@@joeb4349 I’m confident you can hear what I hear. Parsing it analytically may be a less common skill, but fortunately it isn’t necessary for musical enjoyment!
In 1968, Thelonious Monk performed a concert at Palo Alto High School that was recorded and released as a live album titled Palo Alto. The story behind it is incredible! Just some kid got Monk to play a benefit there and it was almost forgotten that he was even coming. Someone pulled out the typical Wollensak reel to reel schools had back then and recorded it in mono with the supplied mic! Great pressing, but it sound like it was recorded with the typical Wollensak reel to reel schools had back then with the supplied mic! I can assure you some records just are not as good sounding as others!
I wish these companies would post extensive data on the measurements of their speakers like distortion, frequency response etc. I know measurements are not everything, but at least we would have a base line.
A great review as usual tom. One thing that you could’ve mentioned, but it might not be appropriate. Is that your reference speaker is the Magico A5. What did you think about the speakers versus your A5. The A5’s are much less expensive, but I am still leaning towards purchasing them. The speakers are not in my price range at this point and probably will not be but I wonder how did you or what did you really think in comparison to your reference speakers the Magico A5…
As I suggested, the Contriva G3 seems more comparable to the S5 (larger rooms) or S3 or M2 smaller rooms) in the Magico line. Magico’s new work on driver and cabinet distortion is a step beyond where they were with the A5. I think the Magicos, including the A5, have a little more downward tilt to the sonic profile, which I think many will prefer for older material. That said, I think the A5 reaches a level of distortion beyond which it isn’t obviously necessary to go. Another way of saying this is: you may not feel the need for the new technology except by comparison. The A5 hits the sweet spot on many parameters.
i have the luck of having both my grandfather and father to be hi-fi adicted and all systems i have since the early 60´s are extremelly good sounding even from Pioneer , i can change whenever i feel like to but i never paid for nothing i have with great quality ,normally in a room i have a recent complete system and in other a older one but older equipment if working properlly seems to sound better than some new and expensive material , i saw maybe three years ago a Burmester system in a hi-fi fair but my better half almost shouted at me when i told the seller that i might wanted one of their systems
Tom, we can't afford these :). But . . . some of us might be able to afford the "little brother" of the Tidal brand: Vimberg. Please try to review a Vimberg speaker and let us know how close it comes to the Tidal.
@@thomasmartin2219 If you are ever in Western NC, you are welcome to come listen to my Vimberg Mino. They are almost exactly half the price of the Contriva G3s.
I've learned to read between the lines and I've found out when I hear "wide and deep" it usually means the height is compromised which I learned is a no go for me...
The Akira's at Dougs are still the best speakers I've heard, but I have been curious about the new Contriva G3s. Did you by chance get to compare the two?
We’ve come to admire engineering on such , mountainous scales, delivering the same sonics at ever decreasing levels of distortion, time after time, and year, after year for what seems ages now. I mentioned once before, an idea of stereo, and multi-channel audio reaching its Zenith in the tightly focused delivery of pristine sound.🌹 I think perhaps it’s time to turn the focus on refining the construction of the most acoustically, and electrically perfect recording studios. Two of them. A very large one for full-on Philharmonic Orchestras, and a smaller up to an 70 member Chamber Group (general use room) for all genres of music, utilizing the full spectrum of manufacturers technical prowess: Europe, Asia, North America. From Ayre to Zanden, and Siltech, to Crystal Cable, near infinitesimal distortion has been reached.
I would say (have said) there are six major issues with music audio, and when you look at these I think you quickly conclude that we are not very close to the end of the development path. However, lower distortion up to and at the at the output of the speaker is progressing the most as you say. Nonetheless when you look at a single probably key metric, constant directivity with frequency, you begin to realize that there is some way to go. And then there are the other major items. One of which you also touch upon: standardized recording processes. That would be a difficult but I think wonderful step.
@@thomasmartin2219 very, very excellent point! Ohm, B&O, and Larsen all have very interesting formulas in that area of directivity, as did the late, great Roy Allison.
@@thomasmartin2219 I’d most likely be going out on a limb, but I also agree on the principle of full independent quad-amplification in the delivery of the greatest magnitude of dynamic range.
