I hope you enjoyed my review, if you would like to know more see the written review on my website www.pursuitperfectsystem.com/audio-physic-spark-speakers-review/
You are absolutely right about the subwoofer. I use the tempo 25 which doesnt go particularly low and then added a rel 812s. The already incredible imaging just got more three-dimensional, and even the mids and the highs were complimented with this addition. I would say that the Twieeter has extension but less energy thats why it sounds so relaxed. Texture and natural tone comes to mind.
Smashing review, Terry. Really like how you brought in your own reference Mission 770's to give a very easily understood comparison, esp. to older audiophiles, like myself. (60 & >>>>). Interesting info re; the spiderless design, too. This last decade's overall advances in audio delivery has been really interesting and exciting, too. Cheers for yet another well-balanced, enjoyable & informative video. all the best from Japan, G. (ex-Scotland).
Soundstage was always a trademark of audio physic speakers, Joachim Gerhard was a genius on that note, the old audio physics were astounding . Have had the Virgo 2 , which remains one ( if not) the best speaker that I have ever had to create an incredible soundstage , ( the kind of soundstage were I could see the fret of the guitar , the artists arm moving around , even the head moving ….was creepy) , Als had the audio physic step original ( the square ones) and the step sle , I did found the original non sle far superior ( go figure) ….. less hifi , but much more musical , and with more prat and better timing ,. That Lilliputian speakers were really a miracle of engineering , Once more soundstage do die for , As a matter of fact they belonged to the system that made me listen the long to music , I would not stop , and did not want to, ( atoll cd100 CD player, amplifon wt30mk2 tube amp , and the steps , The only but……in this system was : it sounded a bit small in scale , and the tube amp was a bit underpowered for the steps …but one way or the other it worked , and it played superbly
Great review, thanks, Terry! I have been the very happy owner a pair of Audio Physic Spark IIIs for the last fifteen years (leaning floorstanders) and they have brought me much musical enjoyment! Joachim Gerhard designed, they have the same qualities, strengths and weaknesses you describe with this new model. They bring music alive (good PRaT) on top of their TOTL soundstaging and imaging. I bought them second-hand from someone who could not bear to look at them after they were damaged in transit. I was happy to take them off his hands and the dings were a plus for me as I was raising two boys and wanted speakers I would not mind if they got a few more. They've survived family life without a problem and have brought me tens of thousands of enjoyable music over the years! They've only needed one service to re-glue coil connections to the cone of the mid-bass drivers. The crossover is very simple and has no electrolytics or core inductors so no maintenance needed there.
I had a pair of Spark IIII's in the mid-2000s, which were floor-standing speakers with (as you described it in another video) "that Michael Jackson famous lean." I sold them for two reasons that are almost completely unrelated to sound: One, my cats kept knocking them over -- thanks to the lean -- and second they were way too easy to over-drive. I bottomed the woofers three times in the first week, and I don't listen at unusually high volumes. The pair I'd love to hear is the Virgo II's: They seem to be the sweet-spot in the Audio Physics history and line. Great review, as always. :-)
The spiderless drivers is very interesting tech. Considering how much tech has filtered down from the Cardeas line $70,000!), these Spark stand-mounts seem reasonably priced. The black & white pair they have on offer is pretty cool , too. 🤙🏼
NEAR (New England Audio Resource) have been making spiderless transducers for decades, although they have folded up shop in budget audiophile home speakers (budget by today’s prices) to focus solely on outdoor speakers. I’ve had 4 pairs of their flagship model (50me) since the 1990’s and although I’ve also owned various models from Magnepan and Von Schweikert, I nevertheless keep trying to find these 50me’s used (albeit where the ferrofluid hasn’t dried up) and currently am lucky enough to own the latest mkII version which still sound great. I agree.. very transparent.. panel-like.. smooth.. and they don’t have the limitations of panel speakers. They have excellent bass extension and very good dispersion. I’ve no idea why more manufacturers don’t do this.. when you know what spiderless sounds like.. it’s hard to go back. I will probably be looking at Audio Physic when these finally go.
