, and that price. Hope the optikon 8's work out for you.
Cheers!
I was on the fence about the Opticon 6 or 8 when I called Crutchfield to return the Opticon 2. Paul had been awesome, and I appreciate how recommending the Oberon 9s, they are great speakers but my ears (and Brian) are telling me the Opticon 8s are the ones.
Thanks for the review!
Not many reviews on these speakers out there!
Did they need a lot of space behind them to work properly?
Best regards and looking forward to hear about your Opticon 8s😀
I knew there was a company named Dali that made speakers, but I didn't know much else about them until Paul at Crutchfield recommended them. They have a very unique sound signature to them that I really like, so I am as certain as one can possibly be that I will love the Opticon 8s. Even though Paul knew my room is about 14x14' and had recommended the Oberon 9s, I was concerned that they would be too boomy, like the Polk R700. I had tried the polk speakers up to three feet from the front wall and they were still a little boomy. I have the Oberon 9s about from the front wall and they sound fine, even though they have two rear ports. The Opticon 8s have slightly smaller woofers, with one woofer up high, they should not couple with the floor as readily as the Oberon 9s, and the Opticon 8s bass isn't as deep as the Oberon 9, so I am expecting the Opticon 8s to sound even better.
@Koolbob2 Thanks! Sorry, did you mean 1ft from the wall for the Oberon 9s?
@@enduro500sp Dali's spec sheet says "Distance from Wall [mm]/[inces]
20-80/ 0.89 - 3.14".
cdn.brandfolder.io/T355Y1FY/at/k9mqmwn695b66sfts3c5qnc/DALI_OBERON_Brochure_EN.pdf
I think this is an error and they intended to say 20-80cm, not mm. 20-80cm translates to 7.87-31.5".
I started with them about 1ft from the front wall and moved them out further, up to about 30" from the wall, but found they sound just fine about 12-14" away.
You need a McIntosh MQ112 8 band EQ from Crutchfield. I've got one built in to my McIntosh C52 preamp. Makes setting any recording be it CD or vinyl to my liking. No one recording sounds or is EQ'd the same and this makes getting the sound I like every time I listen. My speakers are the Focal EVO Aria No4's in piano black from Crutchfield. Paid full price for them and in about a month they went on sale $600 off each. Using their 60 day price guarantee they gave me back $1200 plus tax so they were around $4800 instead of $6000. Good luck!
Wow, I never knew this existed. Unfortunately, or fortunately, my Model 30 does not have Pre In/Out connections so I won't be tempted to buy it for a while.
I had a 12-band equalizer when I was in college and loved it. I could tune the sound to my liking.
Now 40 years later it's the opposite, I DON'T want an EQ. I found myself playing with the dang thing ALL the time, on nearly every song so I sold it. It drove me crazy,
@@voiceofreason9238 I've had EQs in a few car stereo stereos I installed over the years, but I've never had one in my home. I dried DIRAC room correction on a NAD amp I was trying out earlier this year and I hated it so much.
DALI Oberon 9 speakers are truly exceptional. They will reignite the joy of listening to music. Yes, there are better speakers out there, but none that match the unique DALI sound.
They are really, really good and they definitely rock!
There was a time when I chased ACCURATE sound. I wanted every musical instrument to sound like it was live! in my living room. The "flat" sounding speaker.
I'm older now and I want speakers that sound GOOD, better than the recording. For instance if you've heard a 20 inch ride cymbal, it is pretty unimpressive from ten feet away. But with some speakers you can really hear the cymbal attack with great clarity, something you don't get live. That's want I want.
DO NOT demo Rubikores. They are so, SO good.... but way more expensive. The Opticons are incredible UNTIL you hear the Rubikores!!😂
I did see some affordable used Rubikores, but spending that much money to mail order a pair of speakers I can't return has kept me away.
