Osborn Loudspeakers Owners & Discussion Thread

[betty boop]

Thanks again guys.... im chuffed...

im definately hooked on HIFI... Home Theatre will always be second for me now

Damn you Al, Norpus, Spearmint, Noddy and Mondie. You have well and truely converted me to the darkside and my wallet will never be the same.

no worries Drizt

In regards the wallet, I'm nurturing a family of moths that seem to have moved into mine. And tried kissing the wallet better too, but that doesnt seem to any

[joz]

After spending the past few weeks glued to my lounge suite listening to my new setup i have been absolutely blown away by the quality.

I have noticed that my system seems to warm up over a period of about 30 minutes and then settles into a consistent sound for the rest of the night. Up until this point i had been a skeptic on warm up times when it comes to Solid State devices but there is definately an audible change over the first half an hour.

I had a few friends over recently and the common theme has been, wow. To quote one of jens friends, "the sound seems to be coming from all around me", and, "wow you can hear absolutely everything", and, "gee it sounds like thunder". Although i had one raver friend over and he was like, wheres the bass, he even went as far as to say, its not impressing me. I was shattered, but he is used to listening to boomy car subs, and rave's in clubs where all you can hear is bass, so i guess i shouldnt take it to heart. In fact i actually think the bass is astonding considering that my speakers are a simple 2-way design. The spec's claim that they go down to 35Hz (-3dB) and im inclined to believe it, as its definately got a deep rumble. On a few occasions i have been asked if the subby is turned on, and the look on their face when i told them that the subby is not even connected to the HIFI system was priceless.

So all in all, im an extremely happy

Cheers.

[/b]

`Welcome to a peice of audio nirvana,at least you there,For a while anyway :biggrin:

As for the people not impressed,they are clueless take no notice better still dump them :thefinger:

The doof doofers should be put on a leper island somewhere isolated.

The MF does that have any valves at all,sorry I'm not familiar with their build.Just thinking thats why it takes 30 mins to start sounding good.

CHEERS THE JOZ

[Drizt]

The MF does that have any valves at all,sorry I'm not familiar with their build.Just thunking thats why it takes 30 mins to start sounding good.

[/b]

It sounds good pretty much straight away, but its sound changes over the first half an hour, and sounds a bit better. Not sure why.

nope its all solid state as far as im aware. -> Click here for Musical Fidelity a3.5 Integrated specs

<div align="left">Output:</div>

<div align="left">Power</div> <div align="left">150 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (22dBW), 240 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms</div> <div align="left">Voltage, RMS</div> <div align="left">34 Volts 20Hz to 20kHz</div> <div align="left">Voltage, Peak-to-peak</div> <div align="left">96 Volts</div> <div align="left">Current peak-to-peak</div> <div align="left">50 Amps</div> <div align="left">Damping factor</div> <div align="left">142</div> <div align="left">Output devices per channel</div> <div align="left">4</div> <div align="left">Pre-out impedance</div>

<div align="left"> </div>

<div align="left">50 Ohms</div> <div align="left">Line inputs:</div>

<div align="left">Total harmonic distortion + noise</div> <div align="left">< 0.01%, 20Hz to 20kHz</div> <div align="left">Signal / noise ratio</div> <div align="left">> 100dB 'A'-weighted</div> <div align="left">Input sensitivity for 147 Watts into 8 Ohms</div> <div align="left">282mV</div> <div align="left">Input impedance</div> <div align="left">100k Ohms</div> <div align="left">Overload margin</div> <div align="left">26dB</div> <div align="left">Channel separation</div> <div align="left">> 82dB typical</div> <div align="left">Frequency response</div>

<div align="left"> </div>

<div align="left">20Hz to 20kHz, +0, -0.1dB</div> <div align="left">General:</div>

<div align="left">Home Theatre direct input sensitivity</div> <div align="left">30dB gain (31.5 times) nominal</div> <div align="left">Inputs</div> <div align="left">5 pairs line level RCA connectors

1 pair direct power amplifier input RCA connectors for Home Theatre use (not controlled by volume adjustment)</div> <div align="left">Outputs</div> <div align="left">2 amplifier channels via 1 pair binding posts per channel

