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Devore Fidelity Orangutan O/96

My neighbor had to move some heavy furniture from one room to another so he asked me for help earlier today. Although, we've been neighbors for almost two years I had never been inside his house up until this afternoon. As I walked through the foyer and into his family room, I saw the speakers hooked up to some McIntosh separates. I have to admit that these were one of the most beautiful speakers I had ever seen. He offered to play some music and of course I was not going to say no. They sounded quite decent, although the sound was not as hefty or lush as I was expecting. Don't know if it was his equipment or room (wood floor, no rug, lots of windows), or maybe the Devore's are not quite going after those big, lush, and slightly warmer sound characteristics.

I'm actually saving up money to buy Harbeth SHL5+, or used 40.1, sometime next year. But boy did the Devore Orangutans caught my attention. And yes I know I shouldn't be basing my decision on looks alone, but if they're comparable to Harbeth in terms of sound quality, I'm definitely interested in exploring.

Just wondering if someone has had a chance to compare them directly to the Harbeth speakers I'm considering. Anyone moved from Harbeth to Devore O/6 or vice versa? This will be a system that I'll be building from scratch so I do have the luxury of building the system around my speakers -- total budget is around $15000. I usually buy used equipment whenever I can.

Please note that I'm not soliciting advice for other speakers at this time. Mostly interested in hearing about real world comparisons between the Devore Fidelity Orangutans and Harbeth SHL5+ or 40.1/2.
128x128arafiq
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,682 posts
 
@bjesien So far I've listened to Harbeth SHL5+, Focal Kanta, Devore O96, KEF Reference 1, Sonus Faber Olympica Nova II, Proac (can't remember the exact model), and B&W 802D.

I have already crossed out Kanta, Proac and B&W 802D from my list. They were awesome and competent speakers but I just couldn't connect emotionally. I have not heard Focal Sopra yet, which I heard are much smoother compared to Kanta. Other than SF and Harbeth, the one that came closest was KEF Ref 1.


big_greg
6,658 posts
 
I haven't heard all the speakers you mention, but I recently replaced my harbeth super hl5 plus with the KEF reference ones in my main system. There are more detailed, more dynamic, have a great soundstage and imaging, and are easier to listen to at higher volumes.
bjesien
1,313 posts
 
In my audio journey, I had to make enough mistakes to realize what kind of sound I’d come to enjoy within my budget. My path was to assemble systems based on components that I’d demo’d read about or purchased from dealers after 2 hour sessions. In around 2000, I helped a friend with an audio business. That was an eye-opening experience because I could listen to and sometimes live with gear that was in  all the magazines.
It’s incredibly difficult and expensive to “have it all”.  To chase a live sounding system that’s transparent, dynamic, full range, and capable of playing at concert levels is impossible, but people are trying to do it!  Most need to compromise.  I’ve seen people try to put a $5k integrated on a pair of $100,000 Wilson’s.  It doesn’t work- it makes you run the other direction as the volume goes up.  Wilson makes fantastic speakers.
My own solution is great, fairly efficient speaker, because I enjoy the musicality of low powered class A and tube amplification. Such a system has limitations but if I can have excellent transparency, close to full range, non fatiguing sound with  acoustic and amplified instruments, electronica, rock, rap, etc, I’m on the right path for me.

I haven’t heard the Harbeth in question but if you like the Sonus Faber and want a little more liveliness you might try the middle line of Verity Audio.  They make great sounding, efficient, tube friendly speakers that will play anything.

Will you be looking to buy the ideal amp for whatever speaker you get or will that come with time?

arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,682 posts
 
@big_greg: Thank you for reminding me how great the KEF Ref 1 are. Let me ask you this ... is there anything about the SHL5+ that you miss, any regrets?

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on SHL5+ but wondering how the might perform in my media room which is 20 W x 25 L x 12 H. The speakers will be placed along the shorter (20W) wall. Do you guys think the speakers, with the possible addition of a sub or two, are enough for this room?
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,682 posts
 
@bjesien Thank you for the recommendation. I had actually never heard of Verity Audio before this. Went to their website but there's no mention of the price. For now, I'm planning to use Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II but will be getting another tube integrated down the line -- possibly Line Magnetic or Primaluna.
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