Audiocircle report for the RMAF, featuring these speakers:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=91f7bo4op3i0ad64dgfmcj2567&topic=110588.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=91f7bo4op3i0ad64dgfmcj2567&topic=110588.0
393 responses Add your response
Peterayer, well I spent a good deal of time listening to the MMMicros driven by the new BMC integrated amp. They played a tape of Hugh Masekela's Stimela, and I was just in awe! I have never heard this so perfectly captured. No doubt much was attributable to the tape, but the speakers never protested and captured even the thunderous drumming. Prdprez, one of my experiences this summer belies your argument. I had the LSA1 Statement speakers on the sand filled steel and cheap speaker stands. I have four of the mindblowing StilllPoints Ultra Fives sitting around awaiting my new BMC speakers. I decided to try them under the LSA stands. I was shocked at the improvement. We are beset by vibrations in seeking realism in our music reproduction. |
Hi Agear, What do you mean by mechanical grounding? By this, do you mean coupling to the floor and speaker? (versus isolation) That's no more complicated than using a heavy enough stand and spikes that will lock into the floor and a hard connection with the speaker, such as a spike interface between the speaker and stand. Neither of these are very expensive to implement. Or is there something more complicated to it that I'm missing? Thanks! |
A well built stand is nothing special. It's not rocket science. Prdprez, spoken from personal experience? Conjecture? I personally believe in mechanical grounding and its positive effects on a system. I use a stand mounted speaker where the stand/speaker union is critical to performance. Without the stand, the speaker is just not the same. I have used run-of-the-mill stands on speakers in the past, and I can understand why you would arrive at those conclusions. |
Krell_man. My point was that I don't think it takes too much to build a very good stand for a small speaker. The stands from Sound Anchors are about as overbuilt as I've ever seen. Incredibly heavy, sturdy, and inert. All the things you want from a speaker stand. They make a single post stand that would work great with the MMMicro One. And even filled and tuned, it's less than $350. A friend of mine has a pair of their four post stands and I'm convinced you could park a semi truck on top of those things. And absolutely dead silent. So, yes, a good quality stand is absolutely important. But when something like Sound Anchor exists, I just don't see the point in a $1500 brass stand. No matter how "super" they call it. I don't quite understand how it would be any better. Well, it might look prettier. I'll grant that. But performance, not sure how that would work. (Or why it would matter.) Thats all I'm saying. Not trying to say that a good stand isn't important. |
Prdprez, I'm sorry, but I don't understand your reasoning. More than even equipment on good stands, if a speaker is vibrating or moving around at all, what happens? You have a box moving around in space sending out music or sound waves, but sending it in slightly different directions as it moves. How would you expect that senario to give you the best and a consistant sound? Chuck |
The cost of a speaker compared to the speaker stand should`nt matter.High quality speakers deserve good stands. Some speakers more expensive than the MM Micro one sound inferior and no stand(regardless of its cost ) will change that reality. The focus should be audio performance quality not an arbitrary speaker/stand price ratio. Regards, |
Glory, I'm well aware of how important it is to have good, solid and well built stands under a speaker. I'm just not of the opinion that they need to be "correct". A well built stand is nothing special. It's not rocket science. And I personally don't think it takes $1500 to do it. YMMV. And whatever floats your boat. |
First day of RMAF, met JT today and listened to the MMMicroOne. The speakers sounded great! I was impressed by the dynamics and treble most but it was especially impressive because he was playing Led Zeppelin and I know that recording doesn't normally sound so good. I will go back for a longer more detailed listen before the weekend is over. |
Glory, As I was left with only LSA1 Statements but already had 8 SP Ultra Fives from use on my Tidals, I decided to put three under each of the inexpensive LSA stands. I was just amazed by the improvement. I never experimented with the big Ultra Fives directly under the monitors. This is, of course, $4200 worth of isolation under $2700 worth of speakers, but it was great sound. |
