Erin's review for the March Audio Sointuva

[Holmz]

…
Purify is good, but not magic.

I have heard speakers that were a lot worse.
And I have heard some magical speakers that were a whole lot more $ and not a whole lot better.
So it is about as magical as engineering and science can currently achieve in the size.


It sort of came down to:
- whether one likely the looks (which I do.)
- whether one wants a less expensive, and knowing that likely they would be replaced sooner. (Which I, personally, am not fond of doing.)
- whether one places value on low distortion and low compression limits (which I do.)

The fact that the speaker is local should be somewhat of a turn on for people in this part of the world (Au, NZ, South East Asia, the Pacific and Japan.)

 

[VintageFlanker]

 

[tifune]

So I am seriously considering these speakers and several people have commented on price which is obviously a big consideration.


Genelec 8351B 7.0 $4k

March Audio Sointuva 7.0 $4k


sso does $4k seem outrageous in this context?

To further emphasize your point, a lot of those prices are per speaker whereas Sointuva is per pair - impressive indeed. I left the 8351B in the quote because a pair comes with 1100W of amp + mature DSP ($250 add-on which isn't much in this tier).

For anyone who maybe is new to the hobby and stumbled on this thread shopping around, with Sointuva sensitivity 82.4dB, 2x550W + DSP is nothing to scoff at for loud mid-field or far field if you want to run full range w/ sufficient headroom for medium-high DR content. so the waters muddy a bit and that's before you even get into perfect vertical directivity and/or increased chances of Genelec used/b-stock pricing (although speaking from experience the odds don't increase all that much)

 

[RickS]

No, this is expensive. And a lot worst measurements.

Wilson Audio TuneTot Review (high-end bookshelf speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Wilson Audio TuneTot stand-mount/bookshelf speaker. It is on kind loan from a member and costs around US $10,000 (varies due to color). I am not a fan of the way the front looks without the grill. The sides though sport probably the best...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The Wilson is more like outrageously expensive...

However, when I said the Sointuva was pricey, was just considering compared to other speakers marketed here. When it could be had, the Selah Purezza was under $3000. Purezza had very comparable performance except used a less expensive tweeter and PR. While agree March is accepting a low margin, it is mainly because of his own design choices (and lower overhead than a larger brand). How these translate into value for the consumer is more subjective. While Alan may get a better margin over time, unless he lowers the price too, the buyer is not get any more value.

 

[8bits]

March has a 15% discount atm, so made use of it and purchased a pair of the Sointuva (replacing my Kef LS50 Metas) along with a P422 because I will def. need more power for these speakers.

Going to ask for a matte black front baffle with a the rest of the enclosure in wood, kinda like the D&D 8c <3

 

[Holmz]

The Wilson is more like outrageously expensive...

However, when I said the Sointuva was pricey, was just considering compared to other speakers marketed here. When it could be had, the Selah Purezza was under $3000. Purezza had very comparable performance except used a less expensive tweeter and PR. While agree March is accepting a low margin, it is mainly because of his own design choices (and lower overhead than a larger brand). How these translate into value for the consumer is more subjective. While Alan may get a better margin over time, unless he lowers the price too, the buyer is not get any more value.

The buyer would be getting the Purifi woofer and two PRs.
Without seeing measurements of the Purezza it is hard to compare them.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Without seeing measurements of the Purezza it is hard to compare them.

Selah Audio Purezza Bookshelf Speaker Review

Selah Audio Purezza Bookshelf Speaker Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[Holmz]

Thanks @VintageFlanker

 

[ethanhallbeyer]

March has a 15% discount atm, so made use of it and purchased a pair of the Sointuva (replacing my Kef LS50 Metas) along with a P422 because I will def. need more power for these speakers.

Going to ask for a matte black front baffle with a the rest of the enclosure in wood, kinda like the D&D 8c <3

Did you get the speakers yet? Any expectations in regards to what you'd be getting over the LS50 Metas you're replacing?

 

[Adi777]

And I have heard some magical speakers that were a whole lot more $ and not a whole lot better.

Don't be so mystery What were the speakers?

 

[Holmz]

Don't be so mystery What were the speakers?

The Devore Oranugtan/9# had a massively wide stage, but seemed a bit louder. (SoCal)
The Focal jobs that are about 27k (AUD), with a stack of Naim behind it, were very similar sounding… in a quiet way. (Perth WA)
I did a listen of some Vandersteens, but the ARC gear in front of them had an intermittent channel problem, and I was not able to get back to that shop. (Also SoCal)

But it is hard when the rooms are also involved… and a lot of time and miles passes between sessions.

Way easier when I listen and find something wrong… but it’s way harder for me when I listen and find nothing wrong happening.
(I am usually scratching my chin(s) in confusion.)

Add in when they sound quiet, but the SPL is 90-100 dB, and we cannot hold a conversation.
To me that quietness is a sign of something that is not grating on me, and indicates something like (maybe) low distortion??


But I did not throw out names, because I do not usually listen to many speakers.
It was only happenstance that I stumbled upon the Sointuvas, and I have not been successful in get my hands on a pair of them… even though I am most probably the closest person to them (being ~15 miles away from Alan, and ~3 miles away from the woodworking shop).

I was not really looking for speakers, but saw the cabinets at the woodwork place, and noticed it was using the Purifi gear… so I became curious in a hurry.
And they sounded pretty damned good to me.

 

[muad]

March has a 15% discount atm, so made use of it and purchased a pair of the Sointuva (replacing my Kef LS50 Metas) along with a P422 because I will def. need more power for these speakers.

Going to ask for a matte black front baffle with a the rest of the enclosure in wood, kinda like the D&D 8c <3

Make sure to post pics once you get them!