The Absolute Sound disects SAM

[Flashman]

The scientist in our audio club (he designed the Square Kilometre Array in South Africa, 40 radio telescopes operating in conjunction) and undoubtedly a clever fellow, reproduced the SAM effect using an infinitely variable digital sound processor

He first analysed the effects, then plotted them and reproduced them using a circuit based on a Focal DSP

Side by side, using a pair of Vivid Giya 1 speakers, the audience of 28 visitors thought the effect identical.  What we were quite shocked over, was that the overall sound was better when no SAM effect or DSP effect was used.  We were using a Devialet 440Pro dual mono

It was thought that the Vivids were capable of reproducing anything delivered, without assistance

I own Vivid B1 Decade speakers paired with an Expert 220 Pro.  Interestingly, I found that SAM worked really well with a pair of Vivid 1.5 (two-way) speakers that I owned previously.  Devialet does not have a SAM profile for the B1 Decade, though they have one for the earlier B1 speaker.  When I inquired about whether Devialet might create a profile for the B1 Decade, I decided to contact Vivid directly for their thoughts.  You may find their response interesting:

"We do not really believe the SAM algorithm adds value when used on our 3- and 4-way speakers.  In the main due to the "over designed" high levels of linearity (unusual), nature of our speakers.  Interestingly, most owners have communicated they prefer SAM in the off position.  But of course, this is personal.  SAM is really a (cheat) for the vast majority of loudspeakers out there utilizing the inferior (inexpensive), "long coil short gap" design principle (an over-hung motor).  These drivers are notoriously non-linear, especially at higher excursions. You will be amazed to her that the vast majority of our competitors utilize this inferior technology.