I just read this thread and find funny that people either tip toe or poke stick like bunch of pansy. Do there need be approve for someone like this speaker and give money for it. If this couple produce speaker with passion and spread good sound to buyer at any agree price it win win. I read reviewer who tip toe around say 5 times that he “buy” this speaker “no at discount”. Who care if he buy it he finally have something nice to listen it about time. Maybe he give other speaker to some other guy or chop for firewood. This guy great at SEO but horrible spelling with mistake all over. Difference between optimism person and pessimistic- Pessimism see problem with every opportunity. Optimistic person see opportunity in every problem. This thread read like pessimism. I going buy this speaker for my car polish garage because it seem like good match for size space and spirit I like when I polish car. Good for owners and maker nice look speaker.
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I really love my pair of Fleetwoods and have never found there to be any roll of in the top end at all - I think they are quite even from bottom to top. While they are true to source, and an honest speaker, they maintain a little bit of a glow that just makes music sound better than most hifi. I’m powering them with a 90 watt tube amp (Zanden 6000) - What’s insane is the amount and volume of bass these stand mounts can make. You just can’t imagine how a speaker of this size could play so loud and so clean while remaining uncolored - these things SLAUGHTER stuff like B&Ws and Wilsons guys - it’s not even funny. The Harbeth 30.2s in my second system sound like they have Persian rugs covering them and stuff like B&W sounds like nails of a chalkboard by comparison. I think the review from Steve Huff does a great job of explaining the Fleetwoods. All I can say is that I am excited to see what Jonathan and the Fleetwood team come up with next! http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2021/10/28/the-fleetwood-deville-speaker-review/ |
@joeinid Thanks, and I hear yah…what you describe is where they are at. For me, I like a little more “surprise” in the passage, a little sparkle here, shimmer there, … those sonic characteristics for me, tend to add to the stage width, height and depth. Additionally imo, all add in to the “atmospherics,” so I feel there is something a little lost here. They are not totally missing, maybe more so along the lines of being restrained, hence the roll-off comment. Could be intentional and thats how it was voiced…who knows, but its a formula that works for them. And i do listen to very bad recordings also. In addition to being about the music, but can the music take you back…can you hit that replay (or lift that needle/arm over and over) button and sit there for hours and hours playing the same song? Thats me… Again, I’m not advocating that Fleetwood Sounds or any manufactures add these in or boost frequencies while they voice during R&D. There are pro’s and cons to compression drivers. (Hey, ever see a horn speaker and an additional tweeter or super tweeter mounted as well…;0) I know a few folks who went from CR1s to the poor man’s S-1EX and have said they liked the treble and ‘control’ more on the lower end speaker…the ME-1, imo are better than those S-1EXs (by a lot!) and don’t have that forwardness, maybe the magnesium mid cone measured less favorable on the chart, but sounded more ‘natural’ on the ear…? Also, I think the ME-1s are somewhat priced (MSRP) along the same range as the Deville, so both are standmount and fancy great tech between them. It almost doesnt even look like a fair fight…but man, they are fighters in their line up and giant killers to others (just add a sub(s) and you’ll see!). Too bad the lines never gained a strong foothold here amongst the network. But hey that’s a different story for another time. |
@low325 Extremely well written post. Thank you. For me, how the speakers and more importantly how the treble sounds is precisely why I love these. For comparison, I’ve owned TAD CR-1 and they were so treble hot, I could not stand them. After a dozen amps on them, I gave up and sold my TAD. I listen to a lot of not so well recorded music as well as audiophile tracks and everything sounds great. Like you said, no listener fatigue. Just wonderful music. I’m keeping mine, unlike so much other gear I don’t have anymore. :) |
So I had my Devilles for maybe two weeks…and so far they have been:
