Tidal Speakers owners

I have had my Piano Diacera's going on 4 days and I would like to share a short first impression.

These are the most unassuming speakers I have ever heard. They bring absolutely no attention to themselves. What I mean is these speakers totally get out of the way of the music. When listening to music they don't just disappear, they don't exist! It's like they are saying "Forget about us, just listen to the music." I have never had such unfettered access to music before. I am totally connected to every note I hear and I literally forget that I am listening to a stereo system.

I have left the speakers in the default setup, i.e., jumper arrangements. Speakers are 86 inches apart with my listening positon the same 86 inches from each speaker. I have them toed in quite a bit with the axis point about 12-18 inches behind my head. I tried different distances, closer/further, with the speakers remaining at the same 86 inches and different toe in angles. Through pure dumb luck I hit upon this, for me, ultimate setup though it might change a little after some more run in time.

My components:
BAT REX preamp
BAT VK-D5SE cd player
Spectron Musician III MKII mono amps with V-cap and Bybee filters
Elrod Gold Statement pc's for BAT equipment, Elrod Silver Statement pc's for amps and Elrod Silver Signature speaker cables.
Interconnects: Synergistic Research Magnetic Tricon.

I'll post more later.

Bostonbean,
I was seriously holding my breath, crossing fingers with sincere hope (knowing taste, mileage etc.could vary) that you will 'get it' too! You got me momentarily worried there held as being partly responsible with the choice. :p

Yes, I recalled we had a couple of nice exchanges in the past when I still had my Magico Mini2/V3. At that time, we were both lurking around at some M5 thread?! ;))

Anyway, really glad that you got along great with initial impressions. That had at least gotten some burden off me now.. 'pheww'.. ;p You expressed it very well, awaiting more from you.

In the meantime, if you have the time and/or inclination, please do share your wonderful set-up plus some pics here with us.

Most importantly, enjoy!

Bvdiman, Wasn't my intent to put any burdens on you. I just respect your opinion.

I will have to do a System post with pictures here on Audiogon someday. Though I will say may listening area is very humble compared to your beautiful setup. I do not have the area in my modest condo for a dedicated listening area.

Maceear, Long ago I read your comments on the Zilplexes. I got a set in for review and must say on my rereading your comments I totally agee about the walls disappearing. They are amazing little devices all working in harmony.

Tbg, Yes, they do those little Zilplex bowls. They are amazing and flexible. You must know what you are doing but there is almost a positive effect. When I got my (All Ceramic) Contriva’s, I didn’t install them to get used to the Tidals. Later I reported that the results are lesser then with the Avalon Opus. But now with little readjustments of the ceiling Zilpex, I got the disappearing walls again in the same way as with the Opussen (4-way). The setup must be in order, the Zilpexes can’t do wonders but then they “connect” with the music and the musicians are surrounded with air and space. Listen to Eva Cassidy’s: “Autumn Leaves” (Live At Blues Alley) and she is there… Not a perfect album in the audiophile sense but very very involving. Like the Tidal’s slogan “We Build Emotions” you became emotional connected with the music.
Another “hit” is Patricia Barber’s “Yesterday” and also her interpretation of “Autumn Leaves” from “Nightclub”.
There is something else what I sense with the Contriva’s more then with other speakers: There is a specific volume (plus or minus a few db’s) that is perfect for a specific song or title. Sure it has to do with your room and what’s in it. But when you reach this level then PLOP, you’re transported to the musicians or they are transported to your room, depending on the recording and or mix. All these thing happens also without the Zilpexes, but they make everything much more easy. The do a little bass control, lift the height of the voices, makes your podium wider without loosing dept and many more.. It’s Magic and it’s NOT.

Regards Robert