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Pearl Sibelius Audio system can take you to One other World.
By Steve Huff
The Pearl Sibelius.
Video Assessment of the Sibelius
I’ve been chasing sound for about 4 many years now, so I at all times search for issues which are distinctive, stunning and are remorse free.
Only in the near past I discovered pure magic in my all new AGD Duet amps and Alto MKII preamp. I simply adore these finish sport amps however they don’t seem to be the one amps I’m having fun with the heck out of lately, however extra on that later. See my overview right here of the AGD amps if you happen to missed it.
These AGD merchandise have a zen like high quality to them and actually do convey a “much less is extra” sort of vibe to the audio sport. The Pearl Audio system are one other instance of this simplistic “much less is extra” perspective, they usually shine shiny in a boring world of “sane previous usual” audio system.
As I sit and write about this speaker and my expertise with them I’m listening to them on the identical time in order my phrases circulation, the music is flowing as effectively. The Sibelius got here to me all the best way from Belgium a number of weeks in the past and I’ve been having fun with them ever since. This speaker appears to be like fairly easy however don’t let that idiot you.
Product of strong Oak, utilizing just one small driver and having no crossover…effectively, it goes towards the tech of the entire huge audio system we see lately. You already know those, with multi drivers, house age development, superior crossovers and blingy fancy appears to be like. The Borresen X2 come to thoughts as I simply reviewed them.
I need to say that these Sibelius audio system have actually shocked me as they’re leagues higher than I ever anticipated them to be. The Sibelius is a kind of audio system that many could have a look at and say “I can’t be proud of one small driver”! Seems to be will be deceiving right here and certainly they’re. This speaker sounds nothing prefer it appears to be like, I’ll state that proper now. Sure it might have one small driver however these ship issues similar to bass right down to 38hz, a clean treble and wonderful full midrange that has delicacy to it as effectively. Revealing the entire character within the vocals of some musical performances.
For me, these are as near the phrase magic as a speaker can get, for many (however not all) music. They’ve a particular manner of transporting me to different worlds when itemizing to sure sorts of music. In addition they have a magnificence, an interior depth, heat glow and strong projection that actually can convey artists to you, in your house, in an enormous full manner. Once more, don’t let that single small driver trick, idiot or confuse you my mates, as these can actually paint an enormous scale wall of music. The comb they use is okay but the shading is extraordinary. What I imply is, the best way these convey forth music is in a mild but broad dramatic manner. There may be a lot data popping out that’s wealthy, fluid and delicate and this enables the music to circulation in a manner I’ve not heard earlier than. Not within the Borresen audio system and even my fundamental reference, the OGY/BOB combo. These are additionally, just like the X2, stunning at low quantity listening.
It’s virtually miraculous what this small little single driver can do when paired to the fitting cupboard and amplification. These are, with out query, audio system that one will be proud of for all times (with some limitations) and the value of admission for that is VERY low within the grand scheme of issues. For about $7k one can have a set of handcrafted devices delivered to them from Belgium and sure these are musical devices my mates, of the sweetest form.
By no means a MKII, simply these.
The manufacturers founder and fundamental man Harley Lovegrove says these are finish sport audio system and they don’t ever plan on making a MKII or completely different model. How unbelievable is that this. An organization that made a speaker so good they by no means need to mess with altering it or swaying their clients into new audio system with minimal change like some firms do.
I agree with this idea although I’ve by no means seen it in audio with audio system. I applaud Pearl for this, in an enormous manner. It’s additionally only one motive why I like the AGD amps as effectively. They’re all upgradeable by the client to new variations for a fraction of what a brand new amp would value. The Pearl’s although, won’t ever want an improve, so says the corporate.
Most firms need to maintain bringing out MKI, MKII, MKIII, and so forth. That is what brings huge earnings as individuals really feel the necessity to improve the entire time on this interest. Not with Pearl. These are so good in keeping with Harley that they’re made to be with somebody for all times. I can say proper now that sure, they’re that good and the value is absurdly wonderful for this high quality of sound and minimal nature of the speaker.
That is the “purchase as soon as, purchase your final” form of motto.
However why are these so good? What makes individuals fall in love with the Sibelius? Why do you virtually by no means see them up on the market on the used market?
