Chapman Speakers?

I auditioned the T-5s a few weeks ago. Good, all-round speaker. Good timbre, good imaging, good sound-stage, good bass response, not too forward, not too laid-back. Driven by Rogue electronics, but I didn't feel the room I was listening to them in did them justice. I didn't pursue them further because they didn't snare me, they didn't draw me in the way a couple of other speakers did, but it's easy to see them being very attractive to a lot of listeners, and perhaps in another space, or with different equipment, or cables,... who knows?

It's hard to get past the rather clunky exterior look, like an ungainly version of Vandersteen.

I've heard T7 at several shows. Is has natural timbre, spaciousness, and full-range extension with LF grip. In recent years Stuart has spent much time voicing with premium components that few manufacturers anywhere near this price point will take the time or money to justify: Duelund, ClarityCap, Mundorf. If you can live with the conservative appearance this may be your last speaker.

Dave
Disclosure: ClarityCap OEM Sales

I remain deeply satisfied with my T77SE's after nearly eight years. Long tenure for me. Haven't heard anything I'd rather have unless out of reach, like the Sonus Faber's last week that made me weep. But they were $76K. I could cry. Guess I'll just look into an update from Stuart.

Stuart is offering a custom wood cosmetic version of the T7 and T5.

I don't know if this is available as a "kit" or upgrade, but from the photos I've seen, it looks lovely. His woodworker is a local artisan, and as far as I can tell, there's little profit for Stuart in this cosmetic upgrade.

IMO, Chapman speakers have always been about the music and very long-term listening pleasure rather than extraneous considerations such as cosmetics and other shiny parts. Isn't this hobby of ours all about the MUSIC?

Stuart builds speakers for music lovers, not for members of the "speaker of the month club."

I think I can get past the aesthetics of the Chapmans as long as I feel they will satisfy my musical expectations.
I am considering the latest T-7 model but the T-5 value/performance also has to be taken into account.

Any further input would be appreciated. Also any similar type speakers between $5000 to $10000 that in your opinion compare well at or above Chapmans assumed potential.

Twoleftears, What other speakers drew you into the music better than the T-5s?

Twoleftears, What other speakers drew you into the music better than the T-5s?

Klh007... The new RYAN R630's DO! >>>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QZHsENBRMk

One of the reviewers talk about the Chapman T-5's on Ryan's Face Book page below >>>

https://www.facebook.com/Ryan.Speakers.LLC

"Twoleftears, What other speakers drew you into the music better than the T-5s?"

Top of the list would be the Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Baby Grand Symphony Edition, and the PMC twenty.24. If you're looking higher, a used pair of the VA Liszts would be ideal.

Top of the line Vienna Acoustics has the exquisite and elegant sound, which serves classic music exceptionally fine.

I  was  lucky enough to  "steal " a pair of T-5's this week, they are simply amazing .....standing next to a set of DCM TF -600s, they make them sound like something from a mid 80's rack system...the clarity of individual voices and instruments is incredible.....if you can afford them , go for it !

well, this post is quite late to the game. I have experience with stuart chapmans speakers.
I have a pair of what appear to be "prototype" t9 mkii's. they are 2 ohm speakers, and they are absolutely beautiful. They are 22" wide unlike the recent versions (16") they do it all. I have the first sunfire theatre grand processor and an old tfm25 carver amp. 

very tight and dynamic, at any volume. even with my modest setup the speakers shine. plenty of beautiful sound for my 25 by 35 listening room.