You are right. I when home with a pair of Rubikore 6😂
I’m sorry from a financial point of view but really pleased from a hifi point of view. 😜
@@Koolbob2 if I were you, for fun id look into the outgoing epicon series..there might be some deals there. its a massive step up in quality, that`s true high end
nvm even with a superdeal they will cost quite a bit more
Try out the q acoustics concept 50s. Huge soundstage, wide sweet spot and natural sounding. Fantastic on vocals
I've seen some positive reviews on those here on RUclips. I fully expect to love the Opticon 8s, but if I don't .....
You sound like you’re looking for something you’re never going to find Going down the endless road of searching for the perfect sound
No, I've been in this hobby for many years and have realistic expectations. I have a pair of friends with much more expensive systems ($20k Paradigm, VPI, Monitor Audio and $55k PS Audio) although I respect their preferences, I prefer what I have over their systems. I'm confident I can make my system more pleasing to my ears within my budget.
Koolbob is a cool dude. Great relaxed video talking about my favorite topic.
Recently heard the new Epikore 3, They don't look like much, but man what a sound (!) that hybrid tweeter setup in a small package is something else, unfortunately price moved up quite a bit.
Have you tried Magnepan? The older true ribbon models with wire on mylar are my favorites. I have 2.5Rs that I love. The newer speakers use ribbon on mylar, but I personally find them too bright/forward. Best of luck in your search.
Totally useless for Jazz/Rock. Awesome for light classical I admit.
Agree on rock, disagree on jazz. To each his own.
My point being simply about Bass. I admit jazz saxophone or trumpet is fine on ESLs. But not double bass or drums.
I was Magnepan curious at one point after the Acoustats. I called Magnepan and they told me if I didn't like the Acoustats I wouldn't like the Magnepans so I didn't pursue it further.
@@markorchard2272lol
That polite ‘we’d really like to help you,’ message from Crutchfield is probably two more returns away from becoming a ‘consider yourself black-listed.’ You’re applying a level of selectivity that’s probably unrealistic even at price-points far higher than yours appears to be.
Also, don’t be surprised if your old speakers turn out to be better than those you’re attempting to replace them with. Nit-picker or not, you’ve managed to live with them for decades, after all…
After going down a similar rabbit hole myself, and trying many of the current flavour-of-the-month RUclips-review darlings, I’ve finally settled on a pair of 25 year old Audiovectors.
I agree! The person on the phone may be a nice guy. But Crutchfield is a business and sadly someone higher up will look at your actual spend.
I think you are right about Crutchfield, they have been very patient and helpful, and I've been buying from them since 1979, so I don't want to wear out my welcome.
Excellent points, and I did return to my old speakers after each new speaker with renewed enthusiasm for my old speakers, until the Opticon 2 Mk2. When they went back and I hooked up my old speakers I missed the Opticons.
Glad to hear you've found a good match with the Audiovectors.
Any new speaker needs to be run-in. I recommend close together face-to-face anti-phase connected on white or pink noise at a fairly high level for 48 hours min. Use blankets over them to reduce annoyance, then close the door to the room.
I would hold onto the Oberons until the Opticons arrive, just in case you like the Oberons better. Good Luck.
Thanks, I've been wiring one new speaker out of phase, pointing them at each other and leaving them playing for 80-100 hrs before listening.
You're being unfair, they're trying to run a business and each pair you return can no longer be sold as new.
Returning once is reasonable but thereafter you should buy them and if you end up not liking them take the hit and sell them on like the rest of us do, sorry.
Obviously I disagree. I am grateful for their generous return policies, but rest assured they wouldn't let me take advantage of them. If you read the speaker reviews on their website there's one gentleman who was grateful for finding his favorite speakers after returning SEVEN pairs of speakers. I feel confident the Opticon 8s will stay assuming they arrive undamaged.
Also, in typical retail situations if a product cost $1000 to manufacture it's sold to a retailer for $2,000. The retailer in turn marks it up to $4,000. Typically an 'open box' speaker is discounted about 10%-15%, so there's still profit to be had even with the additional shipping involved.
