@kodak805 70% seems to be wrong. Most retailers mark up at 100% (keystone) in order to support costs and profit, at a minimum. Perhaps the dealer friend was stating 700%, which would seem more likely given Raidho’s pricing.
What are your thoughts on Raidho?
One of my honorable mention rooms at AXPONA this year was the Raidho TD2.2's fronted by a Margules amp. I was really taken by these speakers, beautiful, deep soundstage, though the tracks were probably carefully selected for this effect. Nonetheless, I think the brand might work for my tastes.
Here is what I already know:
- People think they are overpriced. Sure, probably.
- They lose value quickly when bought new. I would be buying used.
- They have a more relaxed sound, likely related to a dip in the mid-crossover, but this seems to appeal to me.
- I should buy Borresons instead. No, I have heard these multiple times, way too uptight.
- They can work in smallish rooms, mine is 12.5x11, speakers on the short wall. See my profile for pics and details.
- Anecdotal, but they seem to work well for low volume listening, which is my thing these days.
- It is not convenient to demo these speakers at a dealer, and I want to buy used anyway.
The models of interest are the X2, D2.x and TD2.x. I have KEF Reference One 3-way stand mounts now.
With all of my known objections out of the way, I am interested in your experience with this brand.
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Thank you for the additional comments, it is appreciated. Any other Raidho owners out there? @fred60 Yours was a key comment. San Bernadino is in my top five for their best shows, and what a setlist! |
I have heard a few over the years, they can sound wonderful in the right system. I do think they seem a little more picky than most about placement though. But that shouldn't be a deal breaker. If you get it right the result is extremely nice. Have you seen much about the Scansonic speakers? Supposedly the little brothers of the Raidho line, sharing a lot of the same tech in a more budget package. I know someone who demo'd a few of each brand and ended up with one of the top Scansonic models instead of an entry level Raidho. He added dual JL Audio subs to augment since the Scansonics all use the 4.5" drivers, and was very pleased with the results. Just an idea.
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I heard some Raidho at the Southwest Audiofest this year. I enjoyed the short time I listened to them but was perplexed trying to understand what it was that I was hearing that sounded so different than most speakers to me. Looking at measurements others have made suggests a dip at around 3kHz, almost a built in loudness contour perhaps to optimize them for typical comfortable listening levels. |
I've heard the D1.2 set up really wide apart with direct toe in and a shallow seating position and was amazed with the sound. There was 1 time I got to listen to the D2.? and they were set up more conventionally in a listener triangle a few feet from the front wall and while I didn't mind them they didn't get me looking up the state of my 401k to see if I could afford them. There was a couple year old pair of Raidho D5's on another hifi forum the seller started at $80k and didn't get anyone asking about them until he lowered the price down to $27k. That's a bit over 10% retail. I would suggest be sure they're what you want. |
Trust your ears. Even though at AXPONA you seem to have done an extensive analysis and they meet your sound quality goals. Last year I upgraded my system for retirement and spent much time with the TD 2.2, Magico M2, and Vivid Giya G 3. I chose the Vivid because the TD 2.2 went down to a solid 32Hz and the Vivid to 28Hz, and base was fuller. The G3 might be too much for your room. The TD was second choice. You can’t go wrong. To get the fantastic envelope sound stage, you will need to experiment. They are a little more sensitive to room placement. A very sophisticated sound. Good luck. |
I've owned a pair of Raidho XT-2's (when Borresen was still with Radio) for years. I've paired them with a a pair of JL Audio subs. My Raidho's are outstanding. Even on just decent recordings, it seems as if the singer (John Lennon for example on "Girl") is standing in the room singing to you. Or a good live recording of The Grateful Dead (San Bernardino)-- it sounds as if you are at the concert hall. The Raidho's are that good. The only downside is that because the drivers on the XT-2's are small (4.5 inches) they do lack a little in dynamics. You are correct that you can pick up the speakers at a big discount on the used marketplace. Demo if you can. My setup is Hegel H390 integrated, Anzus cabling, and an Oppo 105D. I do need to upgrade the transport/SACD player. That's my next purchase. Good luck! |
@kofibaffour I have heard that comment from others. I did not get enough time with them, or enough musical variety, to see if I hear it as well. @dweller Kinda out of my league too, but with some patience I might find the right deal. |
@zlone all Raidho I've tried have had this inescapable tonal colouration that led to loss of attack and snap with bread instruments and female vocals or high male vocals |