I don't quite understand how the Equarack Footers relates to making the SS stands a no brainer. The Equarack footers are an "isolation" device. The SS is a "coupling" device. Two very different approaches. Not necessarily good idea to mix the two. Are you saying the Equarack was not an improvement? Thanks! |
Filled the steam of the stands with Micro Bearing Conductive Steel from Star Sound Technologies. Then I installed the cheese Wizz spikes and placed them on the Equarack speaker Footers. Well it was ...... So I called Robert from Star Sound and was told he could design a super stand for these speakers for around 1.5K. What I heard with the Equarack Footers makes the SS stands a no brainer. |
I found this thread on these MM Micro Ones http://www.hifivision.com/av-lounge/29939-evolution-acoustics-mmmicroone.html |
Looks like source is solved. Resolution Audio Cantata was the choice and a blind one, too. Got a great deal that I just couldn't let slide by. On paper it looks more than interesting: Gryphon and Resolution Audio Cantata. Tomorrow I should get my speakers, which Scott, my local dealer and fellow audio enthusiast, will drop off at my home. Great guy, btw, and deep connoisseur of audio equipment. Hopefully I'll get source and amp by the end of the week. Very curious as to how the sound will be, but everything will need a lot of burn-in. Cables will be the ones that I brought from my last system: Argento Silver Cables for speakers, Zu Varial MkIII XLR for ICs (which I intend to change very soon), ASI Liveline and Rega for power. Used to have a Stereovox XV2 and am very interested in the XV-Ultra, since I left the former with my brother. Any suggestions regarding digital cables will be more than welcome, since I will have to buy one now. After burn-in will look into cables again. Will keep you posted, Milpai. Best regards André |
Pushing 100 hours on mine. The first 25/40 hours they sounded great but small and closed in. Now it has opened up and sounds as big as my floor standing Zu Def2 speakers. Got a sub coming but really don't miss much bass with these speakers. On certain tunes you really do need one but I am still quite happy with the bass without one for now. What a great buy this has been. Running them with an ASR amp and will be hearing these speaker driven by the BMC integrated amp @ RMAF. Sent from my iPhone |
One thing that seems to help tighten focus and bass is loading the stand risers with lead shot. I also wrapped a lead shot-filled ankle weight around the bottom of the risers for a total of about 20 lbs per speaker. Finding lead shot here in CA was very difficult as there have been environmental movements to prevent lead poisoning of animals but adding the shot was well worth the effort. I have about 15 hours on the MicroOnes and they are starting to open up more and the spatial solidity is astounding. |
am the new owner of a pair of MMMicroOnes. Hadn't read any reviews or even heard of them when I went to audition them. The first time I wasn't able to understand how they sounded so good for that price. Went back a second time with my test CDs, since it didn't work the first time. Still can't understand how they sound so good, but had to buy them. Now I'm looking for the rest of the system. Had to sell the old one in Brazil and had been looking for speakers since relocating to the US (used to have KEF Reference 201.2). That part of the search is done. Next step: amplification. I feel that these speakers need high current to get the best of them. Will probably spend about 3x their price and they will still deserve it... that is, if I don't find an absolute bargain amp similar to these. |
Wow!! Maybe Revolution Acoustics would be a better name! Conventional wisdom holds that you should spend ~40% of your budget on speakers to have a "balanced" system. But with these little guys you can spend 10, or even 20, times the speaker cost on upstream components and these speakers would still not be outclassed. I have heard them as demonstrated at the shows (Playback Designs DAC + darTZeel amps) and the sound is absolutely luscious. That $2.5k speakers can be perfectly paired with ~$40k in electronics is just completely amazing. This is revolutionary! The bass extension is unbelievable for something so small - absolutely no need for a passive crossover & subwoofer (in small-medium rooms). Even on the lowest notes of an upright bass, the pitch is well defined: no one-note boomy bass here! Female vocals in the midrange are eerily real - I never thought I'd be in the same room as Joni Mitchell. Do note that these speakers sound a bit bright when new, so don't pass judgement too soon with regard to the high end / tonal balance. There seems to be a lot of noise about a possible price increase. If the price doubled to $5k, the same as the B&W 805's, the microOnes would still be a huge bargain. Most highly recommended! |