Auditioned the current Dali line. All very good. Rubicore 6 floorstander was totally worth upgrading from my $800 Dynaudio Emit10. However, I need to win the lottery to shell out 5000 euros plus shipping or 8000 dollars plus sales tax.
Yea, the upper end Dalis are not cheap. I will do my best to never hear any Dali higher then the Opticon 8s so I won't be wanting to upgrade. 😄
@ I hear ya.
You're not 100% happy with your speakers frequency response... ever heard of EQ? Get a miniDSP and a measurement mic or something like that... just wait until you have full parametric EQ to either correct or adjust to taste your frequency response. All speakers are bright. All speakers are dull and rolled off. It just depends on your EQ settings! A crossover is just an analog EQ for each driver. Modern DSP equalization is actually higher fidelity than this approach, which is why good active speakers can really excel. But of course both can be used. EQ isn't optional to me it's a requirement for any system, can't imagine living without it.
I tried an amp with DIRAC room correction using the calibrated mic, using the minimum and maximum number of samples with two sets of speakers, with and without subs, with subs connected to the sub output on the amp and running from the speaker output as recommended by REL. Every single result from the DIRAC system was a hot mess with a soundstage only Picasso would enjoy. I tried at least 15 different profiles and they all sounded far worse than no correction.
I would consider an external EQ if my amp had pre in/out connections, but alas it does not. However, dialing back the treble on my old speakers did help. Other speakers needed a little bump up on the treble and dialing back the bass just a touch. I find that it's much more pleasing to boost a warm speakers treble than try to tame a bright speaker by cutting the treble.
Just bought my first set of dynaudio..dont think I'll be buying another brand!
Isn't it great finding something that brings you joy! I think I'm on the path to have the same experience.
@Koolbob2 I had a pair of dali zensors, initially I was quite impressed but the more I listen to them the less I like the sound..I know they are low end but they have no sparkle to them, I'm guessing there's a vast improvement on the higher end models. But I do see a lot of oberon 5s for sale at big discounts new plus a lot second hand. I'm guessing they aren't liked as much as reviews make out
Have a pr. of these in one of our systems-- excellent value for the$ $-- sounds like other$ 6-7k brands--The Danes know what they are doing- they make some of the best in the world- we got for $1600 pr. new ,on a closeout
I'm currently using my first Ribbon tweeter speaker.. Amazing sound stage. They dissappear, have a smooth, musical top end. Very musical. Synergy with the amp, source is key. What amp are you using?
Marantz Model 30 (100wpc 8Ω, 200upc 4Ω).
@@Koolbob2 Ive never had a Marantz. But if your not happy with the sound , try a different amp. Ive been through a few. lol. Cheers.
@@DddNnn-r2y Amps do make a difference, I used an Onkyo integrated amp for about 20 years and tried a NAD amp with DIRAC Live room correction software. The DARAC was a hot mess and sounded weird, no matter how many times I took room samples with the included mic. The NAD amp was ok, but the main reason for choosing it was the hopes that DIRAC would be useful. I got the Marantz Model 30 a few months ago and really like it. It's just the slightest bit 'warm' and has plenty of power.
You really need to try out a pair of mofi sourcepoint 888 fantastic set of speakers 🤯🤯👍
I'm intrigued by the MoFi speakers and hear good things about them. I once heard a pair of small stand mount speakers with 6" concentric drivers in a hifi shop back in the 90s. They sounded amazing and the speakers weren't too expensive, but they were hooked up to a $30k system in a room with non-parallel walls and treated walls and ceiling. I didn't buy them in part because I was certain they would disappoint when I set them up in my humble abode.
I love hearing your Story. I had the MK1 Opticon 6 a couple of years ago, which was the first real Speaker for me and I had been very happy with them. So hearing how you describe the sound you want to achive just make me remember what I felt at that time.
