28-Feb-2016, 17:55
At this point I had ruled out the Guarneri Evolution, but before rushing into a decision between the Accordos and Chiaras I thought it would be a good idea to do some listening tests when I went back to the Guarneri Homage.
So, switching back to the Guarneri Homage after continuously listening to other speakers for more than two weeks, I wrote:
OK, guilty as charged: this all needs bass to sound good. But the point is, there was no “oh my goodness, why am I thinking of upgrading” revelation. That was reassuring -- except for the implications to my wallet. What really surprised me, though, is that the G Homage actually sounded a tiny bit rough-edged compared to what I'd become used to. I suppose nearly fifteen years of treble driver evolution are bound to show!
The decision was between the Accordos and Chiaras, then.
Pros and cons for the Accordo:
+ sounds very good
+ looks very good
+ less expensive
- depends on SAM to sound its best
- "emotional" appeal of its sound may wear off?
Pros and cons for the Chiara:
+ sounds excellent
+ doesn't need SAM
- striking looks, but not obviously "pretty"
- more expensive
Tricky one. It was a classic "head vs heart" decision in the end. Much as I loved the Accordos, I felt that the Chiaras would prove a better choice in the long-term. That was mainly because the Accordos needed SAM to get close to the sound quality of the Chiaras: all very well while I have a Devialet amplifier, but that could change (not that I have any plans).
I eventually made up my mind and decided to order a pair of Chiaras at the end of November last year. Since Kaiser offer a large range of finishes, the speakers are built to order and there can be quite a delay before they arrive. Mine turned up on Thursday
So, switching back to the Guarneri Homage after continuously listening to other speakers for more than two weeks, I wrote:
Quote:Miles Gurtu: Golden Rust @ -32dB: what’s there sounds great, but the bass is definitely missing - imaging less precise, though sound stage is wide/high
Porcupine Tree: Halo @ -32dB: there’s no bass/drums! cymbals aren’t as clear as on either the Accordos or Chiaras - a little splashy?
Bruford: Nerve @ -25dB: sounds clear, airy, tight but a little lightweight - drums have not much impact
Senser: Time Travel Scratch @ -32dB: clean but bass/drums are lacking weight
D’Angelo: Playa Playa @ -32dB: finger snaps sound slightly “soft-edged”?
OK, guilty as charged: this all needs bass to sound good. But the point is, there was no “oh my goodness, why am I thinking of upgrading” revelation. That was reassuring -- except for the implications to my wallet. What really surprised me, though, is that the G Homage actually sounded a tiny bit rough-edged compared to what I'd become used to. I suppose nearly fifteen years of treble driver evolution are bound to show!
The decision was between the Accordos and Chiaras, then.
Pros and cons for the Accordo:
+ sounds very good
+ looks very good
+ less expensive
- depends on SAM to sound its best
- "emotional" appeal of its sound may wear off?
Pros and cons for the Chiara:
+ sounds excellent
+ doesn't need SAM
- striking looks, but not obviously "pretty"
- more expensive
Tricky one. It was a classic "head vs heart" decision in the end. Much as I loved the Accordos, I felt that the Chiaras would prove a better choice in the long-term. That was mainly because the Accordos needed SAM to get close to the sound quality of the Chiaras: all very well while I have a Devialet amplifier, but that could change (not that I have any plans).
I eventually made up my mind and decided to order a pair of Chiaras at the end of November last year. Since Kaiser offer a large range of finishes, the speakers are built to order and there can be quite a delay before they arrive. Mine turned up on Thursday
Roon (Mac Mini), Wilson Benesch Full Circle, Expert 1000 Pro CI, Kaiser Chiara
Warwickshire, UK
