Update: Clayton has opted to exclusively provide Caladan in hardwood, leading to a slight increase in price compared to the initial video release. Originally considering an MDF version, he decided to discontinue it due to the overwhelming popularity of the hardwood option. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to him at 801-631-2994.
Yes, I see them! At 6:18 someone has placed the speaker cables on their little 50 cent stands so they don't don't touch the floor and vibrate the electrons!!!!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard I cried. @@Newrecordday2013
Not so sure that is a good thing. I have heard great sounding speakers, in real life on youtube that sound muffled and just okay, so what does this actually mean?
Mine arrived on Saturday and they sound fantastic post break in. Their build quality is phenomenal. For those concerned about the required feet away from the wall - You can still play music with them near the wall and it sounds fine but not HiFi. One feature not talked enough about these speaker is how they're only 10" deep and 35 lbs. Mine are tucked neatly near the wall and I easily pull them out when I have a long listening session. I play music for my young daughters with them near the wall. I've been to a few audio shows and have had a few listening sessions in HiFi stores and per my untrained ear, my system now competes with the best of them.
might be able to put something like a blanket against the wall or something v-shaped so the back wave isnt going directly into the wall. Might take some testing on size or angle but would be worth a try
Breathless and breathtaking! I don't ever recall you being so passionate in your delivery of a review. It was detailed and measured. ( and always entertaining. ) Like someone mesmerized and out of control by a cult leader I want to run out and buy these speakers. Great review!
And...did they cost $2950 for the pair or $3295 like the site is showing today 11/19 just 3 weeks after this video's posted? add $150 shipping plus tax? So realistically they're closer to $3700
I’ve been following speaker reviews intermittently on RUclips. One of the trends that has emerged (apart from a few interesting designs) is the increasing affordability of high end sound. It has appeared to me that, at least for the past few years, audiophiles need not break the $10,000 barrier to get superlative sound. This speaker, based on your review, breaks new ground with a superlative speaker well under $5,000. That is unheard of. The second jaw dropper is how in the heck does he get such bass extension in a relatively compact OB design??? This sounds like, if you have the space to properly setup an OB design, this is the speaker you have to consider!
Pardon and I mean no offense at all, but could you put at least one classical piece on since it’s a ‘reference sound’ for many. Dont get me wrong , I don’t just listen to classical. But it is a reference for me also when choosing speakers. I’m 54 and listen to rock , blues and classical mostly. Some jazz May I suggest for a classical piece and good recording Helen Grimaud Beethoven piano concerto No. 5 the third track - III Rondo Allegro as it has a really good piano recording and string. The piano in the beginning if done well should have grunt in it. Much obliged.
Wow that 3rd track with the blues is amazing ! My Martin Logans and Depth sub was absolutely astounding, the imaging, depth, placement and sound stage was flawless ! Thank you for sharing. Literally made the hair on my arms stand up lol !!
I’ve watched A LOT of speaker reviews, and never have I wanted a speaker more. They are so perfect for my tastes and style too. What beauties. The realism is staggering from these, the energy that pumps out of them too ❤❤❤
@@Newrecordday2013 "Sound clips sound very good. I'm curious what your opinion on minimum room size for these to work well in would be?" Me too, any thoughts?
Holy Shiiiite.....Never heard my desktop speakers and sub sound so good. They're so good they made crappy little monitors sing. Even through the squashy RUclipss. I'll listen through headphones when I get home tonight. Geeeeeez. Um...and affordable. Gagh!
I placed my order. Crossed my fingers. Haven't been this excited since I was a kid waiting for Santa. Was on the phone with Clayton, what a solid guy. Very easy to talk to.
Sounds terrific! Had a couple of questions before I place an order. How would this sound with complex music, such as classical symphonies or rock music? I already have a great speakers for jazz and vocal music. But it struggles with the aforementioned genres. I’m looking for speakers that can do exactly that.
I have never in my 40 years of selling Hi-End for Audio Excellence and buying my own hi end heard anything on YT like this - even on a Mac Air through its own speakers - astounding - not sure whether they would fit my system its a bit Mcintoshy Dual Mono but would love to give them a try - but they would have to beat some pretty substantial Monitor Audio Platinum 500II's - you know the big ones at 6'2" b- ut if they did I would be all over them
So Ron, I'm think 7-8 thousand a pair, at 2950.00 I have no clue how Clayton is going to keep up with demand...he's got a real hit on his hands, all the best!
I believe he’s working that all out. He said he can easily assemble two per day. This is doable but I have a feeling he is gonna need some help if the momentum keeps up like this. I disagree about the price though - we REALLY need an affordable open baffle offering and I’m glad this is finally happening.
I've owned the X5s for three years now and they are still fantastic, just wondering Ron any thoughts on the sonic differences between the X5s and Caladans?
Shhhhhh… me too! X5s for the win! ;) Can’t beat that horn air-motion tweeter that goes down to 550hertz and the active adjustable woofer. But for $3k, that speaker is a no-brainer! In fact I think he is underpricing it by a lot.
@@Newrecordday2013 Thanks buddy! Me too. I love my X5s. The only problem is my cats have destroyed my cloth grills and I need replacements. They love to climb on the speakers. lol
I have a problematic room so my X5s are perfect sounding in this room being controlled directivity. I believe the X5s tweeter crossover is 1 k same as the Caladans. I also purchased a spare 250 w amp from Spatial Audio just for peace of mind. I don't use the grills but have no cats to worry about lol. These speakers are sensational, too bad they were discontinued but I believe the 12 inch mid is no longer made by Eminence
@@marcellorotino810 Yeah I got the 100 watt plate amps and was jealous to hear that the newer unit shipped with 250 watts. I might ask for an upgrade price along with my new cloth grills. I don’t plan on getting rid of these speakers anytime soon. They fit my room perfectly. It’s difficult to improve on perfection. lol
I’ve twice almost pulled the plug on a set of open baffle speakers. Both pair more than 2 times the cost of these. I’ve already reached out to Clayton…
Open baffles, no thank you. Not impressed. Not my jam. Great videos, loved your room build series, these are decent speakers. Nothing new here. Just not blown away. I’ll save final judgement for an in person listening test. Currently. No thank you.
So does this essentially leave Spatial Audio Labs in the dust, or is there still a competitive place for them? Super exciting for Clayton, and truly glad to see him back in action (in a very serious way, it appears), but talk about an aggressive branching off in the industry move! Between the design, price, and performance superlatives present here, looks like there are some truly exciting times ahead!