The Pearl Sibelius is available in a number of colours and can be provided with two completely different coloration drivers. Silver (SG) or Copper (CG). Then there are the completely different finishes. The pair that was despatched to me for overview was the plain mild pure oak model. Upon testing their web site I see just a few “able to ship” fashions obtainable, in varied finishes. In any other case it might take just a few weeks to get a set constructed to your preferences and likes.
For the reason that Sibelius arrived I’ve been hooked on the artist Briq a Braq. That is an artist I found a 12 months in the past or so and I like the best way these piano items are intertwined with different devices to create pretty and really spatial presentation that, at occasions, can encompass you with music. These recordings can sound very 3D in the fitting setups and with the Sibelius powered by these AGD Duet amps these recordings sound otherworldly, the perfect I’ve heard them. Powered with the Galion A20 Class A 20 WPC amp, once more, pure magic however extra density than the AGD. Extra heat within the mids, a bit thicker and with out the all out refinement of the reference AGD. Each amps although are merely beautiful with the Pearls. These do very effectively with GaN Class D and Class A.
I simply load up the music, press shuffle and sit again in my recliner to soak within the sounds, the depth, the three dimensions. I swear that after I shut my eyes and calm my thoughts the music flows by means of me like an vitality. It’s stunning and the Sibelius has a manner of speaking the musical notes with out you feeling these notes are coming from a music system. Relatively it’s extra just like the artist is there with you, taking part in for you. There’s a gentleness to the sound but additionally a fullness within the mids that permits the treble to only float above every little thing else. These create a really tall soundstage which will be fairly cool to expertise. Different audio system can do that and sure I’ve skilled this earlier than however the factor is, all of those audio system do this stuff otherwise. Some with pressure, some with all out dynamic energy, some with a gentleness and intimacy, others with an interior glow and wonder. The Sibelius falls alongside the “Glow, Magnificence, Intimate” class for these ears.
Most audio system that do that very effectively, most, are available in on the over $20k and up vary.
These overview models got here with the speaker covers as effectively. They’re plush and canopy the driving force solely. Find it irresistible.
THERE IS ONE LIMITATION with the Sibelius. They don’t seem to be meant for head banging quantity ranges so you’ll not need to push these too laborious. No, you possibly can’t play these at 110DB and count on perfection. There are limitations right here with the only small driver however in the fitting quantity vary these do issues different audio system hardly ever do. You may blow the little driver and in addition muddy up the sound if you happen to go loopy loud with complicated music. These can go to about 94db with out breaking a sweat however they won’t blow you out of the room. So celebration audio system these will not be. Klipsch Cornwalls these will not be. These are extra for feeding the soul with music and for me, greatest on a really early morning when the birds are singing exterior and the dew is recent on the grass. I like taking part in ambient, jazz and even previous vocal requirements on the Sibelius because it brings the temper to me.
For me these can play very loud for me in my 13X18 room, a lot louder than I’ll ever hear. The fantastic thing about these? Low and mid quantity is thoughts blowing good. With Jazz, Classical, Vocals, Strings, Acoustic…neglect about it. These give me a vibe like no different speaker I’ve right here, and that vibe is one among rest, calm, magnificence, glow, realism and a pure sound as effectively. I can see now why these are thought of finish sport, one and carried out audio system by the parents at Pearl. I imply, they are surely so long as you aren’t searching for head banging celebration audio system.
Sure, these one driver audio system have a manner of making a direct connection from the music on to YOU. I talked about this a bit after I was reviewing the Daniel Hertz Amber audio system, additionally a single driver mannequin. The Amber had a a lot bigger driver than the Sibelius however I swear the Sibelius sounds extra actual, even richer and with out query extra involving.
There’s something particular right here about this tiny driver. It’s even smoother and extra textured in sound than the one within the little Nearer Acoustics OGY.
