Anyone hear the Von Schweikert DB-99?



Does anyone own or heard this speaker? If so, please give me your impressions.

Also, what are the sonic benefits (if any) in a high efficency speaker over regular efficency?

Thanks
tickfight

Showing 7 responses by bornie

BTW, actual frequency response of the 99's are 21Hz-25KHz (70kHz w/supertweeter) (-3dB).

Best,

Jack
I would gladly send a A-gon member a emailed picture of my dealer demo's in a custom ebony with the supertweeter module for posting on this thread. They are really special inside and out.

Jack
Houston
Ksroy, I just sent you the picture of my db's that I hope you'll have better luck posting than I. The pics don't do them justice in reality but they'll give you a glimpse of the finish and supertweeter module. They are a sonic and cosmetic knockout! I'm using a Bel Canto SET 40 with KR Audio 845's and a modified APL/Esoteric DV50 (w/AKM dacs). Also, I had Analysis-Plus re-fit plugs on a pair of Pwr Ovals to fit the 99's and am not using stock cords. Also,, Paul Garner's Verbatum speaker cables are used to wonderful effect.

Jack
The supertweeter at 19kHz adds to the upper harmonics of speaker,, the difference of the 99's sounding a bit more open and "airy" than without. As a VSA dealer, having lived with a pair of 99's without the supertweeter for a time, I prefer the addition of the new ribbon speaker module.
And as you know Tony, the 99's can be self-tweeked to add or subtract bass by simply dialing in the low-end using a volume knob located at the rear of the speaker. The 10" magnesium woofs are each pwrd by 300watt amps. It is surprising to me how a recording can sound so different and so much better in terms of overall dynamics with some easy and quick fine tuning. What audiophiles turnover and spend in electronics, accessories and other tweeks to shape the character of the sound around room abberations and marginal recordings may thus be avoided. But, not to be mistaken,, the 99's could be and should be matched with the best equipment you can afford to get the most from them. If it sounds like I'm gushing,,, I'm just all over this VSA model! I had three auditions over the w/e,, one gent was/is a musician. To watch their facial expressions while spinning a few discs was to give me as much pleasure as they experienced during the listening session. You are right Tony, the dB's ARE amazing! Thats the word they used too!

Best,

Jack
Houston
all current dB99's come with grill covers. The optional supertweeter module comes without. BTW, the cabinets are built by "local" So Calif VSA partnered cabinet makers and the woodworking is superb and "one of kind". The wood finish palate ranges from standard to the very exotic. The "wait" time has been reduced though selection of non-standard finishes adds to the price. All "custom" line speaker cabinets,, are made near the VSA facility.

Jack
Tony, I don't know if you are a jazz fan but pick up the McCoy Tyner "New York Reunion" SACD from Chesky Records. It features Tyner on Piano, Joe Henderson on Tenor Sax, Ron Carter on Bass and Al Foster on Drums. On cut #5 "Ask Me How" it opens wih Joe Henderson doing solo sax work that is just so palpable and vocal its spooky. Towards the end of the song Al Foster adds some subtle kick drum beats that at first,,,, I thought was my Wife coming up the back steps towards the music room. When I realized that it wasn't her,,, I thought it was my heart bounding out of my chest! It just blows me away, how 3-D and expansive the soundstage and imaging is and how closely accurate and natural the presentation comes to "live".
Larry, just sent you a email. I've had two pairs of dB's,, the first pair when the model went into full production some time ago and a pair I recvd a month or so ago. No hum, buzz or any other sonic abberation. Turn the amplifiers pwr'ing the bass modules off and see if you still get noise. If you have another amplifier that you can A/B that too would be great. Power conditioner, grounds, ,,,? When in doubt contact Kevin at VSA. Your 99's should be dead quiet.

Jack

Jack