Don't think it "leaves them in the dust", they are still very good speakers of course. It does mean that going forward they will likely refine some of their designs, such as addressing the integration of the treble, mids, and lows better. If this is indeed Clayton's last or next to last speaker before he retires, there will always be room for someone to come along later and push the technology even more. That's the great thing about this ride. The future can, in theory, bring us even better products at competitive prices. But man, oh man, $2950 for these would be very tempting. I had my eyes on JBL L100 Classics but now I'm just wondering...
It is impossible to unhear that. Eish, talk about complicating, in an extremely good way, my Christmas gift to self. Thank you NRD. Now some initial amplifier pairings.
He should sell build plans and component list, and or kits. Don't know what kind of volume he's capable of producing but it takes no work to sell pdfs that's free money. I want to build these speakers for even less. But the price isn't bad, I'm interested. Still steep though for a budget diy guy like me. Does the tweeter radiate to the back too then? I don't see how it could handle 1khz with no loading/chamber. I really want a floating diaphragm that radiates equally front and rear (ribbon or amt probably could work) that is horn loaded on both sides - but with the rear horn probably having a wider constant directivity dispersion pattern and the front v could be some other geometry to suit your taste. Then give me 2 15s crossed below 200hz, and maybe a 10 inch for 200 to 800-1200 or whatever the tweeter is capable of - which, being a large ribbon/amt that's horn loaded, is going to be pretty low.
Sounds like a very interesting speaker. From my selfish perspective, I would find sound clips that reflect my music taste more convincing - I.e. fast electronic music with deep bass. I like the music in the clips but while acoustic blues and country represent a significant challenge in their own right, I think other genres might reveal different aspects of performance. Happy with my Genelec 8331s for now.
I heard the Caladan speakers at AXPONA this year. Yes, they are fantastic! They were being driven by a pair of Atma-Sphere mono blocks. The DAC was a Linear Tube Audio Aero.
Awesome review and wow! $2950 for the Caladan! If they are flat through the full range, I'm sold! I was going to ask if you had ever tried the Buchardt A700 but at the end you dropped the Caladan price bomb on them.
@@ericelliott227 As losendos8963 said, in this video at the end around the 20:00 mark, New Record Day dropped the price. Crazy low considering they bested the pair of Sapphires NRD spoke so highly of for so long.
When you say “any room” what does that mean? Is this speaker for folks who can’t pull their speakers 8ft into a room? Or for those with small rooms? Or are you talking to audiophiles who have special rooms for speakers?
Wow! Absolutely amazing! I was just wondering how would they sound in a 60sqm livingroom (around 12x5). I have the Focal Aria 948 right now, but who knows?! Should I change them? :)
Can't we hear some alternative rock or similar? I appreciate the song choices, but I'd like to hear these with some heavy music as well. Will they still sound open, etc?
Instant like and subscribe after this review! I've been wanting an affordable open baffle speaker and this sounds like the e-ticket to bliss. I was too late to the game for the Pure Audio Project kits and Preludes which now start at 7k. You are doing a solid for the common man audiophile on a limited budget. Great review and thanks for the heads up!
Caladans arrived two days ago. Finally set up last night. They sounded very mediocre at best. Was sorry I bought them. This morning .....OMG...... astonishing sound. Lock the doors, somebody could steal them. I ordered them 10/30, a long time ago. They were worth every minute I waited for them. Clayton recommends at least 50 hours of burn for a good reason. I cant believe these things will still be getting better. He has crushed it.
I would be worried about the tweeters failing eventually. The fs of those tweeters are 710 and they are crossed at 1000 , you can get away with 1400 hz with a 3 order 18 db slope but a second order at 1000 . Those tweeters aren't designed for that. If you don't believe me call parts express and ask what is the lowest that the Dayton RST28f tweeter can be crossed over. I know I been using those tweeters for years
@@BostonMike68 The good news is that the tweeters are cheap and available. hopefully he made them easy enough to swap out. 1khz with 2nd order does seem like an impossible situation for a 1 1/8 inch tweeter.
@@ryanchappell5962 actually I have used that tweeter and the rf is 730 hz or something close and I was able to cross it at 1400 with a third order high pass. 1000 I think it will have problems.
Has anybody received theirs yet? Newest orders should have been shipped by now. Also, I tried to register to Clayton's Caladan forum, but it's not working. Someone was cranky because they didn't get a timely response from Clayton and I wonder if he shut the forum down to quell the impatient folks. I've never laid down this kind of money for a sight unseen product. Ask me if I'm nervous having not seen any proof of product being shipped/reviewed (other than this video).
@Ron - You mentioned the ZX's not having the bandwidth of the Caladans unless mated with a sub. However, what is your opinion in comparison with what you heard on the top end? Looks like a 1.25 inch silk-dome with a cupped-back vs. the GR Neo 3. Thanks
Ok. You've got my attention. 3k for a factory built 93db+ sensitive open baffle speaker capable of playing down into the upper 20hz range? Hm. I tried a pair of Magnepan LRS's, and returned them. No bass. As much as I love the highs from open baffle, I've always come back to box speakers. Headphones? Oh yeah, open planar all the way, but in a loudspeaker? Well... tell Mr. Shaw I'll be looking forward to giving these a listen. Oh, and thanks for the Terje Isungset tune... Added to my playlist!
The LRS+ are VERY DEPENDENT on placement and actually have fantastic bass! If you are expecting to get 20 hz bass out of a $995 speaker though then NO!
Damn 2950. i really hope they will be available where i live. Edit: the tweeter looks like a Dayton Audio Reference Series, probably modified to do 1000hz.
I have downloaded those high resolution files and after critical listening I can say that those Clayton Shaw Caladans sound exactly the same as my table top computer speaker. Needless to say I am very proud of my little speakers matching those highly praised Caladans.
lols jokes aside, mic placement has a great influence on the captured fqs. place the mic (or ear) close enough to a 2in speaker and it will capture 30Hz with ease. that's how headphones can dig low w/ authority...
@@stiffmeister0hYeah…then you’ll hear your headphone’s interpretation of the Earthworks microphone’s interpretation of the sound of the speaker in close proximity to the tweeter. What would be more useful would be to hear the recording of the speaker interspersed with the line level signal being fed to the speaker.
