Serenity - audio nirvana is what I hoped for.
I heard the Emerald Physics 2.8s at THE SHOW in Irvine, in June 2016. I listened to Magicos, big Vandersteins, Wilsons, TADs, Legacies. I thought the EP 2.8s sounded as good as the best of them. When I heard them, I heard myself say, "I'll take them."
I made a good deal. MSRP on the speakers in the fancy finish was over $10,000. The EP100.2.SE digital monoblocks listed for $2,200 each. I got the lot for $7,000. I thought it was a good deal (made with Walter Liederman, the owner of Emerald Physics/Underwood HiFi). The deal was Walter would send Mark to set them up and guaranteed me they would sound as good as they sounded at THE SHOW.
They came, they are beautiful, they sound like crap. I have a bunch of systems. A lot of equipment for a guy who likes one song and is half deaf. (joke) My most modest system is a Harman Kardon TA5000x integrated tube amp, Axiom M22Ti's, Sony DVP S9000ES SACD player. No sub. That system sounds better than the EP2.8s. My Michaura M66 (like the M60s, 2 x 6.5" Axiom drivers and the 0.75" Axiom titanium tweeter) with HSU sub simply blows the Emerald Physics speakers away.
My Thiel CS3.6, with SVS 20-39 sub, Oppo 85, and Yamaha M80 amp (Pioneer SC 1523K AVR) 6 Michaura M55s surround speakers and a VP180 center, well, no contest. The Fortes with the Conrad Johnson, in what I thought was a difficult room, sound spectacular. All vastly superior to the EP2.8s.
I got an Axiom EP600 to try to help the EP2.8s. Little help.
Mark gave me a great deal on a Conrad Johnson MV60SE KT120. It helped a little. (The Klipsch Forte I's I picked up sound incredible with this amp.)
Mark promises to come this Tuesday. I believe him despite many disappointments. He has had a tough year.
Craigsub, yes, I came out much better than many, whether or not he comes on Tuesday. He is a complicated guy, with many good qualities. I am giving him one more chance. I believe he will come through.
In the meantime, I picked up the Bob Crites' cross-overs and titanium tweeters which, when I work up the courage, I will install in the Fortes and report back.
Best regards to all of you!
Last edited by 2x6spds; 09/18/17 12:29 AM.