I wish you the best listening sessions with your new Opticons
What do you have now tho ?
Thank you! The Opticon 2 Mk2 were the first speakers I've heard that really got me excited since buying the TCM3s 35 years ago. I probably would have felt the same way about the Oberon 9s, but getting two left speakers and the shipping damage muted my enthusiasm considerably. I'm excited to get the Opticon 8s. I am a little concerned that Dali recommends 11-60" distance from the front wall for the Opticon 8s, but Brian said he has a pair in his 12x15' office and they are great.
You should check out the FRIGG 02 speaker. It is not a clinical speaker but a speaker with a ton of personality. Check it out.
Wow with specs like that I bet they are a hoot!
Sensitivity: 90db
Frequencyrange: 29hz-30khz
Impedance: 8ohm
My Omni Sounds have similar specs
Sensitivity: 92db
Frequencyrange: 36hz-21khz +/- 3dB
Impedance: 8ohm
8" hand-made custom-designed ; polypropylene bass-midrange, 1" soft dome ferrofluid tweeter
Hi.
If you for some reason (can not thing of any), should not be satiesfied with the Opticons, may I suggest Arendal 1528 series. They are very dynamic, and your ears will quit before they do.
I think the Monitors would be enough (even without subs), and perhaps the bookshelves too. The towers, might be a bit much bass, and they need some distance to mlp for best synergy. The 1528 series, is rather powerhungry (from what I have read, so keep that in mind) 😊
I spent a lot of time looking at the Arendal website and watching RUclips reviews, same with the SVS, Legacy Audio, Emotiva, GR research, etc. 😁
@@Koolbob2
That is good. Research is important😊
I listened to the McIntosch ML1 MK2 yesterday (way out of range🙊) but that, along with the bigger speakers from Kerr, are my favorites so far in my journey of madness🤪
As I said previously, I see no reason why you should not love the Opticons, they are bery good speakers.
It will be ineresting to hear what you think of them😊
I think you need to keep going... after you receive the Opticon 8s you'll need to get some Mofi 888's and then the Kef Q11 and then do a side by side and give us your opinion, lol just kidding but really looking forward to the Opticon review.
I've progressed from Opticon 6 Mk2s (way better than my previous Oberons) to Rubikore 6s. They are WAY better again. All Dalis are superb.... until you hear the next model up, sadly. 😜
Honestly finding the right speakers feels a lot like shopping for a new car, or house! I'm feeling like I'm on the right path with the Dalis and I can afford to go one more step, plus I'm getting a little weary of hauling speakers up to the second floor, so unless the Opticon 8s take an unexpected turn I think they will mark the end of my journey.
Nice video.
Thank you! I just gave my honest opinion and I'm delighted to receive so much encouragement, advice and sympathy from others who have been on the same journey.
@@Koolbob2first time seeing your channel. Really enjoyed your presentation, how you go through your thoughts and experiences.
You have a new sub, looking forward to checking out your other content.
@@jeffreylehman1159 Thank you and welcome to the channel.
I'm pretty sure the Rubicon 6 would be perfect for you.
Nice story man, your video and sound production is really good, don't worry about it. Keep it going. 😀
I think you're getting lost by listening to equipment instead of listening to music. The nits that you're focusing on have become an endless distraction and is driving you right down a rabbit hole. Once you find your forever speaker, I predict you'll soon start the whole cycle again. Enjoy the hobby, but focus on the music. BTW - I agree with you on importance of speakers relative to electronics/cables.
Good point, I find that a new speaker will sound great to my ears and I'm completely into the music, until I experience a recording that is somehow off a bit. Then it's hard for me to simply enjoy the music again. I know no speaker will be perfect, and I have realistic expectations. I think I'm on the right path with the Oberon 9s, and if the Opticon 8s have the resolving chops the Opticon2s did along with the dynamics of the Oberon 9s then I expect my search (and budget) will have reached it's end.