Hey Terry, really good review, you communicate what you're hearing so well, very helpful. It would be great to hear you review more Audio Physics speakers and PMC speakers. Also thought I'd share sound nice vocal tracks: This Love by Chlara, Beautiful life by Chantal Chamberland, I'll Follow Your Trail by Sean Rowe, Liberty by Anette Askvik, Imagine by Chris Klafford, Fall into my arms by Lucinda Peters, Landslide by Stacey Kent, Fix it by Lady Blackbird, Angel by Sarah Mclachlan, September in Montreal by Anne Bisson, It'll never happen again by Lady Blackbird, A Battle Between by Blue Tofu, Walkin in the sun by Fink, The Curse by Agnes Obel, Here but I'm gone by Vanessa Femandez, Like a Rock by Dave's True Story, Blown Away by Siwert Hayem, Take A Message by Remy Shand, Limit to your Love by James Blake, Save your love for me by Nancy Wilson, I was made for loving you by Maris Mena, Feelin Lowdown by Andy Bey, All about you by Sophie Zelmani
It's about the 2nd of August, 23 and I've just discovered your channel. And your have a new subscriber, so let me ask you this....I'm assuming that you are looking at speakers at above the level of the popular speakers, and inexpensive speakers like some of the Klipsch, Def Tecs, and so on. I'm kind of hooked on the Perlisten speakers so let me ask you how do they sound and measure in your experience? And how can I learn about this Dirac or Durac calibration? I'm thinking that if a person learned how to calibrate your speakers, they can bring out the sound and make them really sound awesome.
Thanks I don’t have a lot of experience with Perlisten as it stands but I did make this video with them recently ua-cam.com/video/9yCOOGtu3qE/v-deo.html
Hi Terry, great to see this review and spot on... I met you at Bristol show and talked to you about amplification (Gryphon and so on) and i mentioned I have the Cardeas which are in this same finish which is beautiful. It would be great if you could review the Cardes at some point as these will do the bass infill that the sparks can't quite muster up and would be great to hear your thoughts with the extra bass etc. Out of interest what amplification was used with this review? Keep up the great work!👍🏻
Hello mate, yes it was great to meet you we had a good chat. Amplifiers I used have all been reviewed I used the big MC MA9500, the Bespoke Audio Pre with the NAD M23 love that combo.
im wanting to upgrade my Dali Rubicon 2 used w/ pair of rel subs...keeping the subs... I was thinking either upgrade to Dali Rubicon 6 or the Epicon 2...now i see this brand you review Audio Physic...please help as I'm looking for a more fuller sound than my Rubicon 2 can give...
Dear Sir, thank you for the wonderful in depth review for AP Spark speakers. I wonder if you had heard Triangle Magellan Duetto bookshelf? It seems your description of Spark's sonics are similar to Duetto sound except the sparkling treble that Triangle have. Perhaps you could share any comments on that comparisons between the two speakers and we'll will be grateful for making our choices simpler. Thank you 😊
Hello, great review, I’m a long owner of the first tempo that came out years back, I’m about to pull the plug on the spark, at this time I’m testing a Yba passion 650 amp, with a tube preamp, do you think that combination or amp will be a good match or you think an amp like the NAD m23 will be better, thanks
THANKS 🤗TERRY,FOR REVIEWING THESE SPEAKERS,ESPECIALLY IN YOUR TREATED ROOM…for the more objective review and helping others to learn more about them 🤔🤗💚💚💚
I haven't heard the KLH but people compare them to Wharfedale Linton - that is a chalk and cheese speaker to these. These are a high resolution monitor speaker that gets out of the way trying to not have a character and not have a cabinet. The Mission 770 is in a way more like the Linton, big cabinet that you do hear to a degree but they also get out of the way to a reasonable degree, much more so than the Linton. I would say my comparison to the Mission was deliberate to give people an idea of the difference between this type of speaker a modern speaker and the new old designs like the Mission Wharfedale etc
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I know, however comparing the Linton to the Model 5 is quite an insult to the KLH imo, compared to the Fives the Linton are almost muddy sounding, they're mostly good for Oldschool rock, while the Fives are very transparent, holographic, modern sounding speakers, despite their Vintage look. I'd suggest to check them out, Jay's Iyagi gave high praise to them, and he even rated them as the best speaker of 2021.
