ART Deco 20's diamond version.

Posted by: Polarbear on 12 April 2017

There I was minding my own business and then someone posted that ART were now manufacturing loudspeakers with a diamond tweeter. Not just a diamond tweeter but a diamond tweeter made by SEAS, the same company who make the Crescendo which sat in my Deco 20’s. Now I will admit that I love the SEAS Crescendo tweeter, it was used in my ART Emotions as well as the ART Deco’s.

Now instead of thinking “oh dear” I need a new pair of speakers, I thought to myself, now what if its just a matter of changing the Crescendo to the diamond tweeter, it can’t be that simple can it? Well no of course its not but with a few weeks to the Deco’s crossover it was possible.

A quick phone call to Derek of ART and the challenge was on. Within a few days a photo appears on my phone of a pair of Deco’s with the new speaker installed.

Another phonetical to Derek, “forget how it looks, but how does it sound?’” I asked. “Well its a game changer” Derek replied, it changes everything!

Well that was enough and before you knew it my ART’s were being worked on in my front room, its amazing what you can do with a portable table and tool kit. Some three hours later, the Crescendo’s were replaced by the diamond tweeter, the crossover had been tweeted and the speakers were upright and working again.

With my trusty NAT 01 I heard them for the first time, yikes, wow, what a difference, it was like someone had opened the barn door. The sound was twice as large and twice as open with such clarity,The new tweeter also improved the headroom, I didn’t realise I had an upper ceiling with my ART’s but that gone, not only that but the bass and mid have been transformed, That slight upper bass boom that you could accuse my ART’s have gone, and the bass is now deeper and more three dimensional. The change has brought the music closer to me as well as moving the backdrop further away, the whole sound is more three dimensional.

We played “on every corner” from Dire Straits on the Roksan TMS and it was if you were there in the studio with them, you could reach into the music and pick out anything, any sound, any note. Timing, weight and precision are spot on, so much so, its hard to put into words just what you are hearing. Try something with a bit of bass asked Derek, out comes the CD Touch by Yello and its a real transformation, its fare more open, higher, deeper and wider without loosing any of the timing.

So whats the difference, the Crescendo is a wonderful tweeter but the new White Diamond tweeter makes it sound boxed in and sound like a photocopy of what you are listening to, whereas the new diamond tweeter is the real deal. It has a much larger frequency range, roughly twice that of the old tweeter and has a much higher power handing, it implies does stuff the Crescendo can’t and thats obvious when listening. Its cleaner, uncoloured with a more natural sound. Its simply one of the best upgrades I have made,

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Having only recently heard your speakers as they were I'm frankly surprised that they could be improved upon. We better visit again!

On a minor point of detail PB the Dire Straits album is "On Every Street".

Regards,

Lindsay

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by Foot tapper

Uh oh. This one's gonna hurt...

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by LarsDK

Great to hear your story with the diamonds PB, fully resonates with my experience - its a game-changer as Derek puts it :-) enjoy

FT - whats your next move :-)

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by Polarbear

The Strat (Fender) posted:
Having only recently heard your speakers as they were I'm frankly surprised that they could be improved upon. We better visit again!
On a minor point of detail PB the Dire Straits album is "On Every Street".
Regards,
Lindsay

There is always room for improvement Lindsay,. Being very critical of my own system, I said the upper bass was a tad on the thick side and you said they could be more transparent.

Well they have been improved now and as I said above, the system sounds more natural now

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by hungryhalibut

It's really great that a manufacturer will upgrade their speakers in this way, rather than simply saying 'sorry mate, you need to buy a new pair'. I wonder if the effect is just as profound on decent music, such as The Smiths.

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

OMG HH - did you have to mention that most turgid of turgid groups.

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Polarbear posted:
The Strat (Fender) posted:
Having only recently heard your speakers as they were I'm frankly surprised that they could be improved upon. We better visit again!
On a minor point of detail PB the Dire Straits album is "On Every Street".
Regards,
Lindsay
There is always room for improvement Lindsay,. Being very critical of my own system, I said the upper bass was a tad on the thick side and you said they could be more transparent.