Hi everyone. I'm still breaking my MMMicroOne's in, so no substantive comments yet. But two quick questions for those of you who have them: (1) If your amp has multiple taps, are you running the speakers on the 4ohm taps or the 8ohm taps? I have a little Jolida 202BRC and it has both 4 and 8 ohm taps. (2) If your speakers are fully broken in and in the best position for your room, did you spike them to the floor? My listening room is in the basement, with hardwood floors over concrete, so stability/footfalls isn't really a problem. I'm just wondering how much benefit there would be from installing them with spikes rather than not doing so (once they're broken in and positioned, of course). |
Lets keep this thread about the MMMicroOne and not about trying to bash Jtinn and Evolution Acoustics. I have dealt with Jonathan many times and he has always been honest and you can get in contact with him. It may take a few times to get in touch with him but it is because he is busy and does have a life outside of work. Now back on subject........ I received the MMMicroOne's over a week ago. They were in two wooden crates,speakers in one and stands in the other. They are very well packed, with no chance of damage to any of the parts. They are more expensive to ship because of the crates but it is well worth the extra expense. The stands are well engineered and attach to the speakers easily. Don't expect much for the first few hours of break in. After about 25 hours they sounded good but it took around 100 hours of break in, to really appreciate just how exceptional these speakers are. They keep getting better and better as time goes by. They are as Aoliviero described above. I think Evolution Acoustics should be proud of the great engineering job that they did on the MMMicroOne. The speakers disappear and have a wide and deep soundstage. They are very coherent through the lows to mids to highs and have great micro and macro detail. I do not know how they get so much bass out of these small speakers. Those that want a great speaker for the money, then I would put the MMMicroOne on the top of your list. They would be bargain at $5,000 and are a steal at $2,500. Those of us that took a chance on these speakers have been rewarded with a great speaker at a great price. Those that are worried about the price going up, should have got on board earlier. I do not see how they can produce a speaker of this quality and sound at this price point...but they did. It will be a bargain even if the price increases. |
All, I would like to set the record straight on a few things. Firstly, after re-reading my comments about Evolution Acoustics and Jonathan I have to admit that they were too harsh, very negative and accusatory beyond the line of professionalism. For this I apologize openly to Evolution Acoustics and Jonathan and to the readers. These comments dont really represent my general view but were derived out of acute frustration over a couple of days at the time and after the speakers were shipped and the issues I noted were happening. All that frustration led to a very hasty and explosive email. Secondly, I later realized that Jonathan had been out of town and unable to respond to emails exactly at this time, so what I understood as a lack of support was a misunderstanding and misinterpretation on my part. After he returned , Jonathan responded in force and was extremely understanding and supportive of the situation. His explanation of the details of what happened helped to ease my mind and resolved my concerns. I can understand this because I often travel and sometime go through days without being able to respond to important emails. Thirdly, and most importantly, Jonathan and Evolution Acoustics are indeed a top notch outfit and readers should not take my particular situation too much too heart. What I didnt say in my post was all of the good things Jonathan had done in terms of customer service. I had originally planned to buy the speakers close to one year or more ago. Throughout the wait period, Jonathan was always good to explain the status and what was leading to some of the delays. Throughout these conversations and emails I actually enjoyed talking to him and learned a few things about stereos, but especially some tips on great hard to find records, which were a little easier for me to find in Japan. I said all that to say that Jonathan is a cool guy and very good to talk to and was supportive through the process. Having started a joint venture in China over the last two years I can certainly understand the potential for delays! You will be