My B1s
Well it has been about 12 months since my B1s travelled from South Africa to Australia, how are they going you ask?
When they arrived they were hooked up to - Nordost " loom" Valhalla SC, Tyr and Valhalla interconnects, Valhalla and Odin power cords, Qbase and Qv2, gear on TC sort cones - Conrad Johnson CT5 and CA200 (185 w. solid state) - Naim DAC, Weiss INT202 and Macbook pro running Pure Music. .....all in a treated room, making my room look a bit like a makeshift recording studio., at least in part.( some things don't change) I sort of liked this better than the shops Luxman setup, but i sort of knew there was more to be had. It was a darkish sound with good rather than great detail and tight bass. It wasn't particularly good at 3d soundstage but it was kind to my mostly alternative rock and pop, with a smattering of classical, jazz and blues. Highs were a bit blunted, avoiding sibilance. A lot has changed in year one. - Nordost stuff remains, if it ain't broke..... - the CA200 has made way for a CJ LP70s with KT120 tubes - the Naim DAC now has the XPS DR power supply - A Valhalla moved from the Weiss interface to the XPS - the computer has a SSD and more RAM, and Audirvana is now the player of choice Operation wise i now leave the Naim gear on 24/7. It avoids fuse issues and it sounds better. How does it sound? Like a million bucks. It still like my recordings but its so much better than it was. Detail is way up, the dark balance is gone, The sound has layers of depth. Its more open, allowing vocals to soar for that rare singer ( in my collection) that has a decent pair of lungs and isn't afraid to use them. My opinion on recording quality in my music collection has improved. What made the most difference? Thats hard to say. The XPS power supply turns the Naim DAC into a true high end source, yet i know the changes to the computer allow it to shine. The Valve amp made a significant difference as well, maybe not as much, but if the source was upgraded first i might feel differently. What made the least difference. Well the Valhalla on the Weiss interface was improving things but it was more important to optimise the power supply for the DACs analogue circuits ( the DAC itself already had a valhalla). Whats next? Well i have still to receive the linear regulated power supply for the computer/Weiss from Paul Hynes. This will likely bring some additional detail and punch to a sound already pretty strong in the regard ( i believe). Are you happy with your choice of speaker? I think so. They are the right size for the room, the are like a clean empty canvass that is set up in a room with subtlety flattering light that does not upstage the art (program material.) and does not unduly highlight flaws in recordings, but you know they are there. The flaws are an important part of the art for me, perfection sucks. What are you listening to now? Laughing Clowns, a Brisbane Band of the 80s that featured Ed Keupper from the Saints. Unlike the punk sounds of the Saints the Laughing Clowns had a more mature sophisticated sound featuring brass elements, its not super brilliantly recorded but its got a fair bit going on, with interesting percussion and a number of musical ideas that sort of progress through the song, but its not prog rock as its still got a punky edge and roughish vocals.....with brass and weird bits. I' ve also been listening to The Waifs, A Brief History ( live), this features tracks like Papa that really test the openness of you systems sound, it either sours or it grates when Vicky hits her straps vocally. I think i can say that i will still have the B1s this time next year so i will do another update then. Can' t see them going anywhere, not at this stage anyway. I definitly have a soft spot for them, both in how they sound and the looks. Too much music and too little time. |
Laughing clowns, Eternally Yours
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8PeGHeF...%3D8PeGHeF2AHc The Waifs, Papa http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nG68wqG...%3DnG68wqGp-XU |
Another thing to consider that SHOULD bring the system up another notch would be an external power supply for the Mac.
Vivid Audio G2, Zanden 6000, Stahl-Tek Opus "Prime", Stahl-Tek A.B.C., Mac Mini with external P.S., Tripoint Troy, High Fidelity "Ultimate" interconnects, Jade Audio Gold Vermeil speaker cable, Stage III, Stealth, Virtual Dynamics Power Cables, GPA Monaco shelving, PAD "Ultimate" USB cable |
Arrr, me hearty, i am ahead a yeee on that score I be !
