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Devore Fidelity Orangutan O/96

My neighbor had to move some heavy furniture from one room to another so he asked me for help earlier today. Although, we've been neighbors for almost two years I had never been inside his house up until this afternoon. As I walked through the foyer and into his family room, I saw the speakers hooked up to some McIntosh separates. I have to admit that these were one of the most beautiful speakers I had ever seen. He offered to play some music and of course I was not going to say no. They sounded quite decent, although the sound was not as hefty or lush as I was expecting. Don't know if it was his equipment or room (wood floor, no rug, lots of windows), or maybe the Devore's are not quite going after those big, lush, and slightly warmer sound characteristics.

I'm actually saving up money to buy Harbeth SHL5+, or used 40.1, sometime next year. But boy did the Devore Orangutans caught my attention. And yes I know I shouldn't be basing my decision on looks alone, but if they're comparable to Harbeth in terms of sound quality, I'm definitely interested in exploring.

Just wondering if someone has had a chance to compare them directly to the Harbeth speakers I'm considering. Anyone moved from Harbeth to Devore O/6 or vice versa? This will be a system that I'll be building from scratch so I do have the luxury of building the system around my speakers -- total budget is around $15000. I usually buy used equipment whenever I can.

Please note that I'm not soliciting advice for other speakers at this time. Mostly interested in hearing about real world comparisons between the Devore Fidelity Orangutans and Harbeth SHL5+ or 40.1/2.
128x128arafiq

Showing 8 responses by bjesien

bjesien
1,354 posts
 
What's the impedance gap on the HL5+?
bjesien
1,354 posts
 
Prof, having owned various Devore speakers for over 12 years, with a dozen or more amps coming through my house in two systems (now one), I agree with you.  Perhaps my point is better stated that- To me, the amp will define the sound you get from this speaker more than other speakers I've had.  If you think all amps sound the same, just as some believe all cables sound the same, you will find my statement pointless. 
bjesien
1,354 posts
 
Good timing for the completion of my new listening space and a possible upgrade to the larger O/96!  I'm not holding my breath, because he keeps releases until he's convinced he can do no better. One of the reasons I have respect DeF.
For those that are interested, JD has increased his online presence with his Facebook page, and video's covering different audio enthusiast topics on his YouTube channel.
Best wishes with your pursuits everyone and arafiq congrats on pulling the trigger on a great speaker!
bjesien
1,354 posts
 
@arafiq it's good to see that you are on your path to finding the speaker that works for you.  I may have missed it but what are you currently using in your house?

Some of the speakers I've owned over the years (my wife as my witness) have been from Wilson, JM Reynaud, Verity Audio, Vandersteen and Devore.  One constant has been a pair of Devore's in our house since 2009.  Some of the amps have been from Audio Research, Simaudio, Luxman, McIntosh, Mastersound and Leben.  I've tried Spec and Sugden recently but not long enough to put an opinion out to the world.

I've come to be very careful with amplification because some speakers, and I think higher sensitivity speakers in particular, are more influenced by amplification and sources than others.  I agree with Prof that speakers have a signature all of their own, but again, the amp completes the circuit, so careful pairing matters, at least to me.

When the O/96 first came out I heard them in a shop and the dealer hooked them up to an Audio Research Ref 110 and Ref 3. This is what I purchased my Verity speakers with after hearing this combo so it was a seemingly "good" comparison to the salesperson.  After spending some time with them, I asked if we could hook up the EAR integrated that was on another rack.  To my ears the speakers came to life with this amp- lower powered, lower cost amplifier, and I finally understood the speaker..

I don't have a horse in this race but if I did it would have the proper shoes.            


 
bjesien
1,354 posts
 
Keep helping your neighbors, you will find the right ones.  What speakers have you heard that you really like?
bjesien
1,354 posts
 
In my audio journey, I had to make enough mistakes to realize what kind of sound I’d come to enjoy within my budget. My path was to assemble systems based on components that I’d demo’d read about or purchased from dealers after 2 hour sessions. In around 2000, I helped a friend with an audio business. That was an eye-opening experience because I could listen to and sometimes live with gear that was in  all the magazines.
It’s incredibly difficult and expensive to “have it all”.  To chase a live sounding system that’s transparent, dynamic, full range, and capable of playing at concert levels is impossible, but people are trying to do it!  Most need to compromise.  I’ve seen people try to put a $5k integrated on a pair of $100,000 Wilson’s.  It doesn’t work- it makes you run the other direction as the volume goes up.  Wilson makes fantastic speakers.
My own solution is great, fairly efficient speaker, because I enjoy the musicality of low powered class A and tube amplification. Such a system has limitations but if I can have excellent transparency, close to full range, non fatiguing sound with  acoustic and amplified instruments, electronica, rock, rap, etc, I’m on the right path for me.

I haven’t heard the Harbeth in question but if you like the Sonus Faber and want a little more liveliness you might try the middle line of Verity Audio.  They make great sounding, efficient, tube friendly speakers that will play anything.

Will you be looking to buy the ideal amp for whatever speaker you get or will that come with time?

bjesien
1,354 posts
 
To follow up, the Verity speakers are rather expensive- you can find a used Parsifal Encore for around $6-8k. The new Parsifals are over $20k. 

I'm in the Leben facebook group and the shl5 seems very popular among owners of the CS600 tube integrated. 

My last thought is- speakers that I've always wanted to hear, but there are no dealers anywhere near MA, is the Tannoy Arden and Cheviot- both seem like contenders on the warmish and engaging side.

Best of luck!  
bjesien
1,354 posts
 
The magic of the Devore speaker comes out with careful matching of the amp and ancillary components.  Much more so than the other speakers I've owned.  You don't just throw an amp in your trunk and speed off with these.
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