What sets these apart from the ‘others?’ Well…not a whole lot really! (Sorry to upset the passionates!!) But they are great at what they do…but thats not a surprise… ‘Small horns’ are a tragedy right? Well not so fast…the Devilles exude better than your normal hifi speaker sound quality in the price range. What do I mean by saying this? Compression drivers rely heavily on the flange or horn section to project sound more directional than your typical non-loaded driver ala tweeter/midrange. To some capacity concentric drivers or waveguides can mimic a similar dispersion of what would be instrumental in a compression driver’s delivery, the flange/mouth. That said, The Devilles deliver a ‘pro’ sound. Imo, and depending on application, professional drivers/speakers serve better overall performance than Hifi speakers because they need to project sound across the listening space. This can be at a bar, hotel, small venue, hall, or out in an open field/stadium. These profession speakers need to project sound across the crowds, through heavy furniture items, like a sea of chairs and clothed tables (ever been to a wedding or small jazzy venue?) or even a big non-reflective room. This is what the Deville does, but does it in a more subtle way targeted for smaller rooms. However, you’ll get strong vocals, to the point of really envisioning the performers lips. Turn it up a little more, you’ll actually feel or sense the sound energy floating in space, but its not overbearing….its quite an experience to witness this in the comforts of your own home rather than a high SPL environment like a closed space or a pro SQ sound car, for example. They are not shouty and are not fatiguing. You may have heard many reviewers and forum people refer to them as ‘musical’ — Oh no there’s that word again, “musical”. I sometimes laugh at hearing musical used to describe something cause my inner joke is ‘uh oh, there goes the roll off at 16k….!’ (Harbeth *cough*) And imo and experience with these Devilles, yes there is somewhat of a roll-off on the topend. But thats not a bad thing is it?—not so much. From what I can hear, have done in my past experience (tuning/measuring), and comparing them against really nice measuring speakers (TAD ME1) these are just as good, but also different. But they play louder and continue to play cleaner at much higher volumes. One should ask themselves…if a (or your) speaker can perform passed the sonic threshold scale in your listening space, do you need it (or the next speaker) to surpass it even more than that?? Be realistic here…! There is nothing of magic or sorcery happening here (sorry passionates!), this is just the product of a well designed compression driver (everything from the phase plug, the incredibly dense wooden horn [conical]-had to say it!)) to the creative albeit simplistic design of the cabinet and port) with woofer to deliver what they were intended to do, and that is play sound waves (music reproduction in my case) from a source. This is a quality product at doing so. Let me digress here a little. Companies in a position like OMA have this ability to put out a “specialty” product like the Deville not only because they’re passionate at what they do, but also because they posses (from their success of the parent company) the ability to pass on creativity in and on to a smaller scale or more price attractive segment. Can you imagine the other companies’ R&D trying to come up with a left field product for the ‘masses’ or even for limited run? It’s just food for thought…:) Back to my experience…. But what about that roll-off you say? Yeah, well to be frank thats probably where the Deville may not excel or surpass other speakers for musical tastes that are centric around genres such as pop, electronica (EDM), or even some music like rap/R&B, punk, new wave, house, Euro, international, etc. But wait, those aren’t audiophile genres, you say? I know many folks (and probably a great population) whom are actually just as much a hifi nut or music lover of all sorts that would put up a nice finger gestures in the faces of those that are in that camp of audiophillia pompous-try. For comparison to a past owned speaker, I do think my previous ME-1s delivered better those little subtle but necessary atmospherics that for example, spookily appeared behind the listening position. Were they natural or real sounds…I dont know? But the sound engineer wanted me to hear it that way…and I really appreciated that sense of being in that space, sort like being sucked into the performance, even for a very brief moment. Granted the sound they produced was a more modern HiFi sound, but it was equally quite like-able, imo and in some ways better. Those ME-1s are pretty special too. As briefly mention, the Deville is a breath of fresh air to easily position and move around to your rooms sonic shortcomings. Though, one caveat here is that they kind of rock back and forth where the stand and speaker marry. I’m not losing sleep over it though. I like this speaker more so , for its unorthodox design. It makes you want to look at it, but also invites you to touch it. Made out of real wood, yada yada…no high gloss protective paint… I think they will eventually fade and discolor over time if placed in a room where direct sunlight shines on them. If thats so, then the heirloom conversation does’t apply to me. ‘Here you go son, my speakers I leave to you…’. ‘But dad, why are they so…’ hush — just listen :P So am I keeping these speakers…? yah, i think so, at least for now. They seem to be a solid speaker to build around (Well my window to return has sailed ha!). It reproduces musical instruments and sound performance with dense sonic presence yet can exhibit the subtleties that kinda make you smile. I think they deliver a pro sound. To that note - Thats probably my recommendation here and for those interested or curious, you’d have to demo it in person(oh really?)…over the course of my years, I think ‘regular’ hifi speaker are more than good enough and still perform and even excel in our sonic deficiently treated rooms. As many would argue, and chances are, and I would whole heartedly agree, your [insert best speakers you’ve heard or even yours] are probably better and you dont need these! As I say this humorously, one can describe this speaker with all superlatives that our (jaded) egos need to fulfill and justify what a great experience these deliver. Current gear (very attainable and someone Everyman gear): Diablo 120 Dual Rel carbon specials Lumin X1 Some fancy but not over the top cabling - not an anti-cabler. |