Yeah the Linton can be muddy sounding depending on the gear you use and what you are comparing to - that would be where the Spark shine maximum un-muddiness
Spiderless drivers are not a new concept , Hyperion also used spiderless drivers in their speakers, If they are precisely the same I do not know , I don’t think so, as from manufacture to manufacture there are always little differences in design that relate normally directly to structural and development approach with functional differences as a consequence
Always liked audio physic . Funny is that i also noticed that from the time that Mr. Joachim Gerhard left audio physic , they immediately got snob looks from reviewers to especially hifi retailers . About 13/14 years ago went to an hifi store to upgrade my existing speakers at the time, I asked for a particular model from audio physic to listen to , the answer was an immediate ( thats not what you looking for !!!) They're not worth it relative to the others here! My answer was that i would like to hear them anyway ( is my money, my taste....so.....) , answer was still no , not worth it ! So.....i left the store and bought nothing ! Arrogante people , with snobbery preconceptions , ....a shame !
I hope you enjoyed my review, if you would like to know more see the written review on my website www.pursuitperfectsystem.com/audio-physic-spark-speakers-review/
You are absolutely right about the subwoofer. I use the tempo 25 which doesnt go particularly low and then added a rel 812s. The already incredible imaging just got more three-dimensional, and even the mids and the highs were complimented with this addition. I would say that the Twieeter has extension but less energy thats why it sounds so relaxed. Texture and natural tone comes to mind.
Smashing review, Terry. Really like how you brought in your own reference Mission 770's to give a very easily understood comparison, esp. to older audiophiles, like myself. (60 & >>>>). Interesting info re; the spiderless design, too. This last decade's overall advances in audio delivery has been really interesting and exciting, too. Cheers for yet another well-balanced, enjoyable & informative video. all the best from Japan, G. (ex-Scotland).
Soundstage was always a trademark of audio physic speakers,
Joachim Gerhard was a genius on that note, the old audio physics were astounding .
Have had the Virgo 2 , which remains one ( if not) the best speaker that I have ever had to create an incredible soundstage , ( the kind of soundstage were I could see the fret of the guitar , the artists arm moving around , even the head moving ….was creepy) ,
Als had the audio physic step original ( the square ones) and the step sle ,
I did found the original non sle far superior ( go figure) ….. less hifi , but much more musical , and with more prat and better timing ,. That Lilliputian speakers were really a miracle of engineering ,
Once more soundstage do die for ,
As a matter of fact they belonged to the system that made me listen the long to music , I would not stop , and did not want to, ( atoll cd100 CD player, amplifon wt30mk2 tube amp , and the steps ,
The only but……in this system was : it sounded a bit small in scale , and the tube amp was a bit underpowered for the steps …but one way or the other it worked , and it played superbly
Great review, thanks, Terry! I have been the very happy owner a pair of Audio Physic Spark IIIs for the last fifteen years (leaning floorstanders) and they have brought me much musical enjoyment! Joachim Gerhard designed, they have the same qualities, strengths and weaknesses you describe with this new model. They bring music alive (good PRaT) on top of their TOTL soundstaging and imaging.
I bought them second-hand from someone who could not bear to look at them after they were damaged in transit. I was happy to take them off his hands and the dings were a plus for me as I was raising two boys and wanted speakers I would not mind if they got a few more. They've survived family life without a problem and have brought me tens of thousands of enjoyable music over the years! They've only needed one service to re-glue coil connections to the cone of the mid-bass drivers. The crossover is very simple and has no electrolytics or core inductors so no maintenance needed there.
