GoldenEar Triton 2

[richidoo]

http://www.avguide.com/blog/first-listen-goldenear-technology-triton-two-loudspeakers

I heard these at the recent Audio Advice event. They were very impressive for only $2500 list price. I'm curious to hear them setup well in a larger room.

http://www.goldenear.com/

[mdconnelly]

Interesting speakers!  I wish I made it over to Audio Advice that day.  I found Chris Marten's review of the YG Carmel speakers quite facinating so it will be interesting to see his final review of these - but it's clear he likes them.  A frequency response of 18 Hz – 35 kHz... whoa.  Very nice entry into home theater (no separate sub), but I'm curious just how well they stack up in a high-end 2 channel system.

[richidoo]

Hi Mike, They played Pictures at Exhibition on them as a show-off track. It sounded pretty good on McIntosh electronics, I must say. I was looking for problems but didn't find any that could not be explained by the room or the preamp. The room was way too small for all the bass power they made, but with sub amp on board I assume it could have been better adjusted. I couldn't get near the sweet spot, but with narrow front baffle imaging must be decent at least. There were Revels and Wilsons to hear so I didn't get back in there for more samples. But Audio Advice is a dealer, so I'm sure they'll have them setup for demo.

[mdconnelly]

Yup, I've known Leon @ AA for a loooong time (that's where I got my Aerial 10Ts) so I may just need to take a run over there sometime soon.  Of course, with the last two weeks off, I've got the itch again and the time to do something about that.  Heading back to work Monday will likely change all that.   

[Black Sand Cable]

I just hooked a pair of these up today. Still working on getting them dialed in but so far I have to say that I'm impressed. I honestly wasn't expecting much given what they are worth but they are a hell of a lot better than I thought they would be.

It's been a long time since I heard a tower put out this much bass and actually get it right. Its taking some tweaking, but I'm getting there.

I started off by hooking them up in a two channel system (all McCormack) and then moved on to HT and so far, so good.

[mdconnelly]

The GoldenEar products seem to be marketed primarily toward the home theater crowd.   Just how well do these Triton 2s stack up in a strictly hi-end 2 channel system?   Are they punching way above their price tag or are they just excellent $2500 speakers? 

[richidoo]

My first impression was that they were worth more than $2500. I was actually surprised at how cheap they are while I was listening. The quality of the drivers seemed high when they passed a cutaway of the MTM around.

I am sure that if they take off there will be demand for aftermarket crossover upgrades, maybe an external sub amp conversion, maybe reducing the mass of the PR. The potential remains TBD, but I think the MTM is reasonable enough quality to warrant experimenting.

As for comparing to Aerial 10T, I didn't get that kind of feeling from it, a refined full range music maker on Aerial level. But it was playing through Mac multichannel prepro and 7 channel amp, I don't trust new Mac preamps.

If you go over there Mike, I might meet you there.
Rich

[mdconnelly]

Thanks, Rich!  I'll let you know when I do.   A little field trip sounds in order!

2011 may just be the year I decide to replace my 10Ts.   There's a guy on AC looking for a pair and I've been in touch with him.   

I'm torn... My 10Ts are by far older than all other audio components I own - I've had them since 1996.  But the fun will be exploring new options.  My taste in music has changed as has my approach to listening! 

Stay tuned...

[richidoo]

Maybe we can get them to demo with ARC Reference gear, just push those Sasha's aside... 

[Black Sand Cable]

Are they punching way above their price tag or are they just excellent $2500 speakers?  

I would say way above. As I type this they just went head to head with a set of Elac FS208 Anniversary Editions which are worth double what the Triton's are worth and the Triton's didn't embarrass themselves at all. I also find them far more enjoyable then the PSB Synchrony One's which again are worth double.

They remind me a little of of my old Gamut L7's which are worth roughly 8 times what the Triton's are worth.

Now that I have spent sometime with them, I think people are getting way to caught up in what they are worth. They are a nice speaker, it's that simple.

[richidoo]

That's great news John! Those are some heady comparisons. 

[Carlman]

Thanks for the comparisons, John.. and to Rich for finding this neat little gem in the audio world.. I've been wondering when a nice and interesting speaker was going to emerge.  The 2-3,k range is a good place to be. It's enough money for good parts and requires creativity and simplicity with the crossover and cabinet design. 

[richidoo]

Black Sand Audio told me about it several months ago.

I emailed Audio Advice today and quickly heard back that they have received a shipment from GoldenEar, but he does not know the contents yet. It's logical to assume there is a pair of Triton2s in there. Obviously it is not setup yet, but hopefully he will let me know. I hope they have a decent demo planned for them that will also allow stereo music listening without compromise.

[Carlman]

Or, I could just order a pair and sell them if I don't like.. They're new, should be easy to turnover. hmmm.. the gears are always turning.. Oh, and I have to wonder if these would sound good with a Pass Aleph 5 running these... double hmmmm... 

[shep]

Did you snag that Aleph 5 Carl? Lucky man. (or thinking hard about it  )