I’m operating these with a set of Duet amps from AGD together with their Alto MKII preamp and for me this has bested the sound from another amp I’ve tried with these audio system, although once more, the Galion A20 Class A amp was additionally very good however completely different. I loved them each however the A20 is $8k cheaper than the AGD mono blocks. Whereas I can hear the distinction and the much more refinement within the AGD, the Made in Canada Galion sounds significantly better than it’s $3700 asking worth dictates. In truth, it is among the nicest Class A Stereo Amps I’ve skilled assembly the standard of say a Move Labs XA25. No worries, I nonetheless choose the AGD however the A20 is a beautiful amplifier for a very nice worth. In addition to, even these at Pearl say these audio system sound greatest with nice Class D and Class A. After I tried a Class A/B amp with the Pearls I misplaced a number of the magic I used to be listening to with the AGD and Galion containers.
The AGD amps (Duet and Audion MKIII) are also specialists on the emotional connection factor. With that mentioned, I additionally examined these audio system with a Move Labs INT-25 (Implausible), Galion TS A 75 Amp (not my fave with these audio system) and a Yamaha A-S 3200 Built-in amp (too heat within the bass). My fave combo was the AGD duo (GaN Class D) adopted by Galion A20 (Class A) after which the Move Labs (Class A).
Collectively these make for a gorgeous, intimate, ethereal and all out glowing efficiency with both amp and right here is the factor… These audio system will change relying on the amp you employ. Heck, even cables are making a bigger distinction than normal as a consequence of the truth that these haven’t any crossover inside. These are about as pure of a speaker as you might be ever more likely to hear.
TUNED BY EAR VS MEASUREMENTS
Yet one more factor that’s distinctive about these and my guess as to why they sound so stunning is that they had been tuned by Harley Lovegrove’s personal ear somewhat than utilizing measuring tools. This, I really feel, brings a extra human nature to the Sibelius. It virtually appears whereas listening that there’s a human component to those, somebody behind the sound and that is completely the case.
Certain, all audio system are designed by a human however most are tuned by utilizing gear/machines/electronics that tells them easy methods to tune and create them. This could work effectively additionally however now I do know why these Pearls sound as they do and I’d do the identical factor if I had been a speaker designer. I at all times say, measurements imply nothing to me, nothing. I solely go by what my ear tells me and at all times will. I’ve heard some gear that measured so effectively and but left me uninspired and chilly. The Pearl Sibelius is hand made utilizing actual wooden, no crossover to get in the best way they usually had been voiced by one mans ear. Fairly cool and distinctive.
SET UP
When the Pearls arrived I first assembled the distinctive $350 steel stands which are offered as extras if you happen to really feel you want them.
Sure, there are stands for these regardless that they’re tower audio system. It’s fairly easy actually because the stands even have a backing brace form of piece that helps the speaker again and permits for cable administration. It’s fairly minimalistic however efficient.
I’ve to be trustworthy with my emotions right here. I’m not a fan of the steel stands for these audio system. One in all them went collectively in a bizarre manner and the steel brace was tilted/bent again and I couldn’t get it to assemble appropriately it doesn’t matter what I did. However even when the one stand did go collectively correctly I additionally disliked having to elevate the speaker on to this steel stand, even probably permitting me to ding up one of many audio system (I didn’t). What I discovered odd was that the audio system don’t connect or lock to the stand, they will simply transfer off of them. Shifting them might be a ache with the stands as effectively.
After a lot testing, lo and behold, they sounded greatest in my house with out the stands however with the stands there was a considerably cleaner midrange. After just a few days of backwards and forwards assessments I nixed the stands and positioned some wooden panels underneath them that I constructed from the wooden on our property. If I owned the Sibelius I’d in all probability completely connect some wooden bases to them which are bigger than the bottom of the speaker. Chances are you’ll benefit from the customized made steel stands for these as they do additionally include spiked toes. If you happen to plan on setting them up as soon as and never transferring them typically, then the stands might be simply high quality.
Persevering with on, I managed to set the audio system up in my normal spot the place most audio system sound good and lo and behold the Sibelius SG sounded GLORIOUS! Such a sound it’s too…extra on that later however let me state with devices, jazz, classical, acoustic, vocals…holy wow. Piano? Goosebumps all day lengthy for me.
As soon as setup I examined them out with tubes, strong state, built-in amps and separates. It appears Class A or GaN Class D make magic with these audio system above all else. I’ll say Class A could also be the perfect guess as not all Class D is created equal. Then once more let’s not neglect there’s THIS beautiful amp, made by Pearl only for their audio system.
