Audiofreak
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הביקורת מתורגמת מצרפתית לאנגלית להנאתכם:
המבקר מציין בסיכום, שכאשר קיבלו את הרמקול וראו אותו הם לא ציפו כלל לתוצאה שהם קיבלו מרמקול צנוע למראה שכזה!
הוא טוען שהיצרן הצליח להעביר את חווית שמיעת המוסיקה בצורה כה
טבעית וריאלסטית שגורמת לך בסופו של דבר להעריך את המוסיקה שלך בצורה שונה ממה שהורגלת עד היום.
שווה קריאה לכל חובב מוסיקה אמיתי שמחפש רמקול שפוגע באזורים הנכונים...
המבקר מציין בסיכום, שכאשר קיבלו את הרמקול וראו אותו הם לא ציפו כלל לתוצאה שהם קיבלו מרמקול צנוע למראה שכזה!
הוא טוען שהיצרן הצליח להעביר את חווית שמיעת המוסיקה בצורה כה
טבעית וריאלסטית שגורמת לך בסופו של דבר להעריך את המוסיקה שלך בצורה שונה ממה שהורגלת עד היום.
שווה קריאה לכל חובב מוסיקה אמיתי שמחפש רמקול שפוגע באזורים הנכונים...
MANUFACTURE AND LISTENING
EXPERIENCE
Construction: A book should not be judged by its cover. The
IBX-R2 is manufactured and finished with respect to the finest British
traditions. The manufacturer has also paid particular attention to the choice of
speaker components in the broadest sense: namely the wood, the drive units, and
also the plinth that is absolutely vital so as to experience the enormous
musicality that this model is capable of.
Components: The choice of
cabinet material used to build these speakers was determined and optimised after
extensive listening tests, probably the most unique approach to date. The
Scandinavian drive units come from world-renowned suppliers. The low-mid range
drive units are made to Living Voice specifications and are therefore
propreitary. Thanks to relative positioning studies between the components,
filtering was optimised in order to minimise mutual interference. It is almost
certain that no other manufacturer around the world offers such a degree of
focus, regardless of price.
Low register: The manufacturer has voluntarily opted for very thin walls and
little damping in the cabinet. This choice allows vibrations, which cannot be
avoided, to be heard as quickly as possible without "storing" the energy as in
the case of thick walls and damping. This assumed mechanical choice results in
high-level speaker sensitivity. The listening experience does not exaggerate any
high signal levels so the volume is more than enough, and the cabinet itself is
therefore not subject to pressure. However, connecting them to the rest of the
system requires more care than with Lambda speakers, because, despite evidence
to the contrary, in reality the results are not what are expected. After a
disappointing first attempt, we tried other wiring combinations so as to finally
arrive at a convincing register. The counter bass accompanying Sinne Eeg in “My
Treasure” found a plausible virtual volume and a surprising depth of lower
octaves with the drums, thanks to note articulation.
Mid register: Clearly, the musical magic occurs
in the mid range in an incontrevertible and radical manner. Tonal accuracy and
lack of 'note to note' interference makes for a seemingly miraculous harmony;
surprising achievements, especially when facing a visually “basic” speaker.
Consistency is perfect to the extent that the illusion of sound being broadcast
by a single speaker leaves a permanent impression. Beyond off-putting technical
words, it is quite difficult to describe the impression you have when listening
to the IBX-R2, even if only a feeling of exacerbated realism of the musical
texture and depth of sound. To some extent the bass is perhaps exaggerated,
however these floor speakers seem to redefine the possibilities of what is felt
thanks to a highly optimised product. The Living Voice was able to produce one
of the most beautiful sound productions of the track “Ach, um deine feuchten
Schwingen” by Félix Mendelssohn (interpreted by Marlis Petersen) to date,
something that we were unable to appreciate until now, at any price! The soprano
literally casts a spell with her truly exceptional modulation range, and you can
hear and discern the smallest tonal variations without any difficulties
whatsoever.
