Golden ear Technology reference


Has anybody heard or does anybody own the Golden Ear Technology Reference speaker that retails for $8500.00
per pair?  Would like to hear your insights and opinions.
Thank you.
128x128kjl1065
Hi ozzy.

Not true, however, I understand the dealers apprehension in wanting (or not wanting) to remove the grills. There is a flyer (obtainable by emailing Golden Ear, or you can PM me) and the procedure itself is doable by a "lay person". However, it involves lying the speaker on its back, removing screws from the underside of the base and *carefully" lifting/pulling the grill forward. Personally, I wish it were a bit easier.

That said, of course you realize there are plenty of photos of the drivers, readily and widely available. Still, I agree with you that it would be nice if the grill could be *easily* removed.

But if the grill is removed correctly and the speaker is handled properly there wouldn’t be any kind of damage.

EDIT:

Note there is no Golden Ear published literature as to how to remove the side radiator panel grills. I posted a procedure and pictures on the Golden Ear forum. This is much more easily accomplished. I would recommend doing this (removing them). Why? Because when you see the quality of the workmanship, not just the radiators, it is rather convincing. 
stereo5,

Thanks for clearing that up. All the magazine pictures show them with the grills off. 
When you buy them do they come with the grills already attached?

ozzy
You’re welcome, @ozzy

See my edit in my previous post regarding the radiator grills.

In answer to your question, yes, the grills (all) are on and the base is attached when boxed new.
I currently own Triton Reference speakers paired with PS Audio electronics and Transparent Audio cables. Previously, I owned Triton Ones and sampled them with 6 different quality integrated amps and three DAC’s, and I have really come to love the Triton sound and ease of use. The Triton Reference has a larger soundstage than the One with greater imaging and the best controlled bass I’ve personally heard from a loudspeaker. The midrange and treble are very precise and natural without being fatiguing.

I do prefer the sound of quality tube amps with these speakers and currently have Tungsram PCC88 tubes in my BHK pre-amp and amp. It sounds amazing with the Reference. These speakers are ultra efficient, and I would love to hear them with a quality SET tube amp.

The bass control is a huge bonus for matching the speakers to different sized rooms, plus I also use my reference system as a two channel home theatre so it’s nice to be able to turn the dial up for a more dynamic movie experience. Needless to say I’m a fan of the Reference. I haven’t heard a better speaker at this price point and they are easy to set up.

The biggest problem I’ve had with the Tritons is gear upgrading. Every time I buy a better DAC or amp, it reveals more detail and nuance with these speakers. That’s how I ended up with separates that retail for $24K and $8.5K speakers!

Hopefully you find this review helpful.