The Paul Hynes is the SR7 dual rail. One rail for the MAC and one rail for the Weiss, and gobs of power to boot. I don't think a better supply exists, particularly as its a custom build. |
Thank you for sharing.
Lovely write-up. But... it'd be nice to see some pics. :yes: |
Wow, superb review. Thank you.
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Hi All, first post here. I'm seriously considering the B1's. Could you tell me how big your room is and how hard you found them to place? Thanks.
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aqman... Welcome! :wave:
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Aqman, welcome!
I did a thorough test of the B1's in 2010, where I let the dealer compare them with the B&W 802Ds. DCs source, ARC pre, Ayre monoblocks were the components. This happened in a rather large room (10 x 15 meters). Much to my but also the dealer's surprise, the Vivids, just like the B&Ws by the way, could handle the room quite easily. The difference with the B&Ws in clarity, transparency, soundstage and detail was not subtle. Placing was also much easier with the Vivids. |
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The B1, and in fact all Vivid speakers (I now own the G3), are not demanding regarding precise placement. |
Yeah, my room is smaller but semi open plan. Room is 4m by 6.5m with opening to hallway and partly open to kitchen/ dining. House is timber construction.
To be honest I don't think in terms of Bass and treble when listening. I'm just enjoying the tunes. Listening to a Massive Attack at the mo. Feel no desire to change anything. Re placement, I like listening across short axis, it also suits room layout. My Vivids just slotted in where the B&W 804s were. I have bass traps in all corners. |
Thanks for the responses! I have only heard the B1. I would be interested in reading impressions on how they compare to the K1, G3, G2. The latter two are a bit out of price range but I'm still curious.
Great forum! I've read all the vivid posts. |
Sorry, only heard the K1 and G3 in different locations and systems. I would not hesitate to audition them however if I was looking in that price band. In fact they would be top of my list.
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I love my B1's as well! I'm running them with a Luxman M-800a.:banana:
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bmwmcab... Welcome! :wave:
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:GrpWelcome: |
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Briz... one thing I would like to highlight regarding VividAudio is that they don't apply cheaper components on cheaper products. Notice that the B1 has 3 drivers (4 considering the one in the back). Those 3 drivers are also used by the higher end models including the G1.
So the components on the B1 are the best Vivid can make. There is a common high quality sound across the product line. Then, as you move up the product line, you get those same B1 drivers + extra drivers designed to produce powerful bass. So yes, upgrading from the B1 to the G3 the main difference is deeper more powerful bass... The B1 are that good. |
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The models are also crossed over differently, that is the main benefit of the K1 over the B1... http://www.vividaudio.com/speakers/o...ftmanship.html |
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Anyone go to the 2014 CES? In the Vivid room, the B1's were used paired up with the new Luxman amp and Lawrence Dickie was there!
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The B1 design would have to be a decade old now. Interesting that it still makes the cut for the introduction of a new amplifier.
I assume that the amp was at the B1 level, ie expensive but not über expensive. We'll only a little bit uber expensive. I think you can still get a new car for the money. |
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B1: Cross over frequencies (Hz): 100, 900, 4000 K1: Cross over frequencies (Hz): 100, 900, 4000 And if you read the craftmanship description of the B1, it is essentially the same as the K1 when describing the cross over: B1 Craftmanship Like someone else said here, the primary difference as you go up the line is increased power handling capability and low frequency response. There really isn't isn't much difference in LF extension between the K1 and B1, the primary difference is greater power handling for the K1. You have to jump to Giyas to get greater LF extension (below 38Hz). In the oval series the K1 and B1 share the same drivers, but the K1 has 4 LF drivers while the B1 has 2 LF drivers. Giya models share the same HF, MF and LF (they call this Mid Bass on the Giya line) drivers that the B1 and K1 have, but each Giya model has model specific LF drivers. Back to K1 vs B1, I own B1s and haven't heard the K1, but for the added money, unless you need to fill up a big room with sound, you're not going to get low frequency extension like you would from the Giyas. I use JLAudio f112 subs to supplement the LF response of the B1s and they blend seamlessly. |
Better bass loading is definitely what I heard after demoing the K-1s and then trying the Giya G2s.