High register:
This register sublimely completes the quality of the medium. The ultimate, final
notes do not escape the natural pugnacity of the IBX-R2, which magnifies the
effect of ambient realism. The essential content of the music is reproduced by
the low-midrange units, but the tweeter subtly contributes with good message
fluidity at the high frequencies; so much so that the harmonics can even lead
the listener to identify the atmosphere, instrument or place. In the "Moonlight
on Spring River" by Zhao Cong, the (admittedly) artificial atmosphere is
restored with a depth somewhat unknown in the listening space. The introductory
pipa solo loses most of the greenness that we are accustomed to in exchange for
depth and definition thanks to the very robust harmonic shelving of the lost
notes.
Dynamics:
The tonal qualities of the IBX-R2 immediately attract attention. The existence of timbre
and spatial precision makes you forget the dynamic aspect of things. However,
seemingly with no effort at all, the Living Voice is truly dynamic in all senses
of the word, capable of transcribing any modulation deviations contained in a
piece or a recording. The innate composure is good in the sense that it does not
try to lure customers in by demonstrating more than its real capabilities; this
reality is relative to the good or bad quality contained in the rest of the
system. However, and for the domestic listening experience that they were
designed for, these speakers are able to delightfully and precisely reproduce
the dynamic scale as closely as possible, from the quietest pizzicatos to the
wildest fortissimi (Symphony no. 11 by Shostakovich).
Note attack: Following the example of their
dynamic capabilities which have been appropriately and correctly demonstrated,
the IBX-R2s excel in reproducing transitory passages. Like the dynamics, the
message is not weakened by stress or a sense of urgency which may cause you to
think – incorrectly – of a device that skips or is transparent: In the case of
the Living Voice, it is simultaneously immediate and dense. This first
criterion, in absence of the second, would result in a brilliant sound without
any depth, while the second quality, without the former would produce a dull
result. The IBX-R2 magnificently balances these two virtues so that the message
is at the same time bright, expressive and captivating. In conclusion, this
combination is truly unique and not the prerogative of some high-end models.
Great performance!
Soundstage:
The fullness of the soundstage works wonders. The impression of "being there" has
never been so evident as with the Living Voice, which is close to perfection in
its reading of music. Each recording, each track has a specific impression in
direct relation to the rest of the system. Another point which sets these
British floor speakers apart is their considerable capability of reproducing
each sound (music note, atmospheric noise, reverberations etc.) with relief and
energy, which instils a wonderful holographic effect to the message, regardless
of what it is. The precision of the progressive layers of the audio map is
without fault, and by the same token the precision of the intertwining of notes
is magnificent. The readability is such that you are able to distinguish between
each harmonious line in time and in volume for each distinct note. We are close
to reality.
Transparency:
During the listening test this speakers astonished us with the stunning similarities
between the “reproduced” and “actual” sounds, as well as the differences between
the “reproduced” and “actual” atmosphere. It is not our usual habit to talk
about speaker behaviour in one or another region of the spectrum, or to discuss
musicality in dynamic terms or the reactivity of the transitory passages, or
even talk about bandwidth or linearity. No. We are stunned by the permanent
realism of the message, by the emotion at the peak of the interpretation, by the
intense, ethereal atmosphere of a “live” recording to the point that when you
close your eyes you find yourself at the place of the performance. Faced with
such credibility, we are speechless.
Value for money:
This review was the opportunity to discover these speakers that have been in the catalogue of the
British manufacturer for many years. Honestly, this is a discovery - a
revelation. It would have been a crime to remain unaware of such a product,
which questions many of the so-called new ideas proposed by other manufacturers,
who, without a doubt in good faith, are concentrated more on the “sensational”
and the sales price. Once associated with good partnering equipment, the IBX-R2
are so formidable that we wonder if they are not going to wipe the floor with
the other speakers that have a much, much higher price tag.
VERDICT
Living Voice. It is all in the
name, and we should have known that these speakers would totally change our
conceptions and assumptions. Initially, upon removing the IBX-R2 from the
packaging and viewing them for the first time, we were sceptical. Once up and
running, we were left perplexed. How can these well-manufactured, yet visually
humble speakers produce such a sound? It is obvious that the manufacturer was
inspired by the natural, majestic sound of music to create the IBX-R2, whose
design is a considerable work in itself. More than any piece of poetry or
speech, the sound results speak for themselves and leave no room for doubt about
the realism produced by these floor speakers. We can even go one step further
and say that is well within the scope of the IBX-R2 to make you appreciate music
differently. Highly recommended!
Technical Specifications
Origin: United Kingdom
Price: 6,700
euros
Dimensions: 1,030mm x 215mm x 270mm
Frequency Response: 35Hz –
30kHz
Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms
Sensitivity: 94 dB/W/m
EXPERIENCE
Construction: A book should not be judged by its cover. The
IBX-R2 is manufactured and finished with respect to the finest British
traditions. The manufacturer has also paid particular attention to the choice of
speaker components in the broadest sense: namely the wood, the drive units, and
also the plinth that is absolutely vital so as to experience the enormous
musicality that this model is capable of.
Components: The choice of
cabinet material used to build these speakers was determined and optimised after
extensive listening tests, probably the most unique approach to date. The
Scandinavian drive units come from world-renowned suppliers. The low-mid range
drive units are made to Living Voice specifications and are therefore
propreitary. Thanks to relative positioning studies between the components,
filtering was optimised in order to minimise mutual interference. It is almost
certain that no other manufacturer around the world offers such a degree of
focus, regardless of price.
Low register: The manufacturer has voluntarily opted for very thin walls and
little damping in the cabinet. This choice allows vibrations, which cannot be
avoided, to be heard as quickly as possible without "storing" the energy as in
the case of thick walls and damping. This assumed mechanical choice results in
high-level speaker sensitivity. The listening experience does not exaggerate any
high signal levels so the volume is more than enough, and the cabinet itself is
therefore not subject to pressure. However, connecting them to the rest of the
system requires more care than with Lambda speakers, because, despite evidence
to the contrary, in reality the results are not what are expected. After a
disappointing first attempt, we tried other wiring combinations so as to finally
arrive at a convincing register. The counter bass accompanying Sinne Eeg in “My
Treasure” found a plausible virtual volume and a surprising depth of lower
octaves with the drums, thanks to note articulation.
Mid register: Clearly, the musical magic occurs
in the mid range in an incontrevertible and radical manner. Tonal accuracy and
lack of 'note to note' interference makes for a seemingly miraculous harmony;
surprising achievements, especially when facing a visually “basic” speaker.
Consistency is perfect to the extent that the illusion of sound being broadcast
by a single speaker leaves a permanent impression. Beyond off-putting technical
words, it is quite difficult to describe the impression you have when listening
to the IBX-R2, even if only a feeling of exacerbated realism of the musical
texture and depth of sound. To some extent the bass is perhaps exaggerated,
however these floor speakers seem to redefine the possibilities of what is felt
thanks to a highly optimised product. The Living Voice was able to produce one
of the most beautiful sound productions of the track “Ach, um deine feuchten
Schwingen” by Félix Mendelssohn (interpreted by Marlis Petersen) to date,
something that we were unable to appreciate until now, at any price! The soprano
literally casts a spell with her truly exceptional modulation range, and you can
hear and discern the smallest tonal variations without any difficulties
whatsoever.
High register:
This register sublimely completes the quality of the medium. The ultimate, final
notes do not escape the natural pugnacity of the IBX-R2, which magnifies the
effect of ambient realism. The essential content of the music is reproduced by
the low-midrange units, but the tweeter subtly contributes with good message
fluidity at the high frequencies; so much so that the harmonics can even lead
the listener to identify the atmosphere, instrument or place. In the "Moonlight
on Spring River" by Zhao Cong, the (admittedly) artificial atmosphere is
restored with a depth somewhat unknown in the listening space. The introductory
pipa solo loses most of the greenness that we are accustomed to in exchange for
depth and definition thanks to the very robust harmonic shelving of the lost
notes.
Dynamics:
The tonal qualities of the IBX-R2 immediately attract attention. The existence of timbre
and spatial precision makes you forget the dynamic aspect of things. However,
seemingly with no effort at all, the Living Voice is truly dynamic in all senses
of the word, capable of transcribing any modulation deviations contained in a
piece or a recording. The innate composure is good in the sense that it does not
try to lure customers in by demonstrating more than its real capabilities; this
reality is relative to the good or bad quality contained in the rest of the
system. However, and for the domestic listening experience that they were
designed for, these speakers are able to delightfully and precisely reproduce
the dynamic scale as closely as possible, from the quietest pizzicatos to the
wildest fortissimi (Symphony no. 11 by Shostakovich).
Note attack: Following the example of their
dynamic capabilities which have been appropriately and correctly demonstrated,
the IBX-R2s excel in reproducing transitory passages. Like the dynamics, the
message is not weakened by stress or a sense of urgency which may cause you to
think – incorrectly – of a device that skips or is transparent: In the case of
the Living Voice, it is simultaneously immediate and dense. This first
criterion, in absence of the second, would result in a brilliant sound without
any depth, while the second quality, without the former would produce a dull
result. The IBX-R2 magnificently balances these two virtues so that the message
is at the same time bright, expressive and captivating. In conclusion, this
combination is truly unique and not the prerogative of some high-end models.
Great performance!
Soundstage:
The fullness of the soundstage works wonders. The impression of "being there" has
never been so evident as with the Living Voice, which is close to perfection in
its reading of music. Each recording, each track has a specific impression in
direct relation to the rest of the system. Another point which sets these
British floor speakers apart is their considerable capability of reproducing
each sound (music note, atmospheric noise, reverberations etc.) with relief and
energy, which instils a wonderful holographic effect to the message, regardless
of what it is. The precision of the progressive layers of the audio map is
without fault, and by the same token the precision of the intertwining of notes
is magnificent. The readability is such that you are able to distinguish between
each harmonious line in time and in volume for each distinct note. We are close
to reality.
Transparency:
During the listening test this speakers astonished us with the stunning similarities
between the “reproduced” and “actual” sounds, as well as the differences between
the “reproduced” and “actual” atmosphere. It is not our usual habit to talk
about speaker behaviour in one or another region of the spectrum, or to discuss
musicality in dynamic terms or the reactivity of the transitory passages, or
even talk about bandwidth or linearity. No. We are stunned by the permanent
realism of the message, by the emotion at the peak of the interpretation, by the
intense, ethereal atmosphere of a “live” recording to the point that when you
close your eyes you find yourself at the place of the performance. Faced with
such credibility, we are speechless.
Value for money:
This review was the opportunity to discover these speakers that have been in the catalogue of the
British manufacturer for many years. Honestly, this is a discovery - a
revelation. It would have been a crime to remain unaware of such a product,
which questions many of the so-called new ideas proposed by other manufacturers,
who, without a doubt in good faith, are concentrated more on the “sensational”
and the sales price. Once associated with good partnering equipment, the IBX-R2
are so formidable that we wonder if they are not going to wipe the floor with
the other speakers that have a much, much higher price tag.
VERDICT
Living Voice. It is all in the
name, and we should have known that these speakers would totally change our
conceptions and assumptions. Initially, upon removing the IBX-R2 from the
packaging and viewing them for the first time, we were sceptical. Once up and
running, we were left perplexed. How can these well-manufactured, yet visually
humble speakers produce such a sound? It is obvious that the manufacturer was
inspired by the natural, majestic sound of music to create the IBX-R2, whose
design is a considerable work in itself. More than any piece of poetry or
speech, the sound results speak for themselves and leave no room for doubt about
the realism produced by these floor speakers. We can even go one step further
and say that is well within the scope of the IBX-R2 to make you appreciate music
differently. Highly recommended!
Technical Specifications
Origin: United Kingdom
Price: 6,700
euros
Dimensions: 1,030mm x 215mm x 270mm
Frequency Response: 35Hz –
30kHz
Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms
Sensitivity: 94 dB/W/m
