as former owner of the Ichiban speaker I can mention a few thinigs:
HUGE soundstage
excellent image placement within the stage
gorgeous (and heavy for the size) cabinetry
great tonal balance
relatively easy to place in room
bad for cat lovers (they like to sit atop the speaker grill)
expensive drivers (woofer) and the original Seas woofers are NOT sold in the USA but can be ordered from the EU
there is a replacement driver from Madisound but it does not QUITE fit in the original driver mounting and reputedly does not sound as good
no dust cap on the woofer so I would definitely keep the driver covered with the grill (especially if you have cats)
dust in the voice coil = BAD
in short, if not for the CAT issue I would still have the speaker. Similar deisgns are available from FJ Acoustice (the Om) and AV123 had the X-omni. I have not heard the Om but it has gotten excellent reviews but is @ $4k new I believe.
I do own a pair of the X-omni now and will quite good are not as refined as the Ichiban. The metal grill frightens the cats when they flex so they no longer perch on the speakers :)
The X-omni would not be my first choice in speakers for an expensive/refined main system but are great 2nd system speakers. The Ichiban would not embarrass itself even with refined, highend electronics
hope that helps!
Jeff
HUGE soundstage
excellent image placement within the stage
gorgeous (and heavy for the size) cabinetry
great tonal balance
relatively easy to place in room
bad for cat lovers (they like to sit atop the speaker grill)
expensive drivers (woofer) and the original Seas woofers are NOT sold in the USA but can be ordered from the EU
there is a replacement driver from Madisound but it does not QUITE fit in the original driver mounting and reputedly does not sound as good
no dust cap on the woofer so I would definitely keep the driver covered with the grill (especially if you have cats)
dust in the voice coil = BAD
in short, if not for the CAT issue I would still have the speaker. Similar deisgns are available from FJ Acoustice (the Om) and AV123 had the X-omni. I have not heard the Om but it has gotten excellent reviews but is @ $4k new I believe.
I do own a pair of the X-omni now and will quite good are not as refined as the Ichiban. The metal grill frightens the cats when they flex so they no longer perch on the speakers :)
The X-omni would not be my first choice in speakers for an expensive/refined main system but are great 2nd system speakers. The Ichiban would not embarrass itself even with refined, highend electronics
hope that helps!
Jeff