@kw6 I honestly prefer my Fleetwood Deville over the Avantgarde duo that I used to own. My room was probably too small for the Duo and the Deville fit better but it’s also a little more than that. The Deville are not as in my face and a little more laid back. I feel like I get a little more warmth from my Fleetwood. I’m extremely happy with my Fleetwood Deville. |
I have no dog in this fight, but feel that the conspiracy theorists about OMA don't know what they're talking about. These guys have been building and selling extreme high end stuff for ages. Their Technics SP10 plinths are highly regarded. They have a novel approach. Those familiar with Fern & Roby, who are newbies by comparison, might appreciate see some similarities in concepts. Vitas, the former lead designer for Veloce, the highly regarded amp/pre manufacturer that were in Harry Pearson's reference rig for some time, I'm told has been doing some work for OMA. Yes, their stuff is high priced in general, but that's no shocker when you consider the market they serve, the US costs, premium materials, etc. Check out the audiophiliac video, it's fun and spot on explaining this company. Cheers, Spencer |
Yes the price of lumber has gone up which could justify a price increase but I remember years ago when Jonathan released the mini speaker. It's initial price was $13,000 which I was saving up for to purchase and about a year later I was ready to purchase but the price increased to $18k. Perhaps this is done with all their new product offerings. It's you the consumer to decide if it's a good value or not. |
Mijostyn, you are exactly right…I only posted the video to prove I had the speakers. I guess all of the videos on my YouTube channel are of someone else’s room. What would be my motivation to play other speakers and lie about it? You act like I trashed the Fleetwoods and warned everyone to not buy them. I only said they didn’t sound good in my system compared to about a dozen other speakers. I guess we are judging how a system sounds by a YouTube video now….try again. |
I heard them, can't think of any reason not to buy them except I don't have the spare cash at this point. They don't have the imaging of my Vandy 3Ce sigs but are otherwise are spectacular. I suspect if someone bought these and had issues with their sound they almost certainly have system issues. Works of art on top of the sound as well. |
I don't remember what they were being run with at CAF in 2019 but they were really good there and I also thought they were excellent when I heard them a couple of weeks back. In that case, the amp was the McGary SA-1 with a Backert Labs preamp--so hardly the most expensive gear you could own. I suspect they really like tubes and would guess that's what Chris Sommovigo was using with them at CAF as well (because he usually had tube gear at the shows I've seen him in). |
delveaudiollc , I’m not sure how posting a video means that I think highly of anything. Your comment doesn’t even make sense. You think I posted the video because I think highly of something, and then you insinuate that I’m bashing them. I’m pretty sure that I said they could be great speakers, but not in my system. I didn’t bash them, only that they weren’t nice enough in my system to keep. How is that fishy? Any opinion that doesn’t agree with yours is fishy. I shared my experience with the Fleetwoods and posted a video to prove that I owned them. If I didn’t prove that I owned them, I thought that kids like you would question me....but you did anyway. |
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I had a set for a few weeks. They are very good with poor recordings and can play very loud and clear. They weren’t nice enough in my system to keep. Here is a video I made with them: https://youtu.be/hFoneEceqSY |
They are not big speakers so I suspect the lumber theory holds little water. There isn't enough lumber in the speakers to justify $3K, it also looks like the stands have not gone up so that also seems to debunk your theory. And for the record, you have no idea which markets I follow. He's just following the path of so many retailers who would rather sell one of something expensive rather than five of something less expensive. More power to him if he can make that business model work. |