These sat about 8 toes aside as I sat about 7-8 toes from them, I toed them in barely for a wider stage and extra natural circulation,
MY FIRST LISTEN
After I put in a brand new set of audio system I check them with every kind of music proper out of the gate. Seeing that Pearl breaks within the driver earlier than even delivery the speaker, I knew that they had been able to roll. I additionally suppose these had been overview models which were with different reviewers anyway, so effectively damaged in for positive.
I performed rock, steel, classical, jazz, acoustic, ambient, buddha bar, ambient, chill, folks and extra.
Listening to “Skinny” from the newest Billie Eilish album introduced forth that shut intimate and spooky actual vibe. Billies voice was so pure, so actual, so current. The guitar within the background lies there, flowing together with her voice all alongside. Then the track will get some bass heft and the Sibelius does wonderful right here, offering a heft and solidity that shocked me. These can go fairly low and supply that bass heft when it’s within the recording. All whereas protecting the entire devices clear, clear and floating out from the audio system. Such a gorgeous expertise. This observe is recorded with some heat so sounds very nice on the Pearl audio system.
BTW, these are 87 DB environment friendly and are available in at round 7.2 ohms. The 20 watt Class A amps had zero challenge driving these to their greatest potential and the AGD’s greater energy GaN additionally allowed them to be all that they could possibly be.
As I sat with the Sibelius SG for the following few weeks I used to be continuously handled to a number of the most stunning listening experiences in reminiscence. Up there with essentially the most memorable techniques I’ve owned. My Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage, these Fleetwood Deville’s, the Dynaudio Heritage Particular but once more, these Pearls do issues otherwise, with a bit extra magnificence and an interior glow that exudes from the enclosures. There’s a mild type of manner that these weave their grand huge scale magic.
SOUND SIGNATURE
Powering up some music with my beloved HiFi Rose RS130 by way of Tidal I used to be blown away in some features and shocked in others.
I’ll say this now. With Jazz, Classical, Strings, Acoustic and music that “vibes” similar to ambient or say this album from Arooj Aftab referred to as “Night time Reign” the sound signature is all out surreal.
As I hearken to this album from an artist I by no means heard of (was advisable to me on Spotify, I then listened on Spotify and Tidal) I used to be soaking within the pretty mild music, vocals and the three dimensions that the Sibelius was in some way creating. The devices had been separated from the combo, taking part in in their very own house with a golden glow round them. Vocals had been tender and candy coming proper at me down the center and barely moved up into the room.
The consequence was a really intimate expertise as if the band was right here, taking part in gently and sweetly within the room. I used to be listening at low quantity and there was a fullness and sweetness to the sound. Each element was heard however they had been all uncovered and up entrance.
These audio system haven’t any brightness to them because the treble is refined and candy/clean as will be, not less than right here with this album.
NOT SO HEAVY METAL
Let’s simply be clear. Nobody goes to purchase these to hearken to heavy or trash steel. There are higher speaker for that for positive (Borresen X2 does this Style effectively however so does JBL). Even so, I used to be curious if it was doable and satisfying anyway.
So I threw on some demise, trash and regular steel and rock.
No, these won’t slam you want a set of Borresen X2’s with rock and steel. With that mentioned they will do this type of music simply, simply not turned as much as ear bleeding ranges. These will not be audio system which are made to go loopy loud as if you happen to do that with heavy complicated music the sound could get a bit muddled. So at low to mid volumes that steel, even trash and black steel had been excellent however not ideally suited. However turning it as much as celebration ranges will end in blurred pictures and never so nice of sound. These don’t have the chunky sort of bloated mids that work effectively for steel or aggressive music.
These audio system are for many who need to get that “artist within the room with you” expertise. Feminine vocals specifically are surreal at occasions, goosebump inducing. I’ve to as soon as once more reward the AGD Alto II and Duet amps as they’re so exceptional with the Sibelius. These amps are as silent because it will get, permitting the music to only seem from a depth of blackness as whether it is some form of supernatural feat. I’ve by no means heard such a deep black background earlier than. Shut, however not fairly.
Each element and I imply each element might be uncovered throughout the music right here however the Sibelius do that in a manner that’s mild, fluid and clean. There may be weight from the Piano that’s conveyed. Guitar strings will be heard individually but on the identical time there’s a physique and glow to every string. Arduous to explain however so good.