Excellent comment. I was wondering the same. The mic placement definitely would give a different result than one could expect sitting in a chair 10 or 15 feet from the speakers. @@duroxkilo
Interesting review...but for everyone commenting how great they sound. You can't know that till you've heard them. You are listening to YOUR OWN SYSTEM!!!
Oh this awesome album - winter songs. The bass on it is nuts. I've got some huge OB's and when this thing strikes those notes - I'm assuming in the 30Hz range, its pretty epic.
Cool review and the speakers sounded super nice. Question 1: is that a Dayton Reference Tweeter? It's very similar looking. Q2: Who makes the 12's in this design? And question 3 is more complex... When I'm trying to demo speakers on RUclips, I try to use material that won't get copyright issues, and while the music on NRD sounds so much better, I'm reduced to using royalty free stuff from epidemic sound, but it's a struggle to find decent music that's recorded well on that platform. Do you know of any other sources I can use, or better still, is there any chance I can use the NRD RUclips stream for playback, or do you have any other suggestions? Honestly, if I could get my hands on a CD, DVD or Thumb Drive with even just several decent songs it's likely all I would need. Thanks in advance for the response!
I made myself open baffle speaker with 15” full-range woofers for $1K. Not going back to cross-over land any time soon. I did have to repurpose a subwoofer, though, and that of course is cheating.
Be serious Ron. What about Fleetwood Mac ? Songs we know well. Cause you are well paid for that publicity stunt right ? Give us some good canadian rock, like Run To You by Bryan Adams, something like that, something that punches, like Crazy on You by Heart ? Why not... How can you evaluate a speaker with ukulele music ?
demo songs arent challenging enough, will sound similar on all speakers recorded with a dual mic.....play some rock, electronic, EDM.....not old folk retirement music.
Couldn't tell you how happy I was to hear the price, and the high sensitivity which means we'll be able to drive it with a number of TUBE amps. Looks like you are also using my new favorite INT ss AMP - the Electrocompaniet, which I just obtained on the used market. More people in the US should know about that product, it's really a cut above most of the stuff I've owned including MF, Arcam, and some older levinson. Of course years and model types vary in sound Q, but that's what we have you for. Really cool review, well done!
I can hear ALL the way down to 25Hz. + easily with my own hand built OB system featuring 2 Lii Audio W15 subs I modified, and designed. It's truly amazing. Thanks for making, uploading and sharing Ron 🙂
Order placed, deposit made, anticipated delivery in JAN. Taking a leap of faith as this will be the first time seeing/hearing OB speakers (other than NRD on YT).
@@djb113I like them. It’s taken a while for my ears to acclimate to the tweeters as they are not what I’m used to (AMT or beryllium), but they’re good. The open baffle sound is something I’ve never experienced. I really like it. They’re essentially in the same spot since setting them up. I assume there will be further improvements as I move them around the room. I have about 40 hours on them so far.
When I was watching this video, I thought I will go to living room and watch on TV. I was listening through a pair of Tekton Lore Reference speakers. Usually listening that way, you get an idea but wow I was blown away! I can only think about what it would be like in person. I downloaded the second track, and listened and it made my walls rattle. Excellent track for those speakers. But the real star of the show is the vocals which are as real as any speaker I've ever heard. The first time I ever heard those small Maggie's, LS, those sounded really good, but the added warmth in these is fantastic, triple the price of the Maggie's. Thanks, I really don't think you need other speakers with these. They cover all the bases. Open Baffle speakers truly do have a unique sound. Wow.
Ron, Amazing, did not anticipate this announcement of the Caladens. I honestly thought Clayton was rideing the pale horse into retirement. I do have one ask, and it a big ask. Any chance you could record Pravus or Lethargica off of Meshuggah Obzen album ? Just a few snippits please if possible?
Man that's a steal. I have gr research nx otica and stereo triple servo subs so I'm doing pretty well but I spent like 15k in parts lol (but I have some of the best crossover parts your gonna get.) Nothing has ever come close to me system including the 350k Wilson xvx and everything I heard at axpona 2023. If I wasn't a diy man hard to pass these up. Impulse buy territory for end game speskers. Probably 85% of what I'm getting with my gr research system (but without that last 15% I'd personally go mad haha)
I'm about $10k into a set of Tekton Moabs with Be tweeters, upgraded crossovers and Townshed Podiums. I LOVE them! But also, my uncle is working with active crossover, omnidirectional stuff, based on Linkwitz' old work. I heard his latest effort (after a long hiatus) a couple weeks ago. They weren't well tuned yet, but already, key aspects of their performance exceed my Tektons. Transient speed and clarity and the believe-ability of vocals, namely. I don't know how much of that is from the open, omnidirectional design, a lot is from the hand tuned active crossover with no analog filters. From you just showed us in these recordings, I definitely have my on these now.
Which drivers are these ? Off the shelf drivers from SB Acoustics ? Or tailor made special drivers ? Are these secret informations ? I’d love to know… and I’m gonna place my order now 😍
Ok tou make it FUN!! I spent almost 2 decades away from real listening due to work/travel an living in small places so get to listening and the latest I tried RUclips. Because in the 80s ,90s we only had magazine or show but HIFI shops Thanks
Have not been able to consume the entirety of this review but, love your work. On a side note I see a finished Sound Shed? I thought the purpose of your 2nd Channel was to take us on the ride of Room Acoustics & set up?
Interesting time for RUclips reviewers this week. Ron is all in on the CALADAN and Randy at Cheap Audioman is loving the Klipsch Cornwall III. Dare they do a straight up comparison with a range of amplifiers? I would certainly love to see this happen.
I've got a question for you, it might even be future video worthy. Are there any rules or guidelines to matching sound signatures of amp's to dac's? I know your can go overboard with a warm sound signature if everything is warm in your system. But does that apply to clean and smooth as well?
Oh those look soo perty!!! How low does that tweeter play down to? I’ve wanted just a two way design and have been using a full range for the upper range. I feel like I’m missing a lot of detail by doing so but how do you cross to the woofers below? You don’t want them playing up to high right?
About 40 hours of listening to these and I still can’t imagine adding a sub. Even with SB-3000 (sealed, clean and accurate) it doesn’t match the great characteristics of open baffle. I'm not totally sold on the tweeter though. I've only done one Dirac calibration, and a quick one at that.
@@jasonallen1205my other two pair of speakers are AMTs and ScanSpeak berylliums. Perhaps I just need to acclimate to these tweeters. They’re not bad by any means, they’re good, but they don’t have the air of AMTs or the sweetness of beryllium. I really wish Ron would review the production pair that he’s had for a while. This video is a pre-production pair.
They are definitely sensitive to the components driving them. All listening up to this point were with NAD 658->Odyssey Candela->Odyssey Khartago monos. Substituted Willsenton R8 (minus Candela) and they are totally different. Smooth silky goodness. Cant wait to throw a couple different amps into the mix. I love speakers that distinctly take on the characteristics of their components. Not all do.
Wow. Thats a killer price point too. Might still be out of my range, sunce I have to add shipping, taxes and Duty to Canada. Either way I have a new Speaker to save for. Hope fully my 2.7 watts of Decware Mono can run them.
I truly appreciate your channel. Ive been watching in silence for a while, taking mental notes. Im currently without a system, due to past health issues, etc. The last pair of speakers i owned were a pair of Infinity Epsilons with the servo unit. (They were wonderful in my opinion). But open baffle design has caught my attention, not because i think they sound great (I dont have anywhere nearby to audition any), but because reviewers (like you) who i trust have spoken so highly of them. So, as I slowly scrape the funds together to get into another system, I get excited about a review like this. (The price seems very reasonable!!) That being said, is there any indication as to when production models might start being released?? In other words, how much longer might I remain without a system? Thanks again for all you do. (Oh, and sensitivity of these speakers if you know?) Thanks again.
Finally, I person that recorded a high quality stereo , with high quality gear….how many times have we looked at a video of a million dollar hi fi that sounds like crap because of how it was captured….totally defeating the purpose…bravo.my friend bravo…z🎉
After listening to the downloaded tracks on my own open baffle system, it is almost painful to listen to the same songs on RUclips. Completely flat and void of any life in comparision.
@@Newrecordday2013 You misunderstand. I have tried recording my own system and it sounds terrible, it sounds worse than terrible because I lack the knowledge and equipment to record it properly. I played the downloaded files on my own system, and played the RUclips songs on the exact same equipment / system. The difference was chalk and cheese. Not because of the speakers, but because of RUclips compression. When you own a highly resolving system like I do, you can hear huge difference between them. Listen to those songs on RUclips was like listening with a bucket on your head. The song was the same but the detail was muted or just not there. Hence my comment " Completely flat and void of any life in comparision.' Everything about the experience was different from the sound stage, to what could be heard. RUclips made it sound like it was stuffed in a sack instead of the clear seperation of instruments that can be heard in the files. I don't know about you, but if I listen to a song, and then I hear it in all its glory, it is almost painful to then hear it again in its less than optimal state. It is this desire for perfection that has led me to spend many tens of thousands of dollars and decades chasing the dream.
That's great Ron but I could have sworn you used servo subs with the Sapphires the first time we saw them - I must have them mixed up with Danny's open baffle speakers. Thanks for the vid.
![FendiDa Rappa - Clock Dat ft. Shamar Marco [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3NBU8KHdxYY/mqdefault.jpg)
Update: Clayton has opted to exclusively provide Caladan in hardwood, leading to a slight increase in price compared to the initial video release. Originally considering an MDF version, he decided to discontinue it due to the overwhelming popularity of the hardwood option. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to him at 801-631-2994.
Website in the description is incorrect. You got it right at the end of the video.
@@CavalierLiberty Thanks, fixed.
@@Newrecordday2013 glad I could help
Yes, I see them! At 6:18 someone has placed the speaker cables on their little 50 cent stands so they don't don't touch the floor and vibrate the electrons!!!!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard I cried. @@Newrecordday2013
What species of hardwood are those Caladan speakers in your video?
After listening "Winter sounds" album, I tend to agree that the most important factor of the sound quality, is the source of the recording.
Even through RUclips the sound clips sound fantastic. Midrange is superb
Not so sure that is a good thing. I have heard great sounding speakers, in real life on youtube that sound muffled and just okay, so what does this actually mean?
Mine arrived on Saturday and they sound fantastic post break in. Their build quality is phenomenal.
For those concerned about the required feet away from the wall - You can still play music with them near the wall and it sounds fine but not HiFi. One feature not talked enough about these speaker is how they're only 10" deep and 35 lbs. Mine are tucked neatly near the wall and I easily pull them out when I have a long listening session. I play music for my young daughters with them near the wall.
I've been to a few audio shows and have had a few listening sessions in HiFi stores and per my untrained ear, my system now competes with the best of them.
might be able to put something like a blanket against the wall or something v-shaped so the back wave isnt going directly into the wall. Might take some testing on size or angle but would be worth a try
Breathless and breathtaking! I don't ever recall you being so passionate in your delivery of a review. It was detailed and measured. ( and always entertaining. ) Like someone mesmerized and out of control by a cult leader I want to run out and buy these speakers. Great review!
Wow, thank you!
As I will.
And...did they cost $2950 for the pair or $3295 like the site is showing today 11/19 just 3 weeks after this video's posted? add $150 shipping plus tax? So realistically they're closer to $3700
Which wood on the test speakers? It would be great to see an example of each on his website.
I dunno, those look more Arrakis than Caladan if you ask me.
The spice must flow
Does it matter
You can paint them blue if you want… then😂
I’ve been following speaker reviews intermittently on RUclips. One of the trends that has emerged (apart from a few interesting designs) is the increasing affordability of high end sound. It has appeared to me that, at least for the past few years, audiophiles need not break the $10,000 barrier to get superlative sound. This speaker, based on your review, breaks new ground with a superlative speaker well under $5,000. That is unheard of. The second jaw dropper is how in the heck does he get such bass extension in a relatively compact OB design??? This sounds like, if you have the space to properly setup an OB design, this is the speaker you have to consider!
Bingo!
Sound clips sound very good. I'm curious what your opinion on minimum room size for these to work well in would be?
Pardon and I mean no offense at all, but could you put at least one classical piece on since it’s a ‘reference sound’ for many. Dont get me wrong , I don’t just listen to classical. But it is a reference for me also when choosing speakers. I’m 54 and listen to rock , blues and classical mostly. Some jazz
May I suggest for a classical piece and good recording Helen Grimaud Beethoven piano concerto No. 5 the third track - III Rondo Allegro as it has a really good piano recording and string. The piano in the beginning if done well should have grunt in it.
Much obliged.
Wow that 3rd track with the blues is amazing ! My Martin Logans and Depth sub was absolutely astounding, the imaging, depth, placement and sound stage was flawless ! Thank you for sharing. Literally made the hair on my arms stand up lol !!
I’ve watched A LOT of speaker reviews, and never have I wanted a speaker more. They are so perfect for my tastes and style too. What beauties. The realism is staggering from these, the energy that pumps out of them too ❤❤❤
Glad you like them!
@@Newrecordday2013 thanks for sharing them with the community
@@Newrecordday2013 "Sound clips sound very good. I'm curious what your opinion on minimum room size for these to work well in would be?" Me too, any thoughts?
Just brilliant. Have to wait a while before Clayton can fill international orders.
Holy Shiiiite.....Never heard my desktop speakers and sub sound so good. They're so good they made crappy little monitors sing. Even through the squashy RUclipss. I'll listen through headphones when I get home tonight. Geeeeeez. Um...and affordable. Gagh!
I placed my order. Crossed my fingers. Haven't been this excited since I was a kid waiting for Santa. Was on the phone with Clayton, what a solid guy. Very easy to talk to.
How did you order the web site is down. Is there a different site
Did you get them? How are they?
No reply. May of sold them already, don't know what's real these days :(
Sounds terrific! Had a couple of questions before I place an order. How would this sound with complex music, such as classical symphonies or rock music? I already have a great speakers for jazz and vocal music. But it struggles with the aforementioned genres. I’m looking for speakers that can do exactly that.
I have never in my 40 years of selling Hi-End for Audio Excellence and buying my own hi end heard anything on YT like this - even on a Mac Air through its own speakers - astounding - not sure whether they would fit my system its a bit Mcintoshy Dual Mono but would love to give them a try - but they would have to beat some pretty substantial Monitor Audio Platinum 500II's - you know the big ones at 6'2" b- ut if they did I would be all over them
exciting stuff! Will Clayton have a showroom for auditions?
I forgot to mention that the production quality of this review is pretty entertaining. The last 15 seconds were well executed 🙂
So Ron, I'm think 7-8 thousand a pair, at 2950.00 I have no clue how Clayton is going to keep up with demand...he's got a real hit on his hands, all the best!
I am a little worried he will have trouble keeping up with the demand but I believe in him.
I believe he’s working that all out. He said he can easily assemble two per day. This is doable but I have a feeling he is gonna need some help if the momentum keeps up like this. I disagree about the price though - we REALLY need an affordable open baffle offering and I’m glad this is finally happening.
@@BrentLeVasseur sounds like somebody has too much money on their hands :)
I've owned the X5s for three years now and they are still fantastic, just wondering Ron any thoughts on the sonic differences between the X5s and Caladans?
Shhhhhh… me too! X5s for the win! ;) Can’t beat that horn air-motion tweeter that goes down to 550hertz and the active adjustable woofer. But for $3k, that speaker is a no-brainer! In fact I think he is underpricing it by a lot.
@BrentLeVasseur I think in your room, the X5s are perfect!
@@Newrecordday2013 Thanks buddy! Me too. I love my X5s. The only problem is my cats have destroyed my cloth grills and I need replacements. They love to climb on the speakers. lol
I have a problematic room so my X5s are perfect sounding in this room being controlled directivity. I believe the X5s tweeter crossover is 1 k same as the Caladans. I also purchased a spare 250 w amp from Spatial Audio just for peace of mind. I don't use the grills but have no cats to worry about lol. These speakers are sensational, too bad they were discontinued but I believe the 12 inch mid is no longer made by Eminence
@@marcellorotino810 Yeah I got the 100 watt plate amps and was jealous to hear that the newer unit shipped with 250 watts. I might ask for an upgrade price along with my new cloth grills. I don’t plan on getting rid of these speakers anytime soon. They fit my room perfectly. It’s difficult to improve on perfection. lol
If only if they can make a compact &smaller room friendly,less imposing ,better styling .i will jump in . For time being i will keep my Focal .
Best reviewer in the world of Audio!
I’ve twice almost pulled the plug on a set of open baffle speakers. Both pair more than 2 times the cost of these. I’ve already reached out to Clayton…
Smart
Open baffles, no thank you. Not impressed. Not my jam. Great videos, loved your room build series, these are decent speakers. Nothing new here. Just not blown away. I’ll save final judgement for an in person listening test. Currently. No thank you.
Sounds pretty darn amazing! What was the amplifier you were using? Electrocompaniet?
Damn. Even through my R3/NAD setup, those tracks sounded good. Crazy.
Wow, you don't look a day older than yesterday, but the maturity of your review is impressive.
It's obvious in his reviews which products he actually cares about and is making because he wants to vs he is obligated to
NRD, you just dropped a Bomb on us!!! I'm in,especially at that price!!!
So does this essentially leave Spatial Audio Labs in the dust, or is there still a competitive place for them? Super exciting for Clayton, and truly glad to see him back in action (in a very serious way, it appears), but talk about an aggressive branching off in the industry move!
Between the design, price, and performance superlatives present here, looks like there are some truly exciting times ahead!
Don't think it "leaves them in the dust", they are still very good speakers of course. It does mean that going forward they will likely refine some of their designs, such as addressing the integration of the treble, mids, and lows better. If this is indeed Clayton's last or next to last speaker before he retires, there will always be room for someone to come along later and push the technology even more. That's the great thing about this ride. The future can, in theory, bring us even better products at competitive prices. But man, oh man, $2950 for these would be very tempting. I had my eyes on JBL L100 Classics but now I'm just wondering...
It is impossible to unhear that. Eish, talk about complicating, in an extremely good way, my Christmas gift to self. Thank you NRD. Now some initial amplifier pairings.
He should sell build plans and component list, and or kits. Don't know what kind of volume he's capable of producing but it takes no work to sell pdfs that's free money. I want to build these speakers for even less. But the price isn't bad, I'm interested. Still steep though for a budget diy guy like me.
Does the tweeter radiate to the back too then? I don't see how it could handle 1khz with no loading/chamber.
I really want a floating diaphragm that radiates equally front and rear (ribbon or amt probably could work) that is horn loaded on both sides - but with the rear horn probably having a wider constant directivity dispersion pattern and the front v could be some other geometry to suit your taste. Then give me 2 15s crossed below 200hz, and maybe a 10 inch for 200 to 800-1200 or whatever the tweeter is capable of - which, being a large ribbon/amt that's horn loaded, is going to be pretty low.
Sounds like a very interesting speaker. From my selfish perspective, I would find sound clips that reflect my music taste more convincing - I.e. fast electronic music with deep bass. I like the music in the clips but while acoustic blues and country represent a significant challenge in their own right, I think other genres might reveal different aspects of performance. Happy with my Genelec 8331s for now.
I heard the Caladan speakers at AXPONA this year. Yes, they are fantastic! They were being driven by a pair of Atma-Sphere mono blocks. The DAC was a Linear Tube Audio Aero.
Awesome review and wow! $2950 for the Caladan! If they are flat through the full range, I'm sold! I was going to ask if you had ever tried the Buchardt A700 but at the end you dropped the Caladan price bomb on them.
Where did you get that price? If true, while that is very hard now days, it is still reachable over time. In other words, not bad at all indeed!
@ericelliott227 The price was stated at the very end of the video. It was the "mic drop", so to speak.
@@ericelliott227 As losendos8963 said, in this video at the end around the 20:00 mark, New Record Day dropped the price. Crazy low considering they bested the pair of Sapphires NRD spoke so highly of for so long.
When you say “any room” what does that mean? Is this speaker for folks who can’t pull their speakers 8ft into a room? Or for those with small rooms? Or are you talking to audiophiles who have special rooms for speakers?
Wow! Absolutely amazing! I was just wondering how would they sound in a 60sqm livingroom (around 12x5). I have the Focal Aria 948 right now, but who knows?! Should I change them? :)
Can't we hear some alternative rock or similar? I appreciate the song choices, but I'd like to hear these with some heavy music as well. Will they still sound open, etc?
Instant like and subscribe after this review! I've been wanting an affordable open baffle speaker and this sounds like the e-ticket to bliss. I was too late to the game for the Pure Audio Project kits and Preludes which now start at 7k. You are doing a solid for the common man audiophile on a limited budget. Great review and thanks for the heads up!
Awesome, thank you!
Caladans arrived two days ago. Finally set up last night. They sounded very mediocre at best. Was sorry I bought them. This morning .....OMG...... astonishing sound. Lock the doors, somebody could steal them. I ordered them 10/30, a long time ago. They were worth every minute I waited for them. Clayton recommends at least 50 hours of burn for a good reason. I cant believe these things will still be getting better. He has crushed it.
They do take some time to open up - those woofers really get better around the 40-50 hour mark.
@@Newrecordday2013 Thanks Ron for all you do.
I would be worried about the tweeters failing eventually. The fs of those tweeters are 710 and they are crossed at 1000 , you can get away with 1400 hz with a 3 order 18 db slope but a second order at 1000 . Those tweeters aren't designed for that. If you don't believe me call parts express and ask what is the lowest that the Dayton RST28f tweeter can be crossed over. I know I been using those tweeters for years
@@BostonMike68 The good news is that the tweeters are cheap and available. hopefully he made them easy enough to swap out. 1khz with 2nd order does seem like an impossible situation for a 1 1/8 inch tweeter.
@@ryanchappell5962 actually I have used that tweeter and the rf is 730 hz or something close and I was able to cross it at 1400 with a third order high pass. 1000 I think it will have problems.
What is the rest or the system please?
LTA amplifier?
Zotl 40 or ultralinear?
Thanks!
Wtf happened to Spatial Audio?
Has anybody received theirs yet? Newest orders should have been shipped by now. Also, I tried to register to Clayton's Caladan forum, but it's not working. Someone was cranky because they didn't get a timely response from Clayton and I wonder if he shut the forum down to quell the impatient folks. I've never laid down this kind of money for a sight unseen product. Ask me if I'm nervous having not seen any proof of product being shipped/reviewed (other than this video).
Wait, didn’t you say that “lightening strikes twice” with the X4’s? Are these better than the X4s?
Artisan, audio statesman, genius….. we are grateful to Mr Shaw. The industry needs more gifted sincerity on this scale.
@Ron - You mentioned the ZX's not having the bandwidth of the Caladans unless mated with a sub. However, what is your opinion in comparison with what you heard on the top end? Looks like a 1.25 inch silk-dome with a cupped-back vs. the GR Neo 3. Thanks
Ordered a pair early December 2023........still waiting. Last promise was for June delivery. We shall see.
I've now been waiting for 7 months - no response from v/mail or email from them
@@bobtomay did you make a downpayment?
@@bobtomay the new promised ship date for me is mid to late August.
What drivers are used and what’s the crossover frequencies and slopes?
$2950?? I'm ordering. Hopefully, it's a price for a pair.
It is.
Ok. You've got my attention. 3k for a factory built 93db+ sensitive open baffle speaker capable of playing down into the upper 20hz range? Hm. I tried a pair of Magnepan LRS's, and returned them. No bass. As much as I love the highs from open baffle, I've always come back to box speakers. Headphones? Oh yeah, open planar all the way, but in a loudspeaker?
Well... tell Mr. Shaw I'll be looking forward to giving these a listen.
Oh, and thanks for the Terje Isungset tune... Added to my playlist!
The LRS+ are VERY DEPENDENT on placement and actually have fantastic bass! If you are expecting to get 20 hz bass out of a $995 speaker though then NO!
This medical hiatus coincides with rumors he screwed his business partners? Please, I'm asking for a friend?
Damn 2950. i really hope they will be available where i live.
Edit: the tweeter looks like a Dayton Audio Reference Series, probably modified to do 1000hz.
It's a Dayton Audio RST28F-4, the frequency response can go down to 900Hz and Clayton has selected a 2nd Order X-Over at 1KHz!
I have downloaded those high resolution files and after critical listening I can say that those Clayton Shaw Caladans sound exactly the same as my table top computer speaker. Needless to say I am very proud of my little speakers matching those highly praised Caladans.
hahahahahahahahahhahaha..
at 3:40 he mentions that it's time to put headphones on.
lols
jokes aside, mic placement has a great influence on the captured fqs.
place the mic (or ear) close enough to a 2in speaker and it will capture 30Hz with ease. that's how headphones can dig low w/ authority...
@@stiffmeister0hYeah…then you’ll hear your headphone’s interpretation of the Earthworks microphone’s interpretation of the sound of the speaker in close proximity to the tweeter.
What would be more useful would be to hear the recording of the speaker interspersed with the line level signal being fed to the speaker.
Excellent comment. I was wondering the same. The mic placement definitely would give a different result than one could expect sitting in a chair 10 or 15 feet from the speakers. @@duroxkilo
Interesting review...but for everyone commenting how great they sound. You can't know that till you've heard them. You are listening to YOUR OWN SYSTEM!!!
Oh this awesome album - winter songs. The bass on it is nuts. I've got some huge OB's and when this thing strikes those notes - I'm assuming in the 30Hz range, its pretty epic.
This is a great set of speakers.
I wolud love to hear how it paired up with another gem in the audio world, the AGD Amp.
Or even a StarCrimson :}
oooh yes..Orchard Audio, forgot about that one..Thanks@@thomasvargas5984
Cool review and the speakers sounded super nice. Question 1: is that a Dayton Reference Tweeter? It's very similar looking. Q2: Who makes the 12's in this design? And question 3 is more complex... When I'm trying to demo speakers on RUclips, I try to use material that won't get copyright issues, and while the music on NRD sounds so much better, I'm reduced to using royalty free stuff from epidemic sound, but it's a struggle to find decent music that's recorded well on that platform. Do you know of any other sources I can use, or better still, is there any chance I can use the NRD RUclips stream for playback, or do you have any other suggestions? Honestly, if I could get my hands on a CD, DVD or Thumb Drive with even just several decent songs it's likely all I would need. Thanks in advance for the response!
I made myself open baffle speaker with 15” full-range woofers for $1K. Not going back to cross-over land any time soon. I did have to repurpose a subwoofer, though, and that of course is cheating.
not often I pay any attention to you tube playback, but this comes through very impressive so can only imagine how they are in the room. well done!
Be serious Ron. What about Fleetwood Mac ? Songs we know well. Cause you are well paid for that publicity stunt right ? Give us some good canadian rock, like Run To You by Bryan Adams, something like that, something that punches, like Crazy on You by Heart ? Why not... How can you evaluate a speaker with ukulele music ?
I was sitting here thinking through the whole video, I wonder what the price is. Near the end I guessed $6500.00......holy crap, under $3K?
demo songs arent challenging enough, will sound similar on all speakers recorded with a dual mic.....play some rock, electronic, EDM.....not old folk retirement music.
Couldn't tell you how happy I was to hear the price, and the high sensitivity which means we'll be able to drive it with a number of TUBE amps.
Looks like you are also using my new favorite INT ss AMP - the Electrocompaniet, which I just obtained on the used market. More people in the US should know about that product, it's really a cut above most of the stuff I've owned including MF, Arcam, and some older levinson. Of course years and model types vary in sound Q, but that's what we have you for.
Really cool review, well done!
Where was price mentioned? I watched the whole thing and nothing about price was mentioned. I don't think it has been established yet.
@ericelliott227 if you didn’t catch the price, watch the ending again.
I can hear ALL the way down to 25Hz. + easily with my own hand built OB system featuring 2 Lii Audio W15 subs I modified, and designed. It's truly amazing. Thanks for making, uploading and sharing Ron 🙂
Could you kindly share your design? Thank you
I was on the fence about attending Capitol Audiofest this year. Seems that decision is now made in the affirmative. Room 661. 😉
Order placed, deposit made, anticipated delivery in JAN. Taking a leap of faith as this will be the first time seeing/hearing OB speakers (other than NRD on YT).
i did the same last week. Paid in full. It is a leap indeed.
Did you get them? How are they?
@@djb113I like them. It’s taken a while for my ears to acclimate to the tweeters as they are not what I’m used to (AMT or beryllium), but they’re good. The open baffle sound is something I’ve never experienced. I really like it. They’re essentially in the same spot since setting them up. I assume there will be further improvements as I move them around the room. I have about 40 hours on them so far.
I wish you made a review on Diptique DP 115 or above. I think it might over perform Caladan by far...
When I was watching this video, I thought I will go to living room and watch on TV. I was listening through a pair of Tekton Lore Reference speakers. Usually listening that way, you get an idea but wow I was blown away! I can only think about what it would be like in person. I downloaded the second track, and listened and it made my walls rattle. Excellent track for those speakers. But the real star of the show is the vocals which are as real as any speaker I've ever heard. The first time I ever heard those small Maggie's, LS, those sounded really good, but the added warmth in these is fantastic, triple the price of the Maggie's. Thanks, I really don't think you need other speakers with these. They cover all the bases. Open Baffle speakers truly do have a unique sound. Wow.
Ron, Amazing, did not anticipate this announcement of the Caladens. I honestly thought Clayton was rideing the pale horse into retirement. I do have one ask, and it a big ask. Any chance you could record Pravus or Lethargica off of Meshuggah Obzen album ? Just a few snippits please if possible?
Man that's a steal. I have gr research nx otica and stereo triple servo subs so I'm doing pretty well but I spent like 15k in parts lol (but I have some of the best crossover parts your gonna get.) Nothing has ever come close to me system including the 350k Wilson xvx and everything I heard at axpona 2023.
If I wasn't a diy man hard to pass these up. Impulse buy territory for end game speskers. Probably 85% of what I'm getting with my gr research system (but without that last 15% I'd personally go mad haha)
Danny helped me design my open baffle alnico full range with ambient neodymium tweeters with low crossover and it’s the way to go 🎶✔️🥰
What is the rest or the system please?
LTA amplifier? 0:00
Zotl 40 or ultralinear? 0:00 0:00
Thanks!
I'm about $10k into a set of Tekton Moabs with Be tweeters, upgraded crossovers and Townshed Podiums. I LOVE them! But also, my uncle is working with active crossover, omnidirectional stuff, based on Linkwitz' old work. I heard his latest effort (after a long hiatus) a couple weeks ago. They weren't well tuned yet, but already, key aspects of their performance exceed my Tektons. Transient speed and clarity and the believe-ability of vocals, namely. I don't know how much of that is from the open, omnidirectional design, a lot is from the hand tuned active crossover with no analog filters.
From you just showed us in these recordings, I definitely have my on these now.
😦😧 $2950/pair??? 🤯 literally sat for 10-15 seconds letting that value bargain sink in
Hopefully you purchased these speakers a few months ago, the price increased dramatically.
2950? WHAAAAT? you must be joking! W.O.W.