I had a pair of Spark IIII's in the mid-2000s, which were floor-standing speakers with (as you described it in another video) "that Michael Jackson famous lean." I sold them for two reasons that are almost completely unrelated to sound: One, my cats kept knocking them over -- thanks to the lean -- and second they were way too easy to over-drive. I bottomed the woofers three times in the first week, and I don't listen at unusually high volumes. The pair I'd love to hear is the Virgo II's: They seem to be the sweet-spot in the Audio Physics history and line. Great review, as always. :-)
I own a pair of Virgo 2 with brand new crossovers with high quality caps of Jantzen and Mundorf. This makes the Virgo a highly enjoyable speaker
The two stand mounts they currently make are pretty amazing.
The spiderless drivers is very interesting tech. Considering how much tech has filtered down from the Cardeas line $70,000!), these Spark stand-mounts seem reasonably priced.
The black & white pair they have on offer is pretty cool , too. 🤙🏼
NEAR (New England Audio Resource) have been making spiderless transducers for decades, although they have folded up shop in budget audiophile home speakers (budget by today’s prices) to focus solely on outdoor speakers. I’ve had 4 pairs of their flagship model (50me) since the 1990’s and although I’ve also owned various models from Magnepan and Von Schweikert, I nevertheless keep trying to find these 50me’s used (albeit where the ferrofluid hasn’t dried up) and currently am lucky enough to own the latest mkII version which still sound great. I agree.. very transparent.. panel-like.. smooth.. and they don’t have the limitations of panel speakers. They have excellent bass extension and very good dispersion. I’ve no idea why more manufacturers don’t do this.. when you know what spiderless sounds like.. it’s hard to go back. I will probably be looking at Audio Physic when these finally go.
Excellent vid. Love to hear them.
Hey Terry, really good review, you communicate what you're hearing so well, very helpful. It would be great to hear you review more Audio Physics speakers and PMC speakers. Also thought I'd share sound nice vocal tracks: This Love by Chlara, Beautiful life by Chantal Chamberland, I'll Follow Your Trail by Sean Rowe, Liberty by Anette Askvik, Imagine by Chris Klafford, Fall into my arms by Lucinda Peters, Landslide by Stacey Kent, Fix it by Lady Blackbird, Angel by Sarah Mclachlan, September in Montreal by Anne Bisson, It'll never happen again by Lady Blackbird, A Battle Between by Blue Tofu, Walkin in the sun by Fink, The Curse by Agnes Obel, Here but I'm gone by Vanessa Femandez, Like a Rock by Dave's True Story, Blown Away by Siwert Hayem, Take A Message by Remy Shand, Limit to your Love by James Blake, Save your love for me by Nancy Wilson, I was made for loving you by Maris Mena, Feelin Lowdown by Andy Bey, All about you by Sophie Zelmani
It's about the 2nd of August, 23 and I've just discovered your channel. And your have a new subscriber, so let me ask you this....I'm assuming that you are looking at speakers at above the level of the popular speakers, and inexpensive speakers like some of the Klipsch, Def Tecs, and so on. I'm kind of hooked on the Perlisten speakers so let me ask you how do they sound and measure in your experience? And how can I learn about this Dirac or Durac calibration? I'm thinking that if a person learned how to calibrate your speakers, they can bring out the sound and make them really sound awesome.
Thanks I don’t have a lot of experience with Perlisten as it stands but I did make this video with them recently ua-cam.com/video/9yCOOGtu3qE/v-deo.html
Hi Terry. We would so appreciate a review about the new Concept 50 speakers from Q Acoustics from your listening room. Thanks!
I truly admire audio-physic. Thanks 🙏🏼 for your review. I truly admire the EPOS ES14N as well. It might catch your attention too. 🎉
Have you been able to test both speakers? What are the differences? Best regards
Hi Terry, great to see this review and spot on... I met you at Bristol show and talked to you about amplification (Gryphon and so on) and i mentioned I have the Cardeas which are in this same finish which is beautiful. It would be great if you could review the Cardes at some point as these will do the bass infill that the sparks can't quite muster up and would be great to hear your thoughts with the extra bass etc.
