24-Sep-2017, 16:58
Hi - at last, they’re finally set up. A few initial thoughts:
1. Assembling the stands and siting the speakers is definitely a 2 person job. The stands are very heavy, as are the speakers. The latter also have exposed drive units at the back and side, so care is needed.
2. They are beautifully finished - I got the standard graphite satin metallic, and very nice it is too. Any custom colour is available at extra cost.
3. The Kii Contolller should not be viewed as an optional accessory. Without it, you have to set the Boundary and Countour controls by fiddling around around at the back of the speaker - so unless you’ve got them sited a few feet from the back wall, this is a PITA.
4. All supplied cables (Power and internet) are bog standard, so possibility of tweaking if you want to by using other types.
So - how do they sound?
I’ve only had them on for 20 minutes to check that all is working, but initial views are that the midrange sounds a little shut in. I’m going to let them run in (apparently 60 hours is recommended) before I use the Controller to tune the sound. The Controller offers the ability to tune each speaker to take account of individual preference.
The thing that struck me immediately was that there is no sweet spot - the soundstage is huge for a standmounted speaker.
So - more work to do to get them performing at their best, but very promising start.
More updates as things evolve.
ATB, Ken
1. Assembling the stands and siting the speakers is definitely a 2 person job. The stands are very heavy, as are the speakers. The latter also have exposed drive units at the back and side, so care is needed.
2. They are beautifully finished - I got the standard graphite satin metallic, and very nice it is too. Any custom colour is available at extra cost.
3. The Kii Contolller should not be viewed as an optional accessory. Without it, you have to set the Boundary and Countour controls by fiddling around around at the back of the speaker - so unless you’ve got them sited a few feet from the back wall, this is a PITA.
4. All supplied cables (Power and internet) are bog standard, so possibility of tweaking if you want to by using other types.
So - how do they sound?
I’ve only had them on for 20 minutes to check that all is working, but initial views are that the midrange sounds a little shut in. I’m going to let them run in (apparently 60 hours is recommended) before I use the Controller to tune the sound. The Controller offers the ability to tune each speaker to take account of individual preference.
The thing that struck me immediately was that there is no sweet spot - the soundstage is huge for a standmounted speaker.
So - more work to do to get them performing at their best, but very promising start.
More updates as things evolve.
ATB, Ken
Auralic Aries G2 > Kii Control > Kii Audio 3 BXT