1 pair RCA audio outputs controlled by the volume

1 pair RCA tape record fixed line level output</div> <div align="left">Power requirement</div> <div align="left">100 / 115 / 230Volts AC 50 / 60Hz (factory pre-set)

450 Watts maximum into 8 Ohms, 36 Watts idle</div> <div align="left">Weight</div> <div align="left">9.7 kg, 21.4 lbs unit only, unboxed

14.4 kg, 31.8 lbs in shipping carton</div> <div align="left">Dimensions</div> <div align="left">440 mm, 17.3 inches wide

100 mm, 3.9 inches high including feet

395 mm, 15.6 inches deep including terminals</div> <div align="left">Standard accessories</div> <div align="left">IEC type mains lead (10-Amp type)

Remote control handset (A3.5 type, universal)

2 batteries size LR03 or AAA, manganese alkaline type

3.5mm stereo jack plug to two RCA plug audio lead (1metre) for accessory connection (iPod, MP3 etc.)</div>

[Guest alebonau]

yes a3.5 is all solid state. same thing with my a5cr pre-pwr, if switch off and switch back on a day or so later takes 20-30 min to really sound its best. The differnece is in the subtelities though, its not a case of oh **** sounds like cr@p. Anyway I leave it on 24/7 now unless heading off for a few days. My previous mf pre & mono blocs was the same. Might be related to things comign upto full operating temp who knows.

MikeR an avid elektra owner when he brough his elektra reference over to my place said it really took it about couple of hours to come upto speed. Think geoff hiredgoon said somethign similar about his ME ?. Remember someone saying with the plinius needed to leave on couple of weeks.

Its the old leave on or switch on/off argument. People argue that most failures occur with powering on/off. Much better to leave permenantly switched on. On the counter side some components are then constantly enrgised and might fail with age. Anyway amps typically yoru lookign for a 10+ years before your to have any issues either way. My old mf pre & mono blocs are well past the decade mark, still fine and look like theyd go another decade easily.

[Drizt]

Alain, just wondering if you have any issues like the one i describe here -> http://www.planetaudio.com.au/forums/index...ic=1155&st=

[Guest alebonau]

Alain, just wondering if you have any issues like the one i describe here -> http://www.planetaudio.com.au/forums/index...ic=1155&st=

[/b]

answered back there, not an issue.

[RodN]

You have well and truely converted me to the darkside and my wallet will never be the same.

I think you've proven that ones wallet can remain pretty full while still getting fantastic returns, well done I say I'm dying for a listen!

I like your friend's comment about "its coming from all around" - which is what Al's system showed me that 2ch can in fact become very 3d when setup right. 5.1 strangely enough sounds quite 'flat' in comparison when switching over, it's a very bizarre experience.

[Drizt]

I think you've proven that ones wallet can remain pretty full while still getting fantastic returns, well done I say I'm dying for a listen!

I like your friend's comment about "its coming from all around" - which is what Al's system showed me that 2ch can in fact become very 3d when setup right. 5.1 strangely enough sounds quite 'flat' in comparison when switching over, it's a very bizarre experience.

Yes you will have to come over at some stage Rod for a bit of a listen. We will have to organise a weekend where we can have a listen to each others system. I'm very keen to listen to your Orions as they look very impressive.

[norpus]

Although i had one raver friend over and he was like, wheres the bass, he even went as far as to say, its not impressing me. I was shattered, but he is used to listening to boomy car subs, and rave's in clubs where all you can hear is bass, so i guess i shouldnt take it to heart.

Cheers.

Hehe I can relate to that Drizt. My brother in law who installs top end car stereos for a living gave me some advice on my subs on the weekend. Quote ' got a lot of low end but no attack'.

I was almost mortified until I realised it wasn't worth the drama. It may not sound ideal to him, but I like it and the analysis we have done would suggest it is relatively flat to the 60Hz upper cutoff.

To each his own (hes gone home now)

Great to here your system is sounding the goods. You have chosen very well and used your knowledge and patience to great effect Drizt.