Thanks for the video but entry level priced at $79K for a pair of speakers. I bought a new boat instead. It Has a Bluetooth stereo and 6 Blue ice speakers and a 150 HP Yamaha Sho-max outboard. What kind of engine do the speakers have? 😊
I enjoyed this video, but I miss the one word that was clearly implied, but never said. These speakers are "accurate." Also, why would images from a "bevy of albums" include Nils Frahm, Alison Krauss, and Holy Cole?
You make an important point. Part of the reason we listen to 100 tracks or more when doing reviews is to separate equipment behavior, which tends to show up across recordings, from specific recording issues, which tend to be recording specific or sometimes era specific. I would add that all equipment has some veiling because all equipment has distortion - as a result the question is how much veiling/distortion? And, I would argue, is the veiling at a level that impacts “believability”?
This whole thing about coloration in the sound signature of a speaker make or model seems to me to be one big circularity because there is no objective way (by hearing alone) to say what is transparent to begin with.
Sounds to me that you have a dealer problem - not a manufacturer problem. My experience differs from your comment. Maybe write the manufacturer with your concern rather than posting a comment like this on a public space. That way they can address the issue to satisfaction.
I find this review very authentic from the reviewer's heart!
Tom: Great review. Beautiful gear. With your expert ear you reveal things I probably might not hear.
@@joeb4349 I’m confident you can hear what I hear. Parsing it analytically may be a less common skill, but fortunately it isn’t necessary for musical enjoyment!
In 1968, Thelonious Monk performed a concert at Palo Alto High School that was recorded and released as a live album titled Palo Alto. The story behind it is incredible! Just some kid got Monk to play a benefit there and it was almost forgotten that he was even coming. Someone pulled out the typical Wollensak reel to reel schools had back then and recorded it in mono with the supplied mic! Great pressing, but it sound like it was recorded with the typical Wollensak reel to reel schools had back then with the supplied mic! I can assure you some records just are not as good sounding as others!
Whom is this felonious monk person you speak of? 🤔
Tom - well done!! Very good review
I wish these companies would post extensive data on the measurements of their speakers like distortion, frequency response etc. I know measurements are not everything, but at least we would have a base line.
I would love it if you did a review of that Acoustical Systems Turntable.
A great review as usual tom. One thing that you could’ve mentioned, but it might not be appropriate. Is that your reference speaker is the Magico A5. What did you think about the speakers versus your A5. The A5’s are much less expensive, but I am still leaning towards purchasing them. The speakers are not in my price range at this point and probably will not be but I wonder how did you or what did you really think in comparison to your reference speakers the Magico A5…
As I suggested, the Contriva G3 seems more comparable to the S5 (larger rooms) or S3 or M2 smaller rooms) in the Magico line. Magico’s new work on driver and cabinet distortion is a step beyond where they were with the A5. I think the Magicos, including the A5, have a little more downward tilt to the sonic profile, which I think many will prefer for older material. That said, I think the A5 reaches a level of distortion beyond which it isn’t obviously necessary to go. Another way of saying this is: you may not feel the need for the new technology except by comparison. The A5 hits the sweet spot on many parameters.
i´ve been watching your videos they are interesting as it´s content is well thought, the Tidal system seems amazing
Really nice review, tho I’ll stick w my made in US, Von Schweikert VR55’s. I do love those electronic pieces!
i have the luck of having both my grandfather and father to be hi-fi adicted and all systems i have since the early 60´s are extremelly good sounding even from Pioneer , i can change whenever i feel like to but i never paid for nothing i have with great quality ,normally in a room i have a recent complete system and in other a older one but older equipment if working properlly seems to sound better than some new and expensive material , i saw maybe three years ago a Burmester system in a hi-fi fair but my better half almost shouted at me when i told the seller that i might wanted one of their systems
Tom, we can't afford these :). But . . . some of us might be able to afford the "little brother" of the Tidal brand: Vimberg. Please try to review a Vimberg speaker and let us know how close it comes to the Tidal.
Good idea.
