Emerald Physics CS-2, Opinions Please


Hello all:

I found and read a couple of older threads regarding these speakers, I've been talking with the dealer, and I have read everything I could find on the internet. I understand the DSP's role and the need to bi-amp. The last step befor I plunk down the plastic, is to ask those of you that have them what you think?

What are the pluses and minuses? If you have had them for a couple of months are you still happy? any regrets?

Best regards,

Dave
consttraveler
This was one of my concerns (the other is the AD-DA conversion, which I still need to run some tests on, but suffice to say at this point that I do not notice digital nasties. At all.)

I have tried very hard to pick out a coherence issue. Listening to various kinds of music at various volumes, unfamiliar as well as the numbingly familiar, I cannot say there is anything going on in the crossover or in the fabric of the music as it is handed off between lower and upper. It is important to note that you should work at the gain in the crossover, even if your amps are of like gain. I have not tried two identical amps so can't say there, but likely that will be ok with the factory settings.

I alluded to the benefits of two amps earlier. The gain adjustability is part of this flexibility for me... on some recordings which are voiced hot, I can drop the upper gain perhaps 1/10 or 2/10 of a dB, and things are more listenable. Perhaps the purists will barf all over this technique... I'm not a purist. As I said before, I know what I like and I like a system that lets me tailor the sound within reason.
Well, I couldn't stand by anymore. The CS 2s are a godsend for me as they work very well with my SET amps on the treble. I've owned more speakers than I care to mention. Forgotten more than most people have a chance to hear.Ranging from $2000.00 to $20,000.00 a pair and the CS 2s are as good as any of them. Because you free up your SET to do only 1000 hz up really lets you hear what a SET is all about. The EQ doesn't bother me cause it's about the sound that I'm about. They can be forward or relaxed depending on your adjustments of the gain. You can even change it per your mood or music. My system is so dailed in now it's scary live sound. Some don't like a live, upfront sound so, you would not want to choose a SET amp for the top end.Boy, I like it though. Nice to get 98 db if you want it with no compression from a 4Watt SET on the top. Enjoy Kehut and Zybar! I sure am!
[Because you free up your SET to do only 1000 hz up really lets you hear what a SET is all about]. I disagree philefreak a SET can produce wonderful mid-bass-bass etc if loudspeakers are up to it and Ive built - heard many that are. You enjoy your system and thats the point but the above maybe right for you but not for me. I want a SET to run all and it can.
Almost too much to bear, eh Todd? Dont forget Kck ( happy CS-2 owner!)

Thanks for affirming your thoughts on the CS-2. Im very happy, but with an eye on Claytons new Mid priced DCX due out next month or so...but honestly, even if that were not in the picture.Id be perfectly happy with my sound.

George,

Great job with your set up. Knowing you have ( and have had ) a few nice set ups over the years..The Cs-2's are so very impressive indeed. 38 tubes!! WOW! Nice! I recounted in my own set up and tabbed closer to 23 tubes.....good tube amps do make a nice difference from some other nice SS amps Ive tried. I bet the Atma's and Bella's are excellent together. Happy listening ;-)

Gmood1 and Macrojack

Wonderful of you to say so...thanks for posting your thoughts...I do hope the OP will be able to try these out before too long.
Johnk, Totally agree with you... My opinion S.E.T. is totally wasted running a Tweeter alone with a fraction of a watt.. Way too much money, and capable amplification for such a task. The best Deepest beyond subwoofer type bass, mid-bass punch and magical mids I ever heard where driven by pure Low power S.E.T thru a Full range speaker, no bi-wire, no bi-amping.