I have had a pair of x12's in Goss Black for arouund a month so for those who are intersested and may be thinking of investing in standmounts I have balanced out my opinions of them to date.
Positive
They are clearly very well built and in the gloss black very attractive. They are also compact. I have not found them difficult to place in my small room, they dont seem to be affected by side or rear walls at all.
They are not difficult to drive, which I was concerned about. People seem to be running them well with Rega Brio R and I can understand why. They are very analytical, and tthey image well. They come alive at higher volumes and can amaze at times with good recordings. They are very neutral, smooth and well balanced. They are still running in so may improve further (although sounded good out of the box)
Negative
The finishes could be improved in terms of colour choices. Beware the so called 'cherry' it is very dark. I was forced to pay extra for Gloss black because of the limited nature of the alternative finishes. In addition, magnetic grills would help because the grills are diffiuclt to remove.
The speakers are very unforgiving, give them a poor recording and they dont respond well. They can sound very average at this point they almost sulk!
They do need a little volume so perhaps not the best at lowest listening levels.
Are they keepers? Not sure, will wait until they are fully run; in they are clearly very capable detailed and neutral but not fully convinced yet. My electronics are reasonable but probably not doing the speakers justice. I am wondering whether to sell the x12's and invest in some compact floorstanders, so dont be surprised to see them appear on a popular auction site!
Paul
Positive
They are clearly very well built and in the gloss black very attractive. They are also compact. I have not found them difficult to place in my small room, they dont seem to be affected by side or rear walls at all.
They are not difficult to drive, which I was concerned about. People seem to be running them well with Rega Brio R and I can understand why. They are very analytical, and tthey image well. They come alive at higher volumes and can amaze at times with good recordings. They are very neutral, smooth and well balanced. They are still running in so may improve further (although sounded good out of the box)
Negative
The finishes could be improved in terms of colour choices. Beware the so called 'cherry' it is very dark. I was forced to pay extra for Gloss black because of the limited nature of the alternative finishes. In addition, magnetic grills would help because the grills are diffiuclt to remove.
The speakers are very unforgiving, give them a poor recording and they dont respond well. They can sound very average at this point they almost sulk!
They do need a little volume so perhaps not the best at lowest listening levels.
Are they keepers? Not sure, will wait until they are fully run; in they are clearly very capable detailed and neutral but not fully convinced yet. My electronics are reasonable but probably not doing the speakers justice. I am wondering whether to sell the x12's and invest in some compact floorstanders, so dont be surprised to see them appear on a popular auction site!
Paul