Well they have been improved now and as I said above, the system sounds more natural now

Careful - not more transparent at the expense of other qualities?

Posted on: 12 April 2017 by Tabby cat

Great write up Polar bear.Really enjoyed reading it

Nice that your getting more out of your Arts.

Can't add much as I have only ever heard the Alinco 12's at Scalford last year but only ever heard good things about their range.I thought they sounded brilliant.Just something so right about the sound.Best sound of the Wam show in 2016 for me.Love the fact that Art are into crossover upgrades and drive unit upgrades on their range.Reminds me of Audionote very accommodating with upgrade potential.Rather than buy a pair of speakers and that's it.

Wishing you a good Easter.

Cheers Ian

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by Ghettoyout

I can confirm that the Smiths are one of the greatest bands ever.

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by Polarbear

Hungryhalibut posted:
It's really great that a manufacturer will upgrade their speakers in this way, rather than simply saying 'sorry mate, you need to buy a new pair'. I wonder if the effect is just as profound on decent music, such as The Smiths.

Yes, indeed Nigel. I am on my fourth variation of the ART Deco's and every change has been more than worthwhile. Over time they have been tailored to my own requirements making them very unique. Much better than going on a never ending search for the perfect speaker

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by Foot tapper

Hi PB,

Delighted to hear that the Decos continue to bring you such pleasure.

Happy Easter, FT

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by Polarbear

Thanks Ian, a happy Easter to you too

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Ghettoyout posted:
I can confirm that the Smiths are one of the greatest bands ever.

And I can confirm that I don't agree!

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by hungryhalibut

Polarbear posted:
Hungryhalibut posted:
It's really great that a manufacturer will upgrade their speakers in this way, rather than simply saying 'sorry mate, you need to buy a new pair'. I wonder if the effect is just as profound on decent music, such as The Smiths.
Yes, indeed Nigel. I am on my fourth variation of the ART Deco's and every change has been more than worthwhile. Over time they have been tailored to my own requirements making them very unique. Much better than going on a never ending search for the perfect speaker

Indeed; one's jaw can only hit the floor so many times.

Posted on: 13 April 2017 by Polarbear

Hungryhalibut posted:
Polarbear posted:
Hungryhalibut posted:
It's really great that a manufacturer will upgrade their speakers in this way, rather than simply saying 'sorry mate, you need to buy a new pair'. I wonder if the effect is just as profound on decent music, such as The Smiths.
Yes, indeed Nigel. I am on my fourth variation of the ART Deco's and every change has been more than worthwhile. Over time they have been tailored to my own requirements making them very unique. Much better than going on a never ending search for the perfect speaker
Indeed; one's jaw can only hit the floor so many times.

Ah, that brings back memories, I started that thread 15 years ago

Posted on: 14 April 2017 by Dustysox

Great read PB, thank you.

Posted on: 14 April 2017 by HTM_1968

Tabby cat posted:
Great write up Polar bear.Really enjoyed reading it
Nice that your getting more out of your Arts.
Can't add much as I have only ever heard the Alinco 12's at Scalford last year but only ever heard good things about their range.I thought they sounded brilliant.Just something so right about the sound.Best sound of the Wam show in 2016 for me.Love the fact that Art are into crossover upgrades and drive unit upgrades on their range.Reminds me of Audionote very accommodating with upgrade potential.Rather than buy a pair of speakers and that's it.
Wishing you a good Easter.
Cheers Ian

Who brought the Alnico 12s Ian? I had my Alnico 8s on the end of an Audio Research Ref 5 se and a Moon W7 power amp with my old full fat LP12/Aro, a Linn Axis and Moon streamer as front ends at the 2016 Scalford, but didn't know there were 12's there. I was sure I saw every system that weekend too.....

Posted on: 14 April 2017 by J.N.

Sounds good Nigel. Enjoy. I'll have to have a word with t'other (Kudos) Derek.

John.