[jayy]

Hehe I can relate to that Drizt. My brother in law who installs top end car stereos for a living gave me some advice on my subs on the weekend. Quote ' got a lot of low end but no attack'.

I was almost mortified until I realised it wasn't worth the drama. It may not sound ideal to him, but I like it and the analysis we have done would suggest it is relatively flat to the 60Hz upper cutoff.

To each his own (hes gone home now)

Great to here your system is sounding the goods. You have chosen very well and used your knowledge and patience to great effect Drizt.

Well...I liked it Norpus. That's all that really matters!!

Dritz...Well done.

[Drizt]

Thanks guys.

Yeh norpus its definately hard convincing people in the car scene that they are used to listening to music that has bass push. But thats what they are used to. I can see the addiction to bass

[Cooksta59]

Yeh norpus its definately hard convincing people in the car scene that they are used to listening to music that has bass push

You know why they like that much bass dont you?

Its because they sit in a tin can with bass that loud you can hear coming from 2 blocks away and its perforated their ear drums.They cant hear anything,they have to feel it.

[ChrisFinch]

I am still in the process of getting new floorstanding speakers, but have narrowed down the 'would likes' to Orpheus Aurora 3 Signature - which I have listened to - and Osborn Interludes (Eclipse if the accountant would stretch the budget!) which I havent listened to.

In know one member rather likes the Interludes (understatement!), are there any other Osborn owners who could add their comments, and do any of you live in Sydney? Is the extra money well spend on the Eclipse over the interlude?

Thanks.

[Guest alebonau]

~

In know one member rather likes the Interludes (understatement!), ~Thanks.

[/b]

hehe nothing wrong with a bit of unbridled LOVE ! hehe

dont own a pair krisko, but what I heard of the interludes I liked. Dont know anyone else with osborns sorry.

Best thing you can do is have a listen for your self and trust your ears. Greg as far as will even lend a pair for a home demo. which would be well worth taking up on. And think its been posted there is a sydney/nsw outlet ? not sure if they lend as well.

have a listen to both speakers and go with which ever you prefer.

[Drizt]

I guess you were refering to me *blushes*.

I had a member here PM me yesterday with his impressions after listening to the Interludes, Eclipse and Epitomes, hopefully that member will post his thoughts in this thread.

To sum up what he told me, he said that the Eclipse to his ears were a big step up from the the Interludes, and the Epitomes were a small step up again (without additional bass units). I think he is interested in the Eclipses or the reference eclipse.

If I had the money at the time I bought mine I definately would have thought long and hard about getting the Eclipse, Ill probably look at getting Reference Eclipse's at a later date.

[ChrisFinch]

I guess you were refering to me *blushes*.

I had a member here PM me yesterday with his impressions after listening to the Interludes, Eclipse and Epitomes, hopefully that member will post his thoughts in this thread.

To sum up what he told me, he said that the Eclipse to his ears were a big step up from the the Interludes, and the Epitomes were a small step up again (without additional bass units). I think he is interested in the Eclipses or the reference eclipse.

If I had the money at the time I bought mine I definately would have thought long and hard about getting the Eclipse, Ill probably look at getting Reference Eclipse's at a later date.

[/b]

How did you guess!

As this will be a big purchase to last a long time, thats exactly what I want to hear about the Interlude and Eclipse.

The other unknown speaker is Aslan's "Pro Cinema " - does that some anywhere near the Osborns? Andrew is a lot more local to be able to check them out, at least he is in the same state!

I know at the end of the day I will have to audition the Osborns, its just that getting down to Melbourne aint as easy as a trip to Len Wallis....

[Drizt]

I havent heard Andrews Cinema speakers, but he has heard my Interludes when he was down in melb last, so maybe he could comment. *Unfortunately its hard to talk about ones own product without sounding like they are blowing their own horn, it would be good to find an impartial person that has heard both, although Andrew is very trust worthy and honorable.*

It all comes down to personal choice and what blows up your skirt so to speak. I think the Eclipse are the best looking in the range and being a 3-way speaker appeals to me. (also the tweeter is more at ear level with the Eclipse over the Interlude - But as Andrew and I found out it shouldnt be a problem as we did some testing with phone books but thats another story)

David Wurtz in Wagga is a dealer for Osborn, you could contact him to see what he has in stock.

