Palmer ORBIT 11 Cardioid Coaxial 3-way studio monitor (MSRP 799€/899$)

[Audionaut]

My actions need to adjust more quickly to my fading memory...

Don't forget that

 

[Mart68]

I just have to ask: why???

 

[jeo12]

That's me!!!

So maybe I shouldn't open it. On the other hand, what people do for likes...

 

[dasherzx]

only screw i undid were for the rubber feet as i was already using a foam pad

 

[UffdiePalme]

Seeing UffdiePalme reaching out in a situation like this warms my heart.

I shed a tear.

Totally! However, customer service predictably recommends not opening it myself

I'm pretty sure they won't make fun of you
Always there to help you in a constructive way

 

[jeo12]

BTW, my first impressions of the speakers (both build and sound quality) are very positive for what they are. A step up from anything you'd have any right to expect, given the price.

Regarding hiss, I only tested digital in. There's so much gain, that I can always set the PAD so low that I don't hear any hiss at any listening distance I'd consider reasonable for these speakers. I tested approx. 30cm to 5m distance in a very quiet room, ca. 5.5x4m, and at any SPL I'd personally want to use. YMMV. My better ear can still hear 13kHz tones, but very little beyond that...

 

[jeo12]

I’m still wondering about opening them. I’m comfortable with mains power and have built active speakers before. I can still send them in if I fail, and worst case it'll cost me the price of one new Orbit 11. No risk, no fun...

There are actually two notches on opposite sides of the inner diameter of the cover ring. I tried prying very carefully, with a plastic tool, but nothing moved. I'm afraid to use more force without knowing that's the right way. Might there also be glue?

The notches also remind me a bit of similar notches on camera lenses, where you need a tool to insert into both notches simultaneously, and then you turn. The woofers are much bigger, but could the same be the case here?

Any other ideas? (If I’m derailing the thread with this, please let me know where to take it.)

 

[illusonic]

@Ratterbass opened his Orbits. He stated the following:

The black ring around the woofers is just hold in place by double sided tape. You can easily carefully lift the ring and then unscrew the woofers.

Palmer Orbit 11 Monitor Review

Yes. This was just after unboxing them without proper placement. Could be related to pre-emphasis/de-emphasis. Basically the source (RME) not applying pre-emphasis but the sink (Orbits) doing de-emphasis.

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[LiquidDesign]

Are these magnetically shielded? On Thomann, it is listed as not shielded. Not really too much of an issue these days other than niche applications like retro CRT usage.

 

[LiquidDesign]

Extended directivity control is nothing new but I think most don't care whether something is new or not but whether it brings tangible benefits and solves problems.

 

[LiquidDesign]

Another picture, this time in the "High-frequency shielding chamber".

https://www.adamhall.com/en/company/experience-center

 

[badtimeticket]

In nearfield, how would people weigh ASCILAB C6b vs Orbit. Assume I can EQ

 

[90sNintendoKid]

In nearfield, how would people weigh ASCILAB C6b vs Orbit. Assume I can EQ

I don’t think anyone can answer that question because it may depend on your room and what you use to EQ.

The C6B is not cardioid down to 250hz like the Orbits and I bet on the Orbits.

It would also depend on whether you are using subwoofers too.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

Kudos for the brave question, I’m not sure why the Orbits garnered so much controversy around here.

 

[Purité Audio]

I was able to compare the Orbits to a couple of AsciLab’s designs, see below, ultimately I feel the Orbit’s have great potential but aren’t quite there yet, maybe for nearfield.
As always you really need to compare for yourself in your space.
Keith

 

[badtimeticket]

I don’t think anyone can answer that question because it may depend on your room and what you use to EQ.

The C6B is not cardioid down to 250hz like the Orbits and I bet on the Orbits.

It would also depend on whether you are using subwoofers too.

Desk is against the wall and no sub. Seems like the Orbits are a no brainer but I wonder if I’m missing something.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

I was able to compare the Orbits to a couple of AsciLab’s designs, see below, ultimately I feel the Orbit’s have great potential but aren’t quite there yet, maybe for nearfield.
As always you really need to compare for yourself in your space.
Keith

Keith did you EQ the Orbits?

Also was in this just the Orbits without subwoofers?

 

[badtimeticket]

I’m always left with the question whether EQing solves a lot of problems (at least in nearfield). Feels like the fact reviews don’t EQ is somewhat of a disservice since it’s pretty easy to do, and maybe crazy to not do if you’re spending this much. But you also wonder why a speaker with DSP would need EQ out of the box.

 

[Purité Audio]

Just the Orbits without subs, I certainly used the onboard, selectable from the LCD panel.
Keith

 

[Karmacoma]

Kudos for the brave question, I’m not sure why the Orbits garnered so much controversy around here.

What's the controversy? Have I missed something?