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Why is Shahinian not more popular

I am a German living in Moscow, and only recently got to know the speakers of Shahinian. I first received a pair of Obelisks in the summer of 2001, and liked their sound and presentation so much that I upgraded to the Diapason when Audiogon-member dogman7515 offered them for sale. I drive them with a MacIntosh MA6500, a German Audionet CD-transport and the Chord DAC64. Everybody who listens to these uncoventional, omnidirectional speakers is amazed, and I already have my best friend shopping for Obelisks as well. Having fallen in love with the Shahinian-speakers, I took a look around, but was astonished to see that there is almost no discussion of these speakers on Audiogon. Nor, it seems, are there dealers of Shahinian in the US. Why, dear Audiogons, are they not more popular with you? To those of you who own Shahinians: What is your experience as far as room acoustics are concerned? And what are your experiences with bi-amping and bi-wiring them? A review in the German journal Image Hifi stated you'd nee to dampen the wall behind Shahinian-speakers (Diapasonns, in that case)to get decent soundstaging. And finally, does anybody know what Shahinian is doing like? A German Hifi-dealer told me the rumor that Shahinian might be in trouble and bankrupt soon.
Thanks for your insight. Florian Hassel
hassel
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
I listened to a set of Obelisks back in the late 70's and the next day ordered a set of the box, as I couldn't afford the Obelisks. I enjoyed those fine speakers for several years before upgrading to large floorstanders but should have kept them for back up. (and my eventual second system).

As to why they're not too popular, I'm guessing that they don't have much of a dealer network, as you rarely see them advertised. In addition, if you cruise over to AA you might find some more information by doing a search on his name.
sean
6,231 posts
 
They sound too much like music and lack the "flash" of "hi-fi" speakers. They are more a speaker that you come to love rather than sells you the minute you hear it.

They are also a little harder to set up due to their radiation patterns. Someone that buys a pair second hand may not know what it takes to really make them tick. Talking to a dealer or Richard Shahinian might solve those problems.

Another problem is that there really isn't a so called "dealer network" to sell, advertise or market this product. This makes it low demand due to lack of familiarity and popularity.

Another factor is that the speakers are not only placement sensitive, they are also somewhat equipment sensitive. They need an amp that is powerful yet offers very quick and well controlled bass. Otherwise, they tend to sound a little slow and thick on the bottom end. Sean
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twl
3,251 posts
 
I find them interesting, but I prefer the sound of direct radiator speakers. I never really enjoyed omnidirectional designs.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
No offense, but I never understood the fuss over Shahinian Obelisks.

A friend of mine in London sold his Apogee Stage speakers to buy a pair of them and I found them to be perfectly ordinary.

I would love to hear from others who have discovered magic in them -- maybe with certain associated components?? -- but I have always thought they were an overhyped cult speaker with middle of the road sound.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I think they are very room sensitive. Every time I've heard them they sounded different, even with the same equipment. Often they sound stage was scattered, even Bose like. Sometimes it wasn't so diffused . Sometimes they exhibited a lumpy bass. Sometimes it was just a bit slow. Seemed risky to me.
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