Arke
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Posts: 1,018
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Post by Arke on May 4, 2023 12:29:20 GMT
I can probably help with this one... The Ektas, 851s and the Vaders all have Alumen Z cap on the tweeter cap. There is one exception - one pair of Ektas has Audyn MKP plus on the tweeter. I just noticed on the Ekta Mkii level 2 package they use the cheaper Superior Z there rather than the Alumen Z in the Level 1 package. My interpretation of reviews on these caps is that the Alumen Z is cleaner but also with more contrast than the Superior Z, both outstanding but the Alumen clearly a step up (ahem!). So that 'contrast' might be part of what shows poorer recordings for what they are, just a guess. The caps will certainly have an effect on the speaker's resolving power, however, IMO the actual tweeter used will have a larger impact. The Ektas, 851s and CNO4s all use different tweeters. The CNO4s have 29mm domes (vs 25mm on the others) so for me this adds more body to the HF. The Vader/CNO4s tweeters are £350 each too
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Post by brucew268 on May 4, 2023 12:32:31 GMT
I just noticed on the Ekta Mkii level 2 package they use the cheaper Superior Z there rather than the Alumen Z in the Level 1 package. My interpretation of reviews on these caps is that the Alumen Z is cleaner but also with more contrast than the Superior Z, both outstanding but the Alumen clearly a step up (ahem!). So that 'contrast' might be part of what shows poorer recordings for what they are, just a guess. The caps will certainly have an effect on the speaker's resolving power, however, IMO the actual tweeter used will have a larger impact. The Ektas, 851s and CNO4s all use different tweeters. The CNO4s have 29mm domes (vs 25mm on the others) so for me this adds more body to the HF. The Vader/CNO4s tweeters are £350 each too
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optical
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BIG STAR
Be Excellent To Eachother
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Post by optical on May 4, 2023 12:39:12 GMT
I just noticed on the Ekta Mkii level 2 package they use the cheaper Superior Z there rather than the Alumen Z in the Level 1 package. My interpretation of reviews on these caps is that the Alumen Z is cleaner but also with more contrast than the Superior Z, both outstanding but the Alumen clearly a step up (ahem!). So that 'contrast' might be part of what shows poorer recordings for what they are, just a guess. The caps will certainly have an effect on the speaker's resolving power, however, IMO the actual tweeter used will have a larger impact. The Ektas, 851s and CNO4s all use different tweeters. The CNO4s have 29mm domes (vs 25mm on the others) so for me this adds more body to the HF. The Vader/CNO4s tweeters are £350 each too I know I referenced some recordings potentially sounding a little "shrill/over-egged" (attributing this to the recording/mastering) but the CNO4's seem to have the ability to tame some of these, at least a lot better than some other speakers I have heard (not done direct comparison with Ekta's etc though). The tweeter size/quality may also have a lot to do with this, as Jason suggests. Bad parts on recordings can remain bad, but somehow, less bad, if that makes sense. The CNO4's ability to unravel midrange complexities though, that is something quite spectacular. There are notes within notes that they are able to separate which just brings a smile to the face.
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Arke
Moderator
Posts: 1,018
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Post by Arke on May 4, 2023 12:51:18 GMT
The caps will certainly have an effect on the speaker's resolving power, however, IMO the actual tweeter used will have a larger impact. The Ektas, 851s and CNO4s all use different tweeters. The CNO4s have 29mm domes (vs 25mm on the others) so for me this adds more body to the HF. The Vader/CNO4s tweeters are £350 each too I know I referenced some recordings potentially sounding a little "shrill/over-egged" (attributing this to the recording/mastering) but the CNO4's seem to have the ability to tame some of these, at least a lot better than some other speakers I have heard (not done direct comparison with Ekta's etc though). The tweeter size/quality may also have a lot to do with this, as Jason suggests. Bad parts on recordings can remain bad, but somehow, less bad, if that makes sense. The CNO4's ability to unravel midrange complexities though, that is something quite spectacular. There are notes within notes that they are able to separate which just brings a smile to the face. I agree Chris, I don't fully understand it! The Vaders/CNO4s somehow tame my more edgy and shrill recordings. It is confusing as they somehow make my 'unlistenable' records listenable, BUT they don't lack detail or presence. It doesn't seem possible, but I'll happily accept it!
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