Many Thanks to both responders
Since then I have made some changes to confirm the problem: moved the Stratas to a different and much smaller room with wood floors, and connected to an Onkyo TX8160 receiver (80 wpc into 8ohms plus an Onkyo CD 7030). In addition, I have connected my old Cambridge Soundworks Model SIx speakers to the original electronics I described in the first post. Results for the Stratas are the same; tin-can sound and only running the receiver wide-open produces a normal output volume. The Cambridge Model Six (connected to ARCAM P49 and Sonus Veritas Genoa pre-amp) sound exactly as they should, running at 12:00 volume setting produces full, clean output volume.
I read a few reviews of the Stratas before purchasing and did not find any indication of the problems I am hearing. Everyone loves these speakers right out of the box, and no one complains of needing extended break-in time. Although, the optional Gallo subwoofer DOES require considerable break-in.
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Thanks very much for these suggestions.
Strata's are not bi-wireable (only two posts on each). I have run the polarity tests for both the amp and the subwoofer. Also, the pre-amp has polarity options which I tested. Essentially, I've been thru every user-available combination with no change in the anomalies I'm hearing. Note, that I have also changed equipment, wiring, and room characteristics when I moved the speakers into a small office (wooden floor, 12'x12') and connected to the Onkyo receiver and CD player with same results as before.
Only three options left I can think of: 1) the speakers are somehow defective, 2) they require much more break-in time, 3) this is their inherent sonic character.
Thanks again.
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Thanks to everyone for all these suggestions.
A few are answered in my previous update when I moved the speakers to a completely different electronic system (Onkyo receiver and CD player using different wiring and connectivity in a different, smaller room) with the same results as I related in my first message.
almarg: suggestion is a good diagnostic but I am hesitant for fear of invalidating the warranty (they are new speakers) and/or damaging the speakers.
db212: for these speakers interconnects are not required, only speaker wires are used. With the optional subwoofer, the system can be run using HF connections (again with speaker wires) into and out of the sub itself. Between source components pre-amp, amp, CD player, I am only using XLR connectors which I am fairly certain eliminates possible coax vs interconnect confusion.
So. Here's my strategy. Return the speakers to the vendor (I prefer not to identify the vendor in print here) and ask them to audition the speakers. If the speakers sound normal to them, then I will return the speakers for refund, since after much break-in and adjustment it's obvious I personally do not like the sonic character of the speakers. But, if they find the speakers defective, replace them and I will try again. If anyone here would like to learn the results, I'll be glad to re-visit this discussion in the future.
Thanks again to all.
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Update:
After checking with the vendor; he maintains the Strata's need "at least 200 hrs" break-in time.
So, in order to maintain my option to return the items for refund, I'm going to run these speakers a while longer...... maybe he's right, but I've had Magneplanars that needed less break-in time.
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Let me amend my update by clarifying the 200 hrs are required for "full potential". I didn't intend to portray the vendor as unreasonable.
Thanks for advise.
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Previous speakers were Maggies 1.7, themselves not the ideal of bass speakers. However, the 1.7's never sounded tinny nor did they have the output volume anomaly I'm hearing. When I use the Gallo 3D subwoofer with various adjustments of crossover, bass boost, and output level does not eliminate the tinny sound from the image.
My problem is in part a reaction to the general opinion that Strata's sound very good (albeit, not great without use of the sub) by themselves and straight out of the box.To my ears, and those of an unbiased friend, the Stratas aren't living up to that general opinion. Again, these speakers do sound remarkably like internal speakers on a mid-level TV set. IF they are intended to sound that way, then I accept that I've over-expected and do need to look elsewhere. Yes, I am used to a quite different type of speaker but I hope the difference is not so dramatic that I'm unable to enjoy a speaker everyone else seems happy with.
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MrD. you provide humorous but realistic counterpoint. Thanks.
