Vapor Cirrus Black vs dc10 Berlin Studio Monitor

Unfortunately I can't offer insight on the sound of the DC10, but do have some thoughts on comparing the quality of parts between the two. I had something on order from Vapor Audio, but decided to cancel because of a new contract at work that will have me working 80+ hour weeks for awhile. And was also very interested in the Berlin since woodturning is a hobby of mine.

The decision to go with Vapor basically came down to parts quality - a RAAL tweeter vs a $15 chinese silk dome, $300 AudioTech woofer vs $70 chinese Aurum Cantus woofer, stacked ply cabinet vs Parts Express MDF cabs with some hardwood glued on. And being an engineer, some of the DC10 specs made no sense - like 98db sensitive? Not possible with that woofer, not even close.

Basically with internet direct you have to take a leap of faith at some point during the purchasing process. I'm far more comfortable doing so with a company that uses top shelf components and construction, provides ample measurements, and that has a design philosophy and specs that make sense.

That said, they both will be at RMAF this year and I look forward to user impressions after the show.

The Cirrus Black is excellent; on my hearing, it does in fact punch way over it's weight price (and size) wise. Lots of info both here and on AC.

John

While I can not make an accurate comparison on of the 2 models you mentioned, j_fav seems to have done a good analysis of vspor cirrus versus similar products in terms of ate real inputs. I did a similar aalysid and hace an order in on cirrus white. Basically, Ryan at vapor is really knowledgeable and focuses on top quality parts, construction and engineering.

I think the black is in a very different league from the Berlin. More appropriate comparison would be, in my opinion, rhadio c1.1, ridge street audio sasson and dynaudio c1.

Did anybody get the chance to compare these two speakers at RMAF?

Yes, heard them at RMAF. Well, I listened to the new Vapor Arcus, so in the same price league as the Berlin. I also listened to the smaller Briton, and did not know about the Chinese parts. Good to know.

Their sound characteristics are different, so it comes down to what you prefer. I found the sound of the Berlin to be a little more relaxed while the Arcus edged out the Berlin in dynamics. I think I was hearing the amplifiers.

The Cirrus Black that John mentions is 87.5dB, so that affects the amplification. The white is more efficient. The Berlin's were being driven by a 1.8 watt(2A3)Tektron amp, so they must be very efficient.

I thought both speakers sounded excellent for their price point, overtaking more expensive brands.

I had a lot of fun at the show. What I also enjoyed on the opposite ends of the spectrum were the Emerald Physics CS2P ($3,000) and the Rethm Maarga ($9,000). The first, super dynamic and punchy with good soundstage, the other extremely relaxed with amazing depth of sounstage. I think within this price range you're trading natural sound with dynamics to find something that works best for you.

For me and my grey hair, I preferred the Berlin speakers but the parts have me worried.