Pure Sound and Vision

9 Matheson Pl Estella 2650

(02) 6933 1242

Mobile 0408 331242

[LFD]

I had a member here PM me yesterday with his impressions after listening to the Interludes, Eclipse and Epitomes, hopefully that member will post his thoughts in this thread.

[/b]

That would be me

Yes as you said. We listened to the Interlude's, Eclipse's, and then the Epitomes' (with/without bass modules). It's worth noting that I now have a pair of Ambience 1800 and so I'm used to a certain sound.

Anyway. On one recording I wasn't happy with the interludes at all, however they sounded "good" with some of the other CDs. But overall I wasn't "sold". I wanted more :biggrin:

Plug in the Eclipses. It took me 2 seconds. I had a big grin. For me this was a significant step up. There was so much more bottom end, I liked the top end more also (and the mid range). The dynamics were incredible. Put it this way. I will buy these speakers, if a don't lash out and get the Epitomes.

The Epitomes. Less of a jump in improvement. They were more "musical". The "bad" recording was now quite impressive. The "choir" singing with "Nusrat F A K" seemed to have more members now. For me the bass modules increased the size of the soundstage. My mate thought the improved the overall sound even more.

In all I think I would (will) be very happy the Eclipses. It's just a matter whether the step up to the Epitomes is worth the $$. In the real world I don't really have the room for the bass modules now. So I would need to have another listen specifically to the Epitomes (san Bass Modules) and the Eclipses.

FYI The AMP was the Consonance M100 Integrated Valve, CD was the R2.2.

Cheers

DaveA

PS Watch out for some Ambience 1800 coming up for sale soon.......

[Drizt]

Danton, a very useful first post Welcome to PA :biggrin:

[ChrisFinch]

Danton, thanks for the information.

So the Eclipse will be able to reproduce the bass on Kraftwerk Minimum/Maximum then!

[Guest RodN]

Danton, thanks for the information.

So the Eclipse will be able to reproduce the bass on Kraftwerk Minimum/Maximum then!

[/b]

hehehe from the start of this thread it sure was (cue stage left DRIZT) hehee

Don't know about that, there's some major sub bass in those tracks...

[Aslan]

Hi Krisko, and welcome to the forum.

Firstly, the Epitomes.............I must say I was impressed with them in Drizt's setup..........look and finish are excellent, imaging and vocalising likewise. From memory Drixt had a Rotel CDP and MF A3.5 amp connected up. All in all a very nice system and great value for money IMHO.

With tracks like Kraftwerk, regardless which compact towers you buy, I would recommend a small subbie to augment the bottom octave or two.

In regards to my pro-cinema's, the original bass driver is no longer available (unless I order 500 at a time from the factory - which is bloody ridiculuous for a small manufacturer). I'm still on the hunt for a replacement, so they are temorarily unavailable. I guess this answers your question doesn't it!

[Drizt]

Thanks for the kind words Andrews, just a little ammendment to what Andrew said, I have the Interludes not the Epitomes.

Hi Krisko, and welcome to the forum.

Firstly, the Epitomes.............I must say I was impressed with them in Drizt's setup..........look and finish are excellent, imaging and vocalising likewise. From memory Drixt had a Rotel CDP and MF A3.5 amp connected up. All in all a very nice system and great value for money IMHO.

[/b]

oh and theres another version of my nick name

Drizt

Drizzt

Drizit

Ditz

Dritz

and now

Drixt

[Drizt]

Kriso, Danton, have you guys done any more investigations? You guys have me intrigued now and got my imagination running wild with upgrades... hehe (not going to happen any time in the next 12 months, who hasn't said that before )

hehehe from the start of this thread it sure was (cue stage left DRIZT) hehee

[/b]

Yeap, it seems as if i have a rep now for being biased so maybe im not the person to talk about them anymore as i get a few frowns.

[joz]

Seems you may loose your Robinson Curouso status Dizt :biggrin: if someone else buys into your Osbourne hype :wink: