Blumenstein Orcas

Just ordered a pair of Orcas. Clark was a wonderful guy to do business with, we spoke over the phone and he answered all my questions in great detail. Looking forward to how these babies would sound with my 6W Studio amp.

 

For your desktop application, I think you will be quite stunned. Make sure you get those desktop wedges so that you avoid those table top first reflection points that can muddy the sound.

http://www.blumensteinaudio.com/all-products/solid-wood-desktop-wedges

 

Yep, I got those too per Clark's advice. Lead time should be around one month, probably less.

After 5-6 years into this hobby, this is my first serious speaker purchase.

 

That looks pretty cool...I had no idea starter kits were so simple.

Mods, suggest we for this thread into a DIY thread and the original Blumenstein. Maybe we can scope it to a beginner DIY approach, there'll probably be a few of us starting out and asking noob questions.

 

Didn't know you have a studio by now

 

The Orcas look really interesting. Would love to hear any comparisons between it and the overnight sensations or any Omegas if you guys ever get the chance to compare those two. These would be perfect for as my desktop/near-field speakers on stands.

 

I agree, some of the discussion here should be split off to a starter DIY thread. I'm sure I'm not the only one looking to dip their toe into those waters.

 

drivers don't need break in unless they were freshly reconed and even after recone they should only need good hour the most of heavy playing to loosen the surrounds and suspension. factory done they're already broken in due to massive stress testing usually if the company does testing properly.

 

I beg to differ in regards to Fostex drivers. I agree with @shaizada, they need somewhere in the ballpark of 100hrs at least...

I have Fostex drivers and can attest to this.

 

Wow, really glad I read this thread. I can actually afford these in the next few years, and I think my spouse might actually go for the simple wood look to go with our mid-century modern living room.

From reading on the Blumenstein site I conclude that the Marlin not only costs less but is really considered the most neutral and accurate of the lineup. The Orca is a little more laid back and "cozy," as is the Triton (he emphasizes the Triton is for really those that want to crank it or play to a very large space). Does anyone here have experience with the Marlin? Successor to the Naga that @shaizada spoke of. The Marlin is what I'd have my eye on.

Of course, another popular maker on here is Philharmonic Audio, and they provide plenty o' measurements. But a pair of the Philharmonitors is twice what the Marlins cost. Then again, the Philharmonitors also go low enough that most wouldn't need a sub, where the Marlins really do not.

Choices, choices. I have a long time before I purchase new speakers anyhow, but you've given me something to think about.

 

I considered the Marlins but I'm finding a little euphony pays dividends, and at the end of the day for me it's about maximum enjoyment as opposed to maximum analysis (and it doesn't sound like the Orcas are less detailed, just a different tuning).

 

True. Orcas would be great for living room where my spouse is just streaming TV shows on Netflix all evening anyway or I'm putting on music as background for a meal or reading. Don't need to hear sloppy dialogue editing in pristine quality. I can't turn off my audio engineer brain sometimes so a wee bit of euphony would very likely be easier. Then perhaps the Marlin, Philharmonic Affordable Accuracy Monitor or similar for my office/studio.

 

I like the Marlins myself, purely on size and looks, since I'm after desktop speakers.

 

Each of the speakers that are being offered there seem to have a slightly different goal they are trying to accomplish. Maybe one day we can try all of those three speaker types on the website and see what they all do with our own ears. Knowing myself, for now, I'd rather not get such ideas in my head!!!

I believe we all have our own direct experiences that we rely on when we try and share information with others. I had a very direct experience with my Naga's and Orca's that used Fe83en and Fe107 drivers respectively. Each took it's own time to come into their own. Maybe you had your own experience so it's all valid data to share.

When @Merrick gets his new speakers, he can clue us all in on what he observes for his break in period.

You have some nice Fostex drivers to play with Marv. I never got a chance to really own and give any meaningful listening to time to those, but I bet they are addictive to own and listen to!

For me personally, I might like to experiment with some compression horn based speakers or really, anything that is 100db plus efficient. The other day, I was at @struggles shop and we played this Yamamoto HA-02 headphone amplifier I just recently acquired (for use with my Audio Technica W1000 headphones). The yamamoto has about 1W to offer through it's speaker outputs. What I heard from Struggles Edgar Horns was ravishing in spirit! The essence of the voice, of acoustic space and textural cues just overloaded my mind. I LOVED IT! Those are very special speakers and validate that there are so many paths to audio happiness.

I wish I had room somewhere to run large horns in my house....I really think I would have done it to just enjoy the listening experience. That's what we all are doing here right?

Cheers!

 

I thought Orcas's used fe83en?

 

Ahhh good catch! Current orcas use fe83en. The first few versions used fe107.

 

I wasn't aware that Orcas use Fostex drivers. I thought they incorporate the Feastrex (is it mere coincidence it sounds kinda like Fostex?) drivers mentioned in their webpage. I guess this is good news since Fostex drivers seem to get all the praise around here?

 

If Orcas use Feastrex then they are severely undercharging.

That being said, Clark does make enclosures for Feastrex drivers. However it's more of a custom job.