promised the world, but things get done when they get done. The delays on the speakers were understandable, and I hung on for the entire period waiting for them. It was worth the wait. They are still breaking in, but I can say that these are truly special speakers. The fit and finish and manufacturing quality are exceptionally good. But the sound, is the real thing. You get A LOT of speaker for the money. They are extremely dynamic (macro/micro), very clear, transparent and open across the range. This adds up to very lifelike presentation. The bass is actually pretty good and surprising for the size. I expect this will further improve with break-in. The real amazing driver is the tweeter. This is an incredible unit that seems to cover a large range. Also, for those worried whether or not these will sound good with inexpensive gear, you need not worry. Im using a $1,200 integrated amp (Exposure 2012S2) and it sounds amazing. In fact I believe that these speakers will greatly elevate the quality of most inexpensive systems. Anyway, Ill report back after more break-i n. But I wanted to say thanks to Jonathan for his comments above, to retract my concerns about customer service, and to thank them for their support through the waiting period and for such an exceptional speaker. Even though the shipping was expensive, this was one of the most worthwhile investments I ever made. Trust me and the others, you will not be disappointed with the sound of these speakers. |
Jdec: Sorry I missed your post. I think you are being a bit tough on me. I really do not spend much time watching the forums... there are so many. I usually get on when someone calls me and tells me that there is something that needs my response. I would suggest for the future to call me if you need answers. As of right now the price has not changed. When the time comes to "officially" announce a price increase, I will certainly post it in this thread since you are requesting that I do so. I hope that clarifies things. Jonathan Tinn Evolution Acoustics PS. Thank you Glory and Mes. |
" I realize the owners of EA are busy getting their new Chinese speaker project off the ground, but finding good office help should not be difficult." Who is the SA? Again the Chinese name calling is a slap in the Face and uncalled for. The Tinn man showed a lot of character to respond to you like he did. Take back what you wrote!! |
Recroom: I answer each and every email I receive. Emailing is not a perfect communication method. At times, emails might not get through or might inadvertently go into spam. I have checked my spam folder and found nothing. If you did not get a response, you could have certainly contacted me through A'gon or called me directly. If you would prefer me to call you, send me a message through Audiogon, with your number and when you would like me to call. Best Regards, Jonathan Tinn Evolution Acoustics |
Yes the American dream, live in debt. Take your blinking CC and tie it up for this speaker @ its asking price. Why? Because it's a steal of a deal for all the cheese Wizz players out there. When the price goes up all the CB's will come out and B about the up movement of $$$. Well you have your chance , buy now DI. All cry babies will be vaporized . Really when you hear these guys you will know the $$$ has to go up. Oh that will take me out of the game if the $$$ goes up. Well play now!! This guy at 3 hours ran past my 10K plus Zu Audio Def 2 speakers. At 6/9 hours I heard tunes coming out of them that was in line with the much praise it has received in the Forums. Want bottom end go get a JL. Get two of them!! So you want a deal. Ask mom for 2K and have yourself a blast. Very few times in this insane hobby do you find gold this pure. Def 15K+ speaker going on here. I feel like little Mike L Jr. now. |
Yes the American dream, live in debt. Take your blinking CC and tie it up for this speaker @ its asking price. Why? Because it's a steal of a deal for all the cheese Wizz players out there. When the price goes up all the CB's will come out and B about the up movement of $$$. Well you have your chance , buy now DI. All cry babies will be vaporized . Really when you hear these guys you will know the $$$ has to go up. Oh that will take me out of the game if the $$$ goes up. Well play now!! This guy at 3 hours ran past my 10K plus Zu Audio Def 2 speakers. At 6/9 hours I heard tunes coming out of them that was in line with the much praise it has received in the Fourms. Want bottom end go get a JL. Get two of them!! So you want a deal. Ask mom for 2K and have yourself a blast. Very few times in this insane hobby do you find gold this pure. Def 15K+ speaker going on here. I feel like little Mike L Jr. now. |