I have several reasons for downsizing and right now none of them seem worth the loss of my Maggies. Still, I assumed the professional reviewers would be astute enough to place the Strata's where they belong in the audiophile speaker domain. Certainly, the opinions of people who own Strata's and presumably have some experience listening to a variety of speakers are not altogether naive. I've personally auditioned smaller speakers which sounded better. Also, I did run these Strata's for a few hours in a 12' x 12' room with wooden floors and detected no improvement.
BTW, how did you know the dollar worth of my amp and preamp? The ARCAM is well known, but only a few Sonus Veritas preamps have been sold over the years. Do you have some knowledge of that brand yourself?
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twoleftears;What was that?????
I think it was Paul Klipsch who theorized, the best way to improve a speaker was make it louder.
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alltrinnov7;Thank you. Your description of set-up and impressions is very helpful.
A few questions. Did you have the system professionally installed?
Is this exclusively a theater system and if not, how do the speakers perform playing source music? Assuming the system was initially installed by you, what was your first impression> That is, did the system require extended break-in time for full sonic quality?
Finally, what speakers did you prefer/own before the primary system you've described?
Your information will provide me substantial evidence when I ask my vendor to make his own evaluation of these speakers to determine return-ability.
-M
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alltrinnov8, your description was exactly what I needed to know. The statement, "
Right out of the box, the Stradas sounded great but they did sound
marginally but noticeably better after a week or so of daily use" confirms my speakers are something less than normally functioning Gallos. Having read the Mapleshade recommendations, I can believe noticeable improvement is possible, but not to the extent my speakers would require to meet the performance level you have experienced. And, the recommendation for a long break-in period would seem to be additive but not fundamental. However, it is puzzling that both these speakers would have the same mechanical problem producing the same 'tin-can' sound in both at the same time.
BTW, as an audiophile, I have made it a point of life-philosophy not to disparage the sonic experiences of anyone even if they are a "corporate finance guy". All professions are equal in the realm of acoustic physics.
-M
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Breaking news!
In re-packing these Stratas for return to the vendor, I uncovered the original shipping label on the box. It was sent from Gallo in Chatsworth CA to the vendor. The shipping date was 03-2013.
I'm not surprised about a set of speakers a few years old but SIX years old?? Who knows what could have happened in that time, and to both speakers together.
Perhaps the speakers' performance is in part due to six years of sitting, boxed-up, on a shelf.
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dopogue:
Incorrect spelling of Strada.....are you perhaps referring to the careless person who initiated this whole discussion?
Well, all I can say is you're right, and old habits die hard.
Correction noted.
-M
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Issue resolved...I hope.
Vendor has an experience based diagnosis of the problem and replacement speakers are on the way. I know everyone who has contributed is curious so I'll post a conclusive report once the new speakers are up and running in my room.
One conclusion is direct, the problem was not a matter of break-in, as most every contributor has observed. Thanks to all who took the time to provide serious feedback.
-M
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Breaking news.
Received replacement (new) Strada II's and, having heard my original speakers which I returned, the Gallo distributor and I conclude the original speakers were defective. Now beginning the break-in process with high hopes. My very early impression is almost certainly inappropriate but I hear what seems to be a mis-focusing effect from the stand/platform system (not the OEM Gallo platform !).
If anyone cares, let me know and I will update as the break-in process continues. Otherwise, thanks again to all who contributed serious observations and recommendations.
-M
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Those speakers were broken. Folks who contributed here understood and said so, but as a long time Magneplanar owner the transition to dynamic speakers generated some self-doubt about my own perceptions. Thus, I was not confident about immediately returning the speakers until full break-in.
After I related my experience to the dealer, he confidently told me to send them back to Gallo (San Antonio) for a new pair to which I am now listening. After about 200 hr break-in, and for my setup they did need that much time, I am pleased. They are the best resolving speakers these old ears have ever heard and they do need a sub to complete the sonic image.Given their price and impressive performance I would definitely recommend them.
Thanks again to all who had serious interest and made well considered suggestions.
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