@@Koolbob2 I wish you well on your journey. Here's a tip that has worked for me as I too "chase the rabbit" and have 3 complete systems all over the house. Take an album you like and listen to a track by following a single instrument or voice, and do it over again, several times until you can more deeply hear all the nuance of each instrument in each track. That process will help you to become a better music listener and distract you from finding fault with the speakers. The process never ends, there's always something to trade up for, but if you can get better aligned with the music, it may be an aid to focus less on equipment.
@@jeffreypicciolo7706 I have about a dozen CDs and LPs that I know intimately. I like to listen to less familiar music with new speakers for a few days before I try them with music I know very well because the reproduction of familiar music is often the dealbreaker for me.
To call a speaker a “forever” speaker is too much pressure for any product to stand up to. You may want to have two or three favorite speakers and just enjoy the music.
Next upgrade speakers 5x
times more Clarisys or Alsyvox
I'm hoping for a 'forever' speaker, but I know in my heart that if I'm still into this hobby in 5 or 10 years I'll probably do another major overhaul of the entire system.
You will never be satisfied
Yes and no. I expect to be satisfied with the Opticon 8s based on my experience with the other Dali speakers. However, should I come into a lot of money unexpectedly I would probably invest in a professional acoustic evaluation of my listening room and even better equipment.
Thanks
i look forward to your next review
Ffs man. Seen previous video this one with rubicon bookshelf and first You said they are sweet and awesome but then You changed Your mind now same with oberon 9... just wonder is it really speaker or is it something wrong with You?... I wouldnt be suprised if same story will be with opticons 8 🤷♂️well sorry to say that but i think You should go to the shop and listen all different types instead ordering and then sednding them back over and over again 🤷♂️
I appreciate where you're coming from, but obviously I disagree. The overwhelming number of comments on my quest for a better system have been supportive, but a couple of viewers have raised objections to my videos and it's important to me to address the concerns. I am doing this in pursuit of greater listing pleasure. I barely watch TV anymore and listening to music is how I spend most evenings. I thought it would be interesting to share my experiences in the hopes of helping others, I apologize if my video 'blog' on my audio journey are upsetting to anyone.
I can't express how grateful I am for Crutchfield's guidance and they have done a phenomenal job helping me narrow my search, but it has not been without some setbacks.
(1) We discussed my disappointment with the KEF LS50s and a pair of small floor standing Monitor Audio speakers I borrowed from friends and how they both sounded very 'small' and better suited for near-field listening. We discussed how I would much prefer a larger speaker, preferably a three-way, even though I have a pair of subs. The Opticon 2 Mk2 was recommended to me and I accepted the recommendation reluctantly after much assurance it would sound much more like a floor standing speaker when paired with my subs. On the plus side, I discovered that I love the signature 'Dali sound' but there's no getting around the fact that like the LS50, is a small speaker.
(2) When I called to discuss my concerns with the Opticon 2, I asked for advice on whether I should buy the Opticon 8 floorstanding speaker or the Opticon 6 if they felt the Optionc 8 was too big for my room. I was instead guided to the Oberon 9 which is a lower level product, with assurances it would fulfill my needs. The Oberon 9 is very impressive for the money, but the lower tier components used are subtly audible. I probably would have accepted the Oberon 9s as 'good enough compromise' and stopped there if I had not received two LEFT speakers with one arriving badly damaged. But since a return was going to have to take place anyway I purchased the Opticon 8 which I was planning to buy before being guided to the Oberon 9s.
Unless the Opticon 8s speaker are damaged in transit, I fully expect to enjoy them and keep them for many years to come.
