Eist Dubh
Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2013 7:11 pm
OK, time for me to fess-up, I’m the proud owner of Eist Dubh speakers, I have them 3 weeks or so and before that I had a demo pair for 3 weeks or so, they are fabulous, I love ‘em, well I would say that after investing my life savings.
Apologies for the ramblings of what’s to follow:
In all honesty I didn't think I would ever move from my beloved Quad 63’s, I had them for years and they are very special, no one can convince me otherwise, still…
I first encountered the Eist prototype at Fran’s and was very impressed, they had a different finish than the finalised production builds, but sonically identical.
I knew they were delivering the goods in Fran’s home but I wanted to listen to them in mine.
I was fortunate in getting an extended loan of a production demo pair.
Many thanks to Fran & Gerry for that (do they make Ice Cream as well?)
My set-up consists of; Airtight ATM4 delivering 24watts per, Pink Triangle LPT with a Roksan Artemiz tonearm and Clearaudio Discovery cart, a DIY Shiga-clone CDP into a DIY Buffalo DAC. Cables are a mix of Dalkey Audio, PS Audio and some home grown. The speaker cable is Nanotec.
I rigged the Eist speakers to my system and really wasn't prepared for the difference, these are very clean, clear and detailed with wonderful separation, I love the space they give to instruments, bass is tight and precise, but above all they are engaging, this was the key to my changing.
From the very first passage of music I knew I was in trouble, curiosity had provided the itch I had to scratch, I hadn't realised at that time I was in for weeks of some intense listening coupled to some great insights along with some fabulous conversations.
I must extend my profound thanks to a few people; Fergus for making the journey to mine and spending a day putting up with swapping the speakers again and again, listening to pieces of music over & over, his insight and assessment proved invaluable, many thanks Fergus.
To Pearse, he allowed this reprobate invade his home and take over his system for an afternoon. I had a ball that day. Pearse a gentleman through and through tossed in his lot with mine and we tested the bejeezus out of the Eist. His Quad 63’s sang beautifully and the Eist were a foil to them, as much a surprise in his system as in mine.
Also to Ronan, he gave up an afternoon to help me make my mind up, instead, we gave up, listened to some great music and let afternoon look after itself.
Fergus summed up the situation I had put myself into; “I don’t envy your task” he said, kinked with laughter as he headed out the door.
The Eist v Quad sound are as Apples v Oranges, I enjoy both, but find my preference changes with mood, taste, accompaniment etc.
The Quad delivery is analogue, they love being partnered with Valves and the use of vinyl as a source just sets them up for long blissful non-fatiguing evenings. I've done this on so very many times it was just second nature, feet up, glass of 18 year old amber nectar at my side and enjoy.
The Eist are more engaging, they ask you to listen they want you to be involved, to look deeper into the music. They invite you to analyse what you are hearing, and because of their clarity & openness you can.
Following instrumentation behind the lead is effortless. Dynamics are part and parcel with them, micro-dynamics are apparent and refined, soft counter melodies are easier to spot and follow.
When listening with Fergus on his suggestion we followed an acoustic guitar playing in the background. With the quads I had to listen hard for it, search, if you like.
With the Eist not only was it easy to follow, the guitarist had fitted new strings, it was still in the background but in its own space, I could readily identify the contribution it was making.
The point that tipped the balance, was when sitting home one Tuesday evening browsing through a music magazine, I had the Eist playing at a low level, I found myself following lyrics without having noticed that I had, for some minutes,stopped reading, this never happened with the Quads.
That was that, I put in an order for a pair.
These speakers are detailed, clear and precise, brutally unforgiving and very revealing of amplification & source. Each change shows up straight away.
The Eist show the music as it was intended, when the music calls for it the sound stage is wide and deep, it’s also tight and intimate when the music dictates. Live recordings are reproduced so you can pick the row you are sitting in.
I don’t like room sized acoustic guitars, old Blues players are front and centre between the speakers and not overblown. Vocals have a very natural tone.
Bass is tight without getting boomy, blotted or flabby. It doesn't overshadow or get in the way of anything else.
There is nothing sagging or loose about the sound.
If you were fortunate to have attended any of the Sessions in the Listening Suite with the wonderful Avantgardes then you will have some understanding of these little horn loaded speakers.
Several forum members have now listened to these speakers for long or short periods if any of you would like to add to this piece please do.