Can these actually be your final Speaker?
There are different audio manufactures that declare their audio system are the final ones you’ll ever purchase. They’re all legit as effectively. Fleetwood Sound involves thoughts, with the Deville. Really an finish sport speaker if it fits your tastes. I’ve a set of audio system right here from Triangle, the fortieth Anniversary Duettos which I discovered to be somewhat particular. A lot so I purchased them so as to add to my speaker secure (for overview functions). I additionally personal the OGY and BOB’s that are from Poland and really pretty although some have mentioned they give the impression of being a bit DYI. True, however they sound pretty and I’ve no need to maneuver them on. They’re particular to me.
Now there’s the Pearl Sibelius they usually have additionally contaminated me with what they will do and they’re not like the others in some ways. These sound the purest. They sound like they’ve a direct connection to the music, as they do. Nothing is right here to congest or redirect the frequencies to different drivers, somewhat this one small little driver handles all of it from treble to mids to bass. Having no crossover inside permits that deeper connection, not less than I imagine this. Much less CAN actually be extra and the Sibelius proves it.
Whereas they don’t seem to be the perfect you’ll hear for giant music like steel, laborious rock and perhaps even some EDM what they do for all different music is gorgeous and serene. All in all, these are in all probability essentially the most magical audio system I’ve reviewed thus far with music they excel at reproducing. After I throw on some ambient stuff and sit down to jot down, these Sibelius wrap me within the temper extra so than the X2, Duettos and even the OGY/BOB. There’s something happening right here that’s exterior the norm however so so good.
The imaging is surreal and excellent. The soundstage could be very tall and big in dimension and scale. The vocals come out a bit with a fullness and readability which will simply convey goosebumps to your physique. There’s a naturalness and revealing nature as effectively but additionally a contact of fullness throughout and the best way particulars are introduced forth is unbelievable. I’m listening to issues I by no means knew existed in very acquainted music.
That is one speaker I want I may add to my overview/reference secure as I’ve by no means heard audio system like this, even with the OGY and BOB. Even with the Hertz Amber/Maria. Even with the X2/AGD setup. Sure my mates, there’s something very particular concerning the Pearl Sibelius. I’d love to accumulate a pair in Cherry with copper drivers for my house however sadly I simply purchased these AGD amps after promoting off some previous 5 12 months previous monoblock amps and a few audio system. I’m broke, so I should revisit the Sibelius on one other day, at one other time and even one other place probably.
It’s an EXPERIENCE
Shut your eyes, sit again and soak all of it in. Music heals the soul and these are prime notch on the subject of speaking the music proper to your senses. Slight heat, slight glow, very spatial, very human and so so actual. That’s what I get from the Sibelius. I like these as they show that generally much less is extra, and really, much less is way more right here. I might be very unhappy to see these go and I my reminiscences of them will stick with me for a while to return. Additionally, the Sibelius can be found in quite a lot of colours and finishes.
See extra concerning the Pearl Sibelius HERE on the Pearl web site. They promote these direct (no, I don’t make any fee or cash from this overview or gross sales they make in consequence). I used to be not paid for this overview. In truth, I spent weeks doing this overview for completely nothing in return. It’s what I get pleasure from doing right here, writing about audio gear I get pleasure from and equipment that touches my coronary heart. You’ll by no means see opinions right here of drugs I hate, really feel is a rip off or a cash seize.
Solely the stuff I like will get a block of my time to speak about. So sure, these are an actual particular instrument, a particular loudspeaker. Does this imply these are “The Finest”? In fact not as “the perfect” doesn’t exist within the audio world. All that exists is what’s greatest to you, your room, your ears. For me, the Sibelius will not be the perfect I’ve heard for all music however are certainly a number of the greatest, if not the perfect I’ve heard with some music, as defined inside this overview.
The Pearl Sibelius will be had beginning at round $6k shipped.
The draw to those audio system will be three fold. For his or her distinctive appears to be like and easy design (one driver, no crossover), for his or her workmanship and supplies (strong oak development) and naturally for his or her sound, which is sort of distinctive and really human in nature. Get pleasure from!
Steve Huff
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