No speaker will ever be perfect. You will be looking forever and spend more and more. They ALL are a compromise not forgetting your room is just as influential. You will, absolutely no doubt (!) will find fault with the Opticon 8’s too after a while. At some stage you just have to realise that what you already have may be all you need. Of course, if you have a youtube channel that may be rather boring. I went around and around the hifi circuit, spent way too much cash and ended up with a speaker I owned some 25 years ago. It is human nature to almost never be satisfied unfortunately. Also bear in mind that expectations will get greater with the amount you spend. Equally, disappointment will be quantitatively larger for any shortcomings. Good luck with your search. My advise after decades in the game and for your own sanity; Once you have something you enjoy most of the time and for which no difficult financial decisions have to be made anymore, stop unless something breaks down and be happy.
You are so right. The search for the holy grail is an endless search that never ends because there is no perfect speaker. Unless you're a multi-millionaire, there will always be a "better" speaker out there. Fortunately, I've been satisfied with my ADS 1230s for 42 years years. Since buying them in 1983, I've heard a ton of speaker systems, but none that wowed me enough to part with what I've got. People lose perspective and seem to forget why they got into this audio hobby to begin with, and that's because they have a passion for music. Searching for the "right" gear can be fun. It becomes less fun (and incredibly expensive) when the gear takes priority over the music.
I agree with you 100%. I have enjoyed expanding my palette and experiencing a lot of different flavors of speakers, but I'm ready to quit searching and get back to the music.
@@MarkMiller-i8q Yes, I have two friends who have spent a lot of money on gear and I have purchased their hand-me-downs when they upgrade. I bought a VPI Classic turntable with a $1,200 Shelter cartridge for $800 from one friend when he upgraded to a $10,000 VPI Avenger. I also bought a REL T/7x for $500 from another friend and then a one-month old pair of REL T/9x for $1,000 when he upgraded his subs again.
I've enjoyed this journey and I'm ready to move on from my old speakers, I am fully expecting the Opticon 8s to be my goldilocks speaker for years to come.
@@Koolbob2 If only I had friends like that. lol
@@MarkMiller-i8q Yea, I take them to lunch now and then and ask them if they have found any new music or gear that they are interested in. 😉
Erm, U have ''Down Graded'' to a Lower Model Range ! ! ... As U already have 2 'BIG' & Excellent REL Subs, I Think U would be better off auditioning the Brilliant ATC SCM 19 ''Stand Mount'' speakers. ( NOT the Floor Stander Active Versions ) ... Glorious Mid's and that 'Mega Engineered' Amazing Mid / Bass Driver is Something Else .... Do some 'Research' on that .... If U love your ''Mids'' ( Vocals & Acoustic Instruments ) ... U Really MUST HEAR some ATC Speakers .... It is what ATC's ''Do'' .... Don't get out your Credit Card until U have heard some .... And, as U 'Have Room' and if U really Want Floor Standers, then, there are No Excuses for NOT listening to the Utterly Stupendous ''3 Way'' SCM 40's ( There are both Passive AND Active Versions ) .... Yes, the 40's are Very Expensive but they really are ... ''End Game Speakers'' ... Also, they are not yet another set of 'Boring Square Boxes' ! They have lovely Curved Sides. And they are Sealed Boxes, so will work Very Close to the Front Wall ... Enjoy the ATC ... ''Journey'' ... I now own '4' Different Model 'Pairs' in various systems around the house .... BTW, REL Subs are a Great Pairing with ATC Speakers. So yes, I admit that I 'AM' an ATC ... 'Fan-Girl' .... Oh, and anyone reading this who owns ( or is thinking of buying ) a 'Hegel' Amp then, Yes ... Hegel / ATC / REL is a Match-Up ''Made in Heaven'' ... ATB
''Band'' recommendation for Y'all ... Tiny Ruins ( Hollie Fulbrook ) WoW - What a Voice ... Easy Listening Female Vocals / Acoustic Guitar with 'minimal Bass & Percussion'. Just Listen to the 3 albums ... Ceremony / Olympic Girls ( NOT the 'Solo' Version ) ... Brightly Coloured One. .... Tracks ... Dear Annie / School of Design / Me at the Museum ... Enjoy ...