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I think you will find that parts quality in the crossover is different.
I've heard the difference in changing 4 diodes in my preamp with faster ones. The magic of a speaker is in its midrange. A little better bass is not my perception of the Vivids i have heard (B1, K1, G3). Only heard my B1s at home however. |
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Did you get to hear the g4? |
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I didn't see the g4's at the ces. Only the G1, G3 and B1's. The G1's ran with Ayre, G3's with April Music and B1's with Luxman. |
Hi folks. Well I find myself in the process of testing out Vivid Audio's customer service unfortunately. On the surface it seems like a petty thing.
While listening to music one of the dust caps on a mid/bass driver popped off. I don't know if anyone has seen the insides of a Vivid driver but even on the mid drivers the dustcap is like aluminium foil. Its super thin and lightweight. There is a bit of a groove where the cap sits but otherwise i have no idea how something so fragile is attached. When i picked it up off the carpet there was a slight crack and i found a 1mm crack on the rim at the back of the cap. I can understand how kids can poke these in. I have been almost religious about keeping people away from my speakers and i am even nervous about dusting them. It certainly makes sense that the Giyas have grills over all three front facing drivers. I know other brands like B&W seem to glue on their dustcaps but that almost seems counter to Vivids approach given the extremes they take to lightweight even the larger drivers. I guess ultra low mass means its a more responsive driver. i have been in contact with my dealer and he is organising a new/replacement driver for me through the importer. Fingers crossed that all will be resolved without too much delay. I have been very pleased in the past with the responsiveness of smaller hifi companies when things go wrong, and that can happen with the best companies. I think the real test is how well they respond when a customer has an issue. On that front I have been spoilt. I am in Australia and Naim Audio UK provided me with advice within 30 minutes of a fuse blowing on one of their XPS2 DR power supplies. Unfortunately it turned out to be an inherent "issue", but they did have a workaround which has kept me from further blow fuses, and they also sent me some spares (they were a very specific fuse). My little issue only happened on the weekend but i hope to able to report on a positive outcome soon. Its just a little quiet round here without music, or alternately i could swap in the old B&W804s. |
^^^^I hope your problems will be solved quickly!
I think Pedro also had to replace a driver in his B1s. If I recall well, that went smoothly. |
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I replaced a woofer in my B1. It's not technically demanding but a little tedious unscrewing and re-screwing the bolt inside that holds the two woofers together. Get the shortest crescent wrench you can find. You just have to be careful to not touch the drivers when handling them. Also, you definitely need two people. Vivid has an instruction guide.
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Thanks. I suspect the issue may be getting a replacement driver. Australia is not a big market for high end hifi and i don't get the impression that they anticipate failures. Apart from the hole in the middle it still works in a mechanical sense. I keep thinking its kind of an expensive hole.
One of the guys in our Audio club has K1s. I might have to sneak in an pinch one of his drivers. He doesn't need all of them, as the B1 demonstrates. |
Happy new year folks.
Just enjoying my B1s. Sounding super sweet after Audirvana software and DAC firmware upgrades during 2015. I seem to get a further boost this time of year, either due to a holiday mood or cleaner power as people are away....or both. Also interesting to see someone over on the Naim Forum ( system photo thread) using Vivid G3s with a Naim Statement amp. Whats that gonna cost. $300k all up i would think. Mind boggling. Mind you, any Vivid setup is going to be pretty flash by anyones standards. Feeling very lucking to be enjoying my much more modest setup. |
These are great speakers, just heard them with ARC, superb!
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The B1's are great speakers, just listened to a pair connected to a Devialet
Next up will be the K1's |
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