Out of interest what amplification was used with this review?
Keep up the great work!👍🏻
Hello mate, yes it was great to meet you we had a good chat. Amplifiers I used have all been reviewed I used the big MC MA9500, the Bespoke Audio Pre with the NAD M23 love that combo.
im wanting to upgrade my Dali Rubicon 2 used w/ pair of rel subs...keeping the subs...
I was thinking either upgrade to Dali Rubicon 6 or the Epicon 2...now i see this brand you review Audio Physic...please help as I'm looking for a more fuller sound than my Rubicon 2 can give...
Dear Sir, thank you for the wonderful in depth review for AP Spark speakers. I wonder if you had heard Triangle Magellan Duetto bookshelf? It seems your description of Spark's sonics are similar to Duetto sound except the sparkling treble that Triangle have. Perhaps you could share any comments on that comparisons between the two speakers and we'll will be grateful for making our choices simpler. Thank you 😊
Hello, great review, I’m a long owner of the first tempo that came out years back, I’m about to pull the plug on the spark, at this time I’m testing a Yba passion 650 amp, with a tube preamp, do you think that combination or amp will be a good match or you think an amp like the NAD m23 will be better, thanks
THANKS 🤗TERRY,FOR REVIEWING THESE SPEAKERS,ESPECIALLY IN YOUR TREATED ROOM…for the more objective review and helping others to learn more about them 🤔🤗💚💚💚
Is there a big difference between these and Step 35? Not the base but the other sound quality area's.
Really nice looking pair!
Mmm trickledown honeycomb:) That is a really cool tech tbh... Invented for resonance reduction in subways and industrial sites.
how do these compare to the KLH Model Fives
I haven't heard the KLH but people compare them to Wharfedale Linton - that is a chalk and cheese speaker to these. These are a high resolution monitor speaker that gets out of the way trying to not have a character and not have a cabinet. The Mission 770 is in a way more like the Linton, big cabinet that you do hear to a degree but they also get out of the way to a reasonable degree, much more so than the Linton. I would say my comparison to the Mission was deliberate to give people an idea of the difference between this type of speaker a modern speaker and the new old designs like the Mission Wharfedale etc
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I know, however comparing the Linton to the Model 5 is quite an insult to the KLH imo, compared to the Fives the Linton are almost muddy sounding, they're mostly good for Oldschool rock, while the Fives are very transparent, holographic, modern sounding speakers, despite their Vintage look. I'd suggest to check them out, Jay's Iyagi gave high praise to them, and he even rated them as the best speaker of 2021.
Yeah the Linton can be muddy sounding depending on the gear you use and what you are comparing to - that would be where the Spark shine maximum un-muddiness
2:52 didn't AR have this decades ago? And also Mark Audio has made spider less drivers for a while
I dont think Mark Audio make bass drivers and the drivers on the site most of them have a spider, not sure about them all
Spiderless drivers are not a new concept , Hyperion also used spiderless drivers in their speakers,
If they are precisely the same I do not know , I don’t think so, as from manufacture to manufacture there are always little differences in design that relate normally directly to structural and development approach with functional differences as a consequence
Love the look of these audio physic sparks
HI,
I think if you have them in a smaller room you can do without the extra subs.
Grtz Phil
20 years ago. The first spark
Always liked audio physic .
Funny is that i also noticed that from the time that Mr. Joachim Gerhard left audio physic , they immediately got snob looks from reviewers to especially hifi retailers .
About 13/14 years ago went to an hifi store to upgrade my existing speakers at the time,
I asked for a particular model from audio physic to listen to , the answer was an immediate ( thats not what you looking for !!!) They're not worth it relative to the others here!
My answer was that i would like to hear them anyway ( is my money, my taste....so.....) , answer was still no , not worth it ! So.....i left the store and bought nothing !
Arrogante people , with snobbery preconceptions , ....a shame !
They have a very good synergy with the Transparent cable line
They look very beautiful but looks is for the eyes and not the ears. Remember
there bloody buitiful