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Duevel's "Venus "Speaker or Shaninian's "Obelisk". Which offers the best sound quality?

This thread might rehash, the old argument of Omni directional speakers vs tradition forward firing box speakers.

However, the main question  is which speaker:... the  Duevel's "Venus" speaker or the Shaninian "Obellisk"  offers the best or most CONVINCING sound quality??.  

 Also, if anyone knows how either might compare to any of the older Audio Physic speakers, like the Virgo I and II, the Libra, Tempo I.... or even the more current  AP Scorpio 25.

Thank you,  S.J 

sunnyjim
polarin
73 posts
 
I run the entry level Duevel Planets in my Great room system and for what they are I can't complain, they look like a piece of art and fill a pretty good sized room with pleasing full range sound.  Duevels don't have much of a footprint here in the states so I can't imagine anyone has heard the Venus and would have direct comparisons to the Obelisk. If you haven't checked Shahinians prices lately you may want to do that as they are really getting up there.  Shahinians rarely show up used so that speaks well for them and I'm not sure I've ever seen Duevels here on Agon so take that for what it's worth.  I've heard Obelisk's just once at an audio show here in metro Detroit, Blue Circle was using them in their demo room and I was mighty impressed.  Big, effortless full range sound and very dynamic, not sure if this helps but it's all I've got, good luck...
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Polarin, Thank you the information and comments. There is a pair of Obelisks on sale on U.S.Audio  Mart and one (I think) on Audiogon

You are right of Duevel having a "small footprint" in the U.S.  I would amend that to almost no footprint. I e-mailed Marcus Duevel 3 X times in Germany about the "Venus" model and warranty service areas. I have yet to get an answer.  To me, this is just bad customer service which is always a red flag to me. I even  contacted their Canadian distributer, Pascal Ravich  who he claims he is now retired and has no information about  Duevel or their products  Their pricing, (like Audio Physic) is inflated and may be the reason they have little traction in the U.S.   

Shahinian seems more accessible, but you are correct, their prices are off the scope. At the same time, I am sure no member wants to throw away money buying a USED speaker, they may not like or come to dislike, especially Omni's  whose sound is often been considered problematic 

BTW, were you able to purchase Duevel "Planets" speaker in the USA,  or from an international dealer??

Thank you for the response.

   

polarin
73 posts
 
I must've been the last person to deal with Pascal as he was traveling quite extensively and had mentioned he was getting ready to hang em' up.  I was a bit reluctant to purchase the Duevels through a Canadian distributor that I knew nothing about, but after speaking with Pascal I decided to pull the trigger. Plus, it did't hurt that the Canadian exchange was very attractive at the time, I paid about $1,100 U.S. (Dec 2016). I read everything I could find on the Planets and hadn't seen a single negative thing written about them. Prior to the Planets I was running Ohm Walsh 3's as I've grown accustomed to the omni sound, but the wife and I are empty nesters now and we just moved in to our new condo which is very modern and the old Ohm's looked pretty out of place.  Now that I have a dedicated "man-loft" (Maggie's) our main great room system doesn't have to be the last word in resolution.  I can see you're in a bit of quandary as it seems that Marcus doesn't seem too interested in expanding his interests here in the states which sucks for you as the whole Duevel line has gotten rave reviews.  Keep us posted as to what you find out...
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Polarin, Thanks for the additional  comments.  I read a review of the Duevel "Enterprise" on the internet blog "Enjoy the Music" by Paul Candy. one of their senior editors. I ask him if he knew anything about what Duevel is up to, and if he has any contact info on them.  I will let you know if he replies.

In the meantime, the quest continues......  

Good Luck with your new digs.  SJ.


omnione
1 posts
 
I've a pair of Planets and Bella Lunas. The Venus are middle ground.
Both sets of speakers are great sounding.
Planets are great bang for buck, the BL are another league.
I've not heard the venus but they're on my list.
Running the BL on the Duevel Shuttle amp.

I'm based in the UK.

Cheers,

Omnione.
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