Ovators S400 on Home Demo

Posted by: Slim68 on 26 November 2015

Well, I get a call from my local dealer saying his demo S400's are available to buy. I had said earlyer i was interested in trying them. So we agree a price subject to me being happy.

I have B&W 683 S2's and after a difficult start when I switched to Naim from Arcam, this due to how bloody long it takes for Naim stuff to come on song!! I have been very happy with them, but have had a nagging doubt that more could be had from the rest of the setup.

So, I go and pick them up at lunch time. Mark at the dealer said they will need to warm up, so I take them home and without much time,unbox and plug them in, Turn the amp back on and OH DEAR!! these sound flat as a flat thing from flat ville. Fisrt track was Plat Dead by Bjork, one that I love and have never felt is long enough. I did not try any more CD;s, I just put the radio on and went back to work thinking they WILL be going back.

5 Hours later I get home to find SWMBO has turned them right down and is not happy with the state of the living room . Afer a tidy up I put Play Dead back on and OMG are these the same speakers, no can't be, these are clear and nice.

I am now 8 hours runing them and these things are getiing better by the minute, I guess this is down to them warmimg up to room tempreture, I am sure they have had plenty of demo time, but cannot be sure, they are ex-demos!!

Will they be going back?

Posted on: 23 December 2015 by GraemeH

Slim68 posted:
Ok, how does this work? I am listening to Roger Waters, In the Flesh Live, Perfect Sense parts 1&2. There is a voice in the background that says " I can feel it, I am afraid" and I would swear that he is behind me! How? Stereo speakers, not surround and right in front of me.

I'm going to try this later to see if I hear it the same as you describe.

Posted on: 24 December 2015 by Kiwi cat

My goodness! Listening to it on Tidal and HALs voice is over to my left. Quite eerie!

Posted on: 26 December 2015 by Slim68

GraemeH posted:
Slim68 posted:
Ok, how does this work? I am listening to Roger Waters, In the Flesh Live, Perfect Sense parts 1&2. There is a voice in the background that says " I can feel it, I am afraid" and I would swear that he is behind me! How? Stereo speakers, not surround and right in front of me.
I'm going to try this later to see if I hear it the same as you describe.
G

Hi Graeme, did you get a similar effect?

Posted on: 26 December 2015 by GraemeH

Slim68 posted:
GraemeH posted:
Slim68 posted:
Ok, how does this work? I am listening to Roger Waters, In the Flesh Live, Perfect Sense parts 1&2. There is a voice in the background that says " I can feel it, I am afraid" and I would swear that he is behind me! How? Stereo speakers, not surround and right in front of me.
I'm going to try this later to see if I hear it the same as you describe.
G
Hi Graeme, did you get a similar effect?

We've been too busy with the family...hopefully tomorrow I'll get the chance to try. Will definitely report when I do.

Posted on: 27 December 2015 by GraemeH

Yup! Right behind me too...It's a strange feeling!

Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Toe

Is this the Q-sound processing used on this album?

Have a listen to Holiday on Madonna's Immaculate collection album, it uses the same processing. Sounds like someone is behind me hitting a saucepan with a wooden spoon!

On Tidal the album notes mention Q-sound and a list of albums using it can be found on t'internet.

Posted on: 27 December 2015 by GraemeH

Toe posted:
Is this the Q-sound processing used on this album?
Have a listen to Holiday on Madonna's Immaculate collection album, it uses the same processing. Sounds like someone is behind me hitting a saucepan with a wooden spoon!
On Tidal the album notes mention Q-sound and a list of albums using it can be found on t'internet.

Apparently so. Used on 'Pulse' as well but I've never been very aware of it on that album.

'Amused to Death' utilises it to the max of course.

Posted on: 07 January 2016 by Slim68

Just thought I'd give a quick update. Listening to Lunatic Soul now and it struck me that the speakers seem to have disappeared, I can see them, but the sound does not seem to come from them, rather it is just there in front of me. A wonderful sound-stage that just makes me smile. I love them.

Posted on: 07 January 2016 by Tony2011

Simon, that's the sign of a great speaker and the 400s are very special indeed. Glad you found that sweet, sweet spot. Enjoy them!