@@thomasmartin2219 If you are ever in Western NC, you are welcome to come listen to my Vimberg Mino. They are almost exactly half the price of the Contriva G3s.
I've learned to read between the lines and I've found out when I hear "wide and deep" it usually means the height is compromised which I learned is a no go for me...
The Akira's at Dougs are still the best speakers I've heard, but I have been curious about the new Contriva G3s. Did you by chance get to compare the two?
Not enough to say anything meaningful.
We’ve come to admire engineering on such , mountainous scales, delivering the same sonics at ever decreasing levels of distortion, time after time, and year, after year for what seems ages now. I mentioned once before, an idea of stereo, and multi-channel audio reaching its Zenith in the tightly focused delivery of pristine sound.🌹
I think perhaps it’s time to turn the focus on refining the construction of the most acoustically, and electrically perfect recording studios. Two of them. A very large one for full-on Philharmonic Orchestras, and a smaller up to an 70 member Chamber Group (general use room) for all genres of music, utilizing the full spectrum of manufacturers technical prowess: Europe, Asia, North America. From Ayre to Zanden, and Siltech, to Crystal Cable, near infinitesimal distortion has been reached.
I would say (have said) there are six major issues with music audio, and when you look at these I think you quickly conclude that we are not very close to the end of the development path. However, lower distortion up to and at the at the output of the speaker is progressing the most as you say. Nonetheless when you look at a single probably key metric, constant directivity with frequency, you begin to realize that there is some way to go. And then there are the other major items. One of which you also touch upon: standardized recording processes. That would be a difficult but I think wonderful step.
@@thomasmartin2219 very, very excellent point! Ohm, B&O, and Larsen all have very interesting formulas in that area of directivity, as did the late, great Roy Allison.
And we of course know Paul Klipsch, and Richard Shahinian.
@@thomasmartin2219 I’d most likely be going out on a limb, but I also agree on the principle of full independent quad-amplification in the delivery of the greatest magnitude of dynamic range.
@@thomasmartin2219 I would never dare speak for others, but I find the sheer effortlessness of Q-amplified systems hypnotically intoxicating 🌹
Thanks for the video but entry level priced at $79K for a pair of speakers. I bought a new boat instead. It Has a Bluetooth stereo and 6 Blue ice speakers and a 150 HP Yamaha Sho-max outboard. What kind of engine do the speakers have? 😊
I enjoyed this video, but I miss the one word that was clearly implied, but never said. These speakers are "accurate." Also, why would images from a "bevy of albums" include Nils Frahm, Alison Krauss, and Holy Cole?
4:27 If there’s a veil ..that’s something that requires attention…but you may have to understand is it the recording or the system 🧐
You make an important point. Part of the reason we listen to 100 tracks or more when doing reviews is to separate equipment behavior, which tends to show up across recordings, from specific recording issues, which tend to be recording specific or sometimes era specific. I would add that all equipment has some veiling because all equipment has distortion - as a result the question is how much veiling/distortion? And, I would argue, is the veiling at a level that impacts “believability”?
The Akira models were SOOO amazing at Audiofest.
Excellent review, as always. I'm curious what the total cost of the Tidal system is, though.
60" true ribbon tweeter 😊
This whole thing about coloration in the sound signature of a speaker make or model seems to me to be one big circularity because there is no objective way (by hearing alone) to say what is transparent to begin with.
TEDW...Too expensive; didn't watch.
Well I made it as far as the price, lol.
@ 5k living voice avatar do it for me , I highly doubt these sound 70k better 😂😂😂
Tidal after sell services are very poor. I and our audiophile club folks we had experienced with this issue. Who ever interest please don't buy it.
Whoa lets see if the dealer cares or this presenter…
Sounds to me that you have a dealer problem - not a manufacturer problem. My experience differs from your comment. Maybe write the manufacturer with your concern rather than posting a comment like this on a public space. That way they can address the issue to satisfaction.
way over priced for what it is ..I've heard it. Rather have Rockport and it's cheaper.
The stuff of lottery winners..if not the speakers ..that’s fabulous source chain 🥲
or just work hard and stop giving up on dreams. The founder of Tidal himself started small, but worked himself to the top.