I just googled both speakers, they are certainly handsome and I have seen many positive reviews of ATC speakers over the years. If somehow the Opticons are not all I had hoped they would be I'll check out the ATC offerings.
I've worked at a hi-fi shop for several years and let me tell you- that's the worst retail job. People who buy components are so difficult. So much effort has to go for explaining, advising, just for someone to return the stuff after some time. Even if it was their choice of the speaker/amp/source.
I bet working in the hifi industry sounds a lot more fun than it is in reality. Whether you know it or not, I'm sure that there are lots of people you helped who are thankful for your help.
These are an average speaker at best, heard many speakers at the same price point that could beat these.
I'm jealous! Other than BestBuy and Facebook marketplace, there isn't a place to hear other speakers within 200 miles of where I live. For the same money what speakers would you prefer?
I don't know you, but I felt compelled to echo some of the comments here. I think you're being too picky here and you are abusing Crutchfield's policy. It's unfair to them, and honestly, I am sure they don't want you as a customer anymore. The sense I get is that you are at a point in life now where you want to try and experience new things and gear and make videos about them. And that's totally fine, but you are disguising that desire in the form of claiming that you are looking for a perfect speaker. Perfect doesn't exist. You owned your previous pair for over 30 years, so I think it's safe to say you just want to try new things. You should just buy and sell used gear. You get to try all sorts of gear and don't have to hurt any retailers in the process. It's a good way to try stuff for people like you. I don't want to come off as judgmental or harsh, but I think it's dead clear to the viewers.
I appreciate your opinion, but you are mistaken.
I blame the frequent Crutchfield emails and my two friends with very elaborate and expensive systems for motivating me to finally upgrade my system. 😄 I was fine with my system until one friend spent $50k over the past 18-months getting the absolute best of every product PS Audio makes, with the exception of speakers. He showed a little restraint there only spending $20k for a pair of Aspen 20 speakers instead of $30k for the Aspen 30.
First thing he did when his new speakers shipped was give me his malfunctioning Acoustat 2+2s. I found one of the Acoustat engineers on a forum and he emailed me all the information I needed to replace every capacitor, diode, wire and many other components in the interface units and refurbish the speaker panels themselves. It was a fun project. He also loaned me his KEF LS50s and another friend loaned me a pair of Monitor Audio speakers.
Multiple listening sessions at his house as he bought more and more PS Audio gear combined with the Acoustats to convince me I could improve my system considerably for a lot less money. He has been cajoling me weekly to buy a pair of PS Audio Aspen 5 speakers, but honestly I don't really enjoy his Aspen 20 speakers all that much.
I have been buying from Crutchfield since 1979 (probably spent at least $10-15k over the years on car audio, TVs, VCRs, Laserdisc, DVD players, CD players, cameras, etc.) and I've never returned anything until recently. I fully expect the Opticon 8s to be the end of my quest for better speakers.
@Koolbob2 Got it. I appreciate the clarification.
Je ne sais pas ce que vaut cette référence.
J'ai eu pendant plusieurs mois DALI OBERON 5 (ampli audiolab) et j'ai trouvé le son mauvais ! Manque de transparence, manque de dynamique et surtout des basses trop présentes et artificielles.
Ce sont des hauts parleurs finalement assez bas de gamme et bien trop chers.
J'ai pris plus de plaisir avec les petites Sonus Faber Lumina 1 !
Plus de détails dans la musique et plus de clarté !
I seriously considered Sonus Faber speakers, and probably would have tried one if I hadn't heard the Opticon 2 Mk2. So far both the Opticon 2 and Oberon 9 share a sound signature, that I like. I am confident I will like the Opticon 8s, but if for some reason I don't Sonus Faber would be one of the brands I would try next.
Bigger the Dog 🐕
Bigger the bark 😊
😆
Listen to some EPOS speakers
I've heard good things about the Epos and they might have been on my list had I not been smitten with the Dali sound.
Yap yap yap yap