Wow! If they sound that good and for $2950, it's a no brainer.... just need to work out shipping to Australia and availability.
Dang. $2950. That price is getting my mouth smiling and my noodler thinking up how convince the Missus that we need another set of speakers.
Another awesome video! I hope your long awaited Schiit Tyr review is loaded in the hopper!
Yes, I’m also dying to hear the full Tyr review.
Coming soon!
Which drivers are these ? Off the shelf drivers from SB Acoustics ? Or tailor made special drivers ? Are these secret informations ? I’d love to know… and I’m gonna place my order now 😍
Ok tou make it FUN!! I spent almost 2 decades away from real listening due to work/travel an living in small places so get to listening and the latest I tried RUclips.
Because in the 80s ,90s we only had magazine or show but HIFI shops
Thanks
Have not been able to consume the entirety of this review but, love your work. On a side note I see a finished Sound Shed? I thought the purpose of your 2nd Channel was to take us on the ride of Room Acoustics & set up?
Sold. Sorry Magnapan.🤩
Hey Ron, I know where you got that cable riser.....😊
I have called and sent an email to Clayton. Waiting for a response, so I can place my order...
I listened to these yesterday for about 45 minutes at Capital Audio Fest. They played the same tracks that Ron plaued. These speakers are Amazing!!!
Dude! I was hoping to hear a report! And keep in mind those rooms are usually awful!
Think pair w new class A musical fidelity w a less laid back sources
Interesting time for RUclips reviewers this week. Ron is all in on the CALADAN and Randy at Cheap Audioman is loving the Klipsch Cornwall III. Dare they do a straight up comparison with a range of amplifiers? I would certainly love to see this happen.
Caladan would use the Cornwalls as toothpicks after chewing on them for a while.
I love it!@@Newrecordday2013
I've got a question for you, it might even be future video worthy. Are there any rules or guidelines to matching sound signatures of amp's to dac's? I know your can go overboard with a warm sound signature if everything is warm in your system. But does that apply to clean and smooth as well?
Oh those look soo perty!!! How low does that tweeter play down to? I’ve wanted just a two way design and have been using a full range for the upper range. I feel like I’m missing a lot of detail by doing so but how do you cross to the woofers below? You don’t want them playing up to high right?
About 40 hours of listening to these and I still can’t imagine adding a sub. Even with SB-3000 (sealed, clean and accurate) it doesn’t match the great characteristics of open baffle. I'm not totally sold on the tweeter though. I've only done one Dirac calibration, and a quick one at that.
Great to hear!
What about the Tweeters?
@@jasonallen1205my other two pair of speakers are AMTs and ScanSpeak berylliums. Perhaps I just need to acclimate to these tweeters. They’re not bad by any means, they’re good, but they don’t have the air of AMTs or the sweetness of beryllium.
I really wish Ron would review the production pair that he’s had for a while. This video is a pre-production pair.
They are definitely sensitive to the components driving them. All listening up to this point were with NAD 658->Odyssey Candela->Odyssey Khartago monos. Substituted Willsenton R8 (minus Candela) and they are totally different. Smooth silky goodness. Cant wait to throw a couple different amps into the mix. I love speakers that distinctly take on the characteristics of their components. Not all do.
Wow. Thats a killer price point too. Might still be out of my range, sunce I have to add shipping, taxes and Duty to Canada. Either way I have a new Speaker to save for. Hope fully my 2.7 watts of Decware Mono can run them.
I truly appreciate your channel. Ive been watching in silence for a while, taking mental notes. Im currently without a system, due to past health issues, etc. The last pair of speakers i owned were a pair of Infinity Epsilons with the servo unit. (They were wonderful in my opinion). But open baffle design has caught my attention, not because i think they sound great (I dont have anywhere nearby to audition any), but because reviewers (like you) who i trust have spoken so highly of them. So, as I slowly scrape the funds together to get into another system, I get excited about a review like this. (The price seems very reasonable!!) That being said, is there any indication as to when production models might start being released?? In other words, how much longer might I remain without a system? Thanks again for all you do. (Oh, and sensitivity of these speakers if you know?) Thanks again.
Glad your mending. Now we know why people value good health. Till it's not there you don't miss it.
I think he said the sensitivity was 93 dB.
In my headphones these sounded very much like my Tekton Double Impact speakers.
What??? New OB"s ??? I remember these.... Your golden child.... Happy B-Day brother. ❤
This video is perhaps the best hifi review I’ve ever watched. Thanks so much much for continually raising the bar. And yes I so want a pair!
Much appreciated!
Oh yeah!
Only better in the old western movies, with the seller taking a drink from the top of his carriage.
Magic ointments, flies and mules.
Looks like I found my next set of speakers. Time to retire the MMGs
The extension into the lows is downright NAUGHTY !!!! ... You know something is special about a driver setup when it just surprises...
Finally, I person that recorded a high quality stereo , with high quality gear….how many times have we looked at a video of a million dollar hi fi that sounds like crap because of how it was captured….totally defeating the purpose…bravo.my friend bravo…z🎉
Thanks!
After listening to the downloaded tracks on my own open baffle system, it is almost painful to listen to the same songs on RUclips. Completely flat and void of any life in comparision.
Record your system playing the same tracks, upload them to RUclips and let’s compare.
@@Newrecordday2013 You misunderstand. I have tried recording my own system and it sounds terrible, it sounds worse than terrible because I lack the knowledge and equipment to record it properly.
I played the downloaded files on my own system, and played the RUclips songs on the exact same equipment / system. The difference was chalk and cheese. Not because of the speakers, but because of RUclips compression. When you own a highly resolving system like I do, you can hear huge difference between them.
Listen to those songs on RUclips was like listening with a bucket on your head. The song was the same but the detail was muted or just not there. Hence my comment " Completely flat and void of any life in comparision.'
Everything about the experience was different from the sound stage, to what could be heard. RUclips made it sound like it was stuffed in a sack instead of the clear seperation of instruments that can be heard in the files.
I don't know about you, but if I listen to a song, and then I hear it in all its glory, it is almost painful to then hear it again in its less than optimal state.
It is this desire for perfection that has led me to spend many tens of thousands of dollars and decades chasing the dream.
That's great Ron but I could have sworn you used servo subs with the Sapphires the first time we saw them - I must have them mixed up with Danny's open baffle speakers. Thanks for the vid.
Thanks Athur!