Posted on: 14 April 2017 by Polarbear

Certainly worth investigating John, they have transformed the sound of the ARTs,

regards

Posted on: 15 April 2017 by Tabby cat

HTM_1968 posted:
Tabby cat posted:
Great write up Polar bear.Really enjoyed reading it
Nice that your getting more out of your Arts.
Can't add much as I have only ever heard the Alinco 12's at Scalford last year but only ever heard good things about their range.I thought they sounded brilliant.Just something so right about the sound.Best sound of the Wam show in 2016 for me.Love the fact that Art are into crossover upgrades and drive unit upgrades on their range.Reminds me of Audionote very accommodating with upgrade potential.Rather than buy a pair of speakers and that's it.
Wishing you a good Easter.
Cheers Ian
Who brought the Alnico 12s Ian? I had my Alnico 8s on the end of an Audio Research Ref 5 se and a Moon W7 power amp with my old full fat LP12/Aro, a Linn Axis and Moon streamer as front ends at the 2016 Scalford, but didn't know there were 12's there. I was sure I saw every system that weekend too.....

Sorry my error.It was your system with the 8 s.

Blue Monday never sounded better that Sunday afternoon !

The Audio Research reference 5 SE and the Moon W7 where weaving some magic on your Arts.Remember your sweets where very tasty as well.Also much wine being drunk...

Have you changed anything since last year ?

Posted on: 15 April 2017 by HTM_1968

Tabby cat posted:
Sorry my error.It was your system with the 8 s.
Blue Monday never sounded better that Sunday afternoon !
The Audio Research reference 5 SE and the Moon W7 where weaving some magic on your Arts.Remember your sweets where very tasty as well.Also much wine being drunk...
Have you changed anything since last year ?

Thanks very much for such nice comments. The speakers, streamer and LP12 were mine. The rest of the kit belonged to two other members of The Wam. I'm still using my bits of kit, although my amps have changed since then. I'm using a valve-based setup these days.

Posted on: 15 April 2017 by LarsDK

J.N. - i came from kudos s20 to art diamonds and its amazing what difference this tweeter makes (amongst other things). So it should at more than x10 in tweeter unit price. It seems to resolve everything and so very naturally - listenend to lou reed satelite of love and for the first time heard no hizz or highlypitched tones, all was there and the mic effects and tune was ever so easy to enjoy. Br Lars

Posted on: 15 April 2017 by Polarbear

HTM_1968 posted:
Tabby cat posted:
Sorry my error.It was your system with the 8 s.
Blue Monday never sounded better that Sunday afternoon !
The Audio Research reference 5 SE and the Moon W7 where weaving some magic on your Arts.Remember your sweets where very tasty as well.Also much wine being drunk...
Have you changed anything since last year ?

Thanks very much for such nice comments. The speakers, streamer and LP12 were mine. The rest of the kit belonged to two other members of The Wam. I'm still using my bits of kit, although my amps have changed since then. I'm using a valve-based setup these days.

Karen and I were also at the 2016 Wigwam show and thought the Alnico's were one of the best sounding systems there. We sat and listened for quite a while and really enjoyed them.

Posted on: 15 April 2017 by HTM_1968

Polarbear posted:
HTM_1968 posted:
Tabby cat posted:
Sorry my error.It was your system with the 8 s.
Blue Monday never sounded better that Sunday afternoon !
The Audio Research reference 5 SE and the Moon W7 where weaving some magic on your Arts.Remember your sweets where very tasty as well.Also much wine being drunk...
Have you changed anything since last year ?

Thanks very much for such nice comments. The speakers, streamer and LP12 were mine. The rest of the kit belonged to two other members of The Wam. I'm still using my bits of kit, although my amps have changed since then. I'm using a valve-based setup these days.
Karen and I were also at the 2016 Wigwam show and thought the Alnico's were one of the best sounding systems there. We sat and listened for quite a while and really enjoyed them.

Thanks, it is great to get feed back like this. The three of us had a real blast in 2016. It is a shame that the playing of and listening to music (and scoffing of sweeties and glasses of wine) prohibits speaking to most visitors to the room at Scalford. I suppose this is what Saturday night is for really.

Anyway, back on topic, I am going to investigate upgrading the tweeters but as the Alnico 8s are wonderful in my room, I am very reluctant to make changes. I'll ring Derek and Ramsey as a first point of call.