Ascilab C6B

[Raiju]

This little gem deserves a thread of its own.

The C6B has been tested by Erin, I hope Amir will test it too.

Let me share a picture of the crossover, I do not think there is any on the internet.

I have done a few things to the speakers (yes I like to play with my toys). One of the things I have done is lower the resonant frequency of the passive radiator a bit to 33Hz (when I play a 33Hz test tone the front woofer does not move but the pr does).

Yesterday I applied the EQ setting for far field from spinorama.org

Set preamp gain to: -2.8dB.
Type Freq Q Gain
PK 36.0 0.49 2.89
PK 83.0 1.81 -1.3
PK 204.0 2.7 0.43
PK 1121.0 2.93 1.15
PK 8110.0 0.5 -1.71

Now I was already impressed and very happy with these speakers and this made them even better. It is rare for me to not get bored with something but these manage to keep my attention.

 

[amirm]

I had a pair to review but demand was so high I had to sell them. Will definitely review them at some point.

 

[Mort]

Here's the Google Video Summary.

In this review, Erin provides a detailed breakdown of the AsciLab C6B bookshelf speaker, which he calls the best value speaker he has reviewed, rivaling options costing five times as much (0:00). At a total price of approximately $1,135 per pair (including shipping to the US), the speaker offers exceptional linearity and neutral timbre (0:06-1:59).

Key Highlights:

• Soundstage and Dispersion: The speaker features a unique expanding radiation pattern in higher frequencies, providing an incredibly wide soundstage while maintaining precise imaging focus (2:43-5:00). Its vertical radiation is also wide, meaning the sound doesn't fall apart if you stand up (5:52-6:36).
• Performance: While it performs exceptionally well overall, its main limitation is its SPL output capability regarding distortion in the low-end, and it will require a subwoofer to reach frequencies below 50 Hz (2:23-6:57).
• Comparisons: Erin compares the C6B to the Audio First Fidelia kit, noting they are very similar, but the C6B offers slightly more air in female vocals and cymbals (7:28-8:36).
• Data Analysis: The objective measurements, including the CEA-2034 data set, show excellent linearity (11:42-12:01). The data also highlights a low impedance (nominal 4 ohm, minimum 2.6 ohm), requiring a capable amplifier (14:38-14:54).

 

[3125b]

I'm not surprised you like them, they're certainly very well engineered and some of the best speakers available at their pricepoint.

I don't know if there is much point to another set of measurements.
It performs a lot like the F6B, it's the same concept with somewhat better components. The measurements of the two are hard to tell apart in most respects. All of AsciLab's speakers are very good, can't really go wrong.

 

[dombi]

My pair should be delivered on Friday, can't wait to play with them this weekend. Curious, how are you implementing EQ? I have a Denon S970H and was planning to go through the Audyssey process and utilize the mobile app.

 

[vsch]

I have a somewhat naïve question: how do you think the Ascilab C6B compares to something like the Genelec 8030C?

Based on spinorama.org, they seem broadly similar in terms of frequency response, predicted in-room response, and overall dispersion — although the Ascilabs appear to be a bit wider in the HF region (not sure how important that is). SPL capabilities also appear in the same ballpark when comparing Erin’s and Amir’s THD measurements.

Given that, I’m wondering what the differences are that would make one preferable over the other. Again, I might be wrong, but especially in Europe, where pricing is close, the Genelecs seem very competitive given the smaller form factor and built-in amplification — basically, unless one's looking for passive speakers.

 

[Raiju]

My pair should be delivered on Friday, can't wait to play with them this weekend. Curious, how are you implementing EQ? I have a Denon S970H and was planning to go through the Audyssey process and utilize the mobile app.

I did in foobar with Nova