The Price of Lumber has gone up about 50% since COVID. The Cost to FRAME a house has gone up 25K-30K per house. So WHY are you surprised that a company that uses REAL wood...not compressed MDF crapola....is raising their prices to compensate for the additional cost to make their speaker?? Perhaps you should follow the commodity market so you understand about costs/inflation etc. Lumber is down this week BUT if the trend goes back the other way you should expect EVERY Speaker Manufacturer to jack up their prices if they havent already. |
I've heard them twice, once at CAF and more recently at a dealer's home. They are really, really good and at some point, I will probably take the plunge. I do find it disappointing that for a newer speaker on the market they have jumped the price more than 30% since I was first aware of them at the end of 2019. I guess the appearance on CBS This Morning was good for them. I do think this is heirloom quality stuff, so maybe they are not for the speaker flavor of the month club but for others, the value might be there. I own a pair of Volti Audio Rival SEs that are never leaving my house. I imagine the same would be true of folks who own the Deville's. |
I am a dealer for Fleetwood Sound’s DeVille speaker..... so, feel free to discount my comment..... until you hear these for yourself.... each of you are welcome to make an appointment (North Jersey)... 973-979-2212... a relaxed, thorough session.... form your own opinion.... I saw many comments (negative) on here, from people who have never heard the speaker.... I wouldn’t invite you to come if I thought I was wasting your time.... Came out as a loss leader.... price is $12,600.... another extremely popular speaker company came out with a speaker that followed a similar price history... but that's all they have in common..... Do not pull the trigger on any speaker until you hear this..... just a suggestion |
i heard these speakers at Jonathan’s studio in Brooklyn a week ago. I was speechless. I never heard a sound like that before. I have hegel b&W 805 D3 combination and his setup sounded much broader, with better mids, and offered a more engaging overall experience. I think B&Ws are still better in detail and definition of highs. the design of the speakers is completely different from what other companies are pursuing and worth your listen. |
All I have to say is that these are the finest speakers available in this size range for anything close to $10k. Good luck finding something for $30k that sounds as good. They play with delicacy, but can go deep and play loud - an extremely engaging sound, but one which has not once fatigued my ears (a huge problem for me with Focals and Wilsons I have owned). All of this AND a pretty small cabinet with a cool design with a high WAF. Jonathan (owner of OMA and Fleetwood) is a true genius who makes things that are just better than the rest of the industry. The solid construction is so much nicer than the veneered particleboard bullshit you get elsewhere and the drivers are professional transducers rather than some $30 crap made in China. These will list your lifetime and probably your grandchildren’s lifetime. Are these expensive? Yes. Have I owned much much more expensive speakers that sound hilariously worse? Yes. The value proposition on these is through the roof. Are they really expensive when you consider how much a single solid wood shelf or chest costs? Honestly it’s not crazy - it’s underpriced in terms of both build cost and performance - just the parts and materials in these things are literally several thousand bucks. Then you have a ton of handmade USA labor (I figure 30-50 hours), packaging, and development costs (which have to be recouped over a relatively small run). I think the $9,600 black model I have is almost a loss leader - of course he is making a bit of margin, but it is waaaay less than the margin of a typical high end distributor and dealer (80%). Consider that most $10k speakers literally cost about $1-2k to make... Anyway - rant over - but you should call Jonathan at OMA or Mark at Northern Audio and get yourself a pair. You will not be sorry. |
I heard these at a show in 2019 (I think it was CAF IIRC) and was quite impressed with the sound. Natural, dynamic, surprisingly good LF performance, no etch but nicely detailed. Worth the money? Hard to say. For me the thought of whether I might purchase them, if I was in the market for such a speaker, did cross my mind. So I guess I could say I thought it might be worth the money. |
That soundedsuper fishy, thanks for clarifying, Duke 👍. Those JWM speakers 2leftears mentioned are some of the best looking speakers I’ve seen... wow, really nice with art decco. Anyhow, interesting that we have never heard of fleetwood sound with those kinds of claims. They look pretty ho hum in my oppinion, especially for the $. My goodness thats alot for some stand mounts... |
I have known Jonathan Weiss, owner of Fleetwood Sound and Oswalds Mill Audio, and Bill Woods, who designs their horns, for maybe eighteen or nineteen years. Bill has an extensive background in both prosound and high-end audio, and his prosound designs are easily among the most highly regarded out there in terms of sound quality. Not sure I'm at liberty to say who he designed for, but there are people who use his prosound designs for home audio. Anyway Jonathan and Bill are definitely not "newbies". Duke |