If anyone would like to get a listen give me a shout.
Bring some Cds, Vinyl, Amps, Wine & Cheese whatever!
Apologies for the ramblings of what’s to follow:
In all honesty I didn't think I would ever move from my beloved Quad 63’s, I had them for years and they are very special, no one can convince me otherwise, still…
I first encountered the Eist prototype at Fran’s and was very impressed, they had a different finish than the finalised production builds, but sonically identical.
I knew they were delivering the goods in Fran’s home but I wanted to listen to them in mine.
I was fortunate in getting an extended loan of a production demo pair.
Many thanks to Fran & Gerry for that (do they make Ice Cream as well?)
My set-up consists of; Airtight ATM4 delivering 24watts per, Pink Triangle LPT with a Roksan Artemiz tonearm and Clearaudio Discovery cart, a DIY Shiga-clone CDP into a DIY Buffalo DAC. Cables are a mix of Dalkey Audio, PS Audio and some home grown. The speaker cable is Nanotec.
I rigged the Eist speakers to my system and really wasn't prepared for the difference, these are very clean, clear and detailed with wonderful separation, I love the space they give to instruments, bass is tight and precise, but above all they are engaging, this was the key to my changing.
From the very first passage of music I knew I was in trouble, curiosity had provided the itch I had to scratch, I hadn't realised at that time I was in for weeks of some intense listening coupled to some great insights along with some fabulous conversations.
I must extend my profound thanks to a few people; Fergus for making the journey to mine and spending a day putting up with swapping the speakers again and again, listening to pieces of music over & over, his insight and assessment proved invaluable, many thanks Fergus.
To Pearse, he allowed this reprobate invade his home and take over his system for an afternoon. I had a ball that day. Pearse a gentleman through and through tossed in his lot with mine and we tested the bejeezus out of the Eist. His Quad 63’s sang beautifully and the Eist were a foil to them, as much a surprise in his system as in mine.
Also to Ronan, he gave up an afternoon to help me make my mind up, instead, we gave up, listened to some great music and let afternoon look after itself.
Fergus summed up the situation I had put myself into; “I don’t envy your task” he said, kinked with laughter as he headed out the door.
The Eist v Quad sound are as Apples v Oranges, I enjoy both, but find my preference changes with mood, taste, accompaniment etc.
The Quad delivery is analogue, they love being partnered with Valves and the use of vinyl as a source just sets them up for long blissful non-fatiguing evenings. I've done this on so very many times it was just second nature, feet up, glass of 18 year old amber nectar at my side and enjoy.
The Eist are more engaging, they ask you to listen they want you to be involved, to look deeper into the music. They invite you to analyse what you are hearing, and because of their clarity & openness you can.
Following instrumentation behind the lead is effortless. Dynamics are part and parcel with them, micro-dynamics are apparent and refined, soft counter melodies are easier to spot and follow.
When listening with Fergus on his suggestion we followed an acoustic guitar playing in the background. With the quads I had to listen hard for it, search, if you like.
With the Eist not only was it easy to follow, the guitarist had fitted new strings, it was still in the background but in its own space, I could readily identify the contribution it was making.
The point that tipped the balance, was when sitting home one Tuesday evening browsing through a music magazine, I had the Eist playing at a low level, I found myself following lyrics without having noticed that I had, for some minutes,stopped reading, this never happened with the Quads.
That was that, I put in an order for a pair.
These speakers are detailed, clear and precise, brutally unforgiving and very revealing of amplification & source. Each change shows up straight away.
The Eist show the music as it was intended, when the music calls for it the sound stage is wide and deep, it’s also tight and intimate when the music dictates. Live recordings are reproduced so you can pick the row you are sitting in.
I don’t like room sized acoustic guitars, old Blues players are front and centre between the speakers and not overblown. Vocals have a very natural tone.
Bass is tight without getting boomy, blotted or flabby. It doesn't overshadow or get in the way of anything else.
There is nothing sagging or loose about the sound.
If you were fortunate to have attended any of the Sessions in the Listening Suite with the wonderful Avantgardes then you will have some understanding of these little horn loaded speakers.
Several forum members have now listened to these speakers for long or short periods if any of you would like to add to this piece please do.
If anyone would like to get a listen give me a shout.
Bring some Cds, Vinyl, Amps, Wine & Cheese whatever!