31 replies to this topic

[alan3016]

I now have a set of these very fine speakers. I am not as eloquent, or nearly as knowledgable, as many on this forum. I will not go into a long discussion about the characteristics of all the speakers I listened to. I will just relay a story about what happened to me.

Last April, I intended to organise a home computer audio setup. I eventually found that I had neither the expertise nor interest to get the project to fruition. It was always my intention to get the computer side of things sorted before upgrading my speakers.

I took a visit to see Stuart at SGR Audio to discuss the MusicKube product he is developing. Whilst I was there I had a listen to the CX4f speakers. It was at about this time my Melody amp was starting to misbehave. The idea of active speakers, done well, could solve both my impending amplifier and speaker upgrade in one product!

I initially listened to separate amplifier and speaker set ups in the $10 - 20 K range - and did not fall for any of them. I then listened to some other active speakers. I finally settled on a choice between two products. I auditioned the CX4s and the Adam Gammas. Stuart and Warwick were both very generous with their time during this process.

In the end I chose the SGR speakers for a very simple reason. They sounded better to me when playing CDs of my music.

I think the speakers are extremely well designed and constructed. The piano black finish is immaculate and the CX4s handle a wide variety of music styles extremely well.

When I first had the speakers installed (in a 4.5 X 13 m room) I thought they were... good. To be honest I was a bit disappointed, but thought it was about all I could expect from the room. With Stuart's help I have been able to make some very positive adjustments to the active controls. They now sound much, much more like a live performance. I now think they are much better than ... good.

The service from Stuart, and his family, has been outstanding. Never once did I get a hard sell. During the second audition I was left alone with my music and the controls, and a "Come and get us if you need us".

Stuart appreciated that, for me, the purchase was a significant outlay. He has even lent me some gear, until I decide if the MusicKube is a product I will buy.

The speakers work brilliantly for me.

[Spearmint]

Congratulations on your purchase Alan.

Its also nice to read of your experience with SGR. That is something that goes along way IMO, particularly when it comes to decision time.

I'm sure you'll get many years of enjoyment from your system.

[Drizt]

Congratulations on the new toys mate. And thank you for the write up, it was an enjoyable read. My only criticism is... where are the pic's ?

EDIT: Just a quick question ...

When I first had the speakers installed (in a 4.5 X 13 m room) I thought they were... good. To be honest I was a bit disappointed, but thought it was about all I could expect from the room. With Stuart's help I have been able to make some very positive adjustments to the active controls. They now sound much, much more like a live performance. I now think they are much better than ... good.

Which controls did you tinker with?

Isn't it great having some control over the in room response

Edited by Drizt, 14 September 2011 - 12:57 PM.

[hired goon]

G'day,

Congrats and enjoy. I also have CX4Fs ... serial number #001 in fact.

--Geoff

[Catostylus]

And I'm fairly sure they'll be my next speaker upgrade.

[alan3016]

Thanks Minty
It sure is a good service from SGR, even after the sale has been made!

[Young Skywalker]

Congratulations on the new speakers Alan, I know just how capable they are and I am confident that you will never fall out of love with them. Like many people I am eagerly awaiting the MusicKube.

Best Regards,
Aaron

[JohnA]

congrats on the purchase Alan

they are a mighty fine looking and sounding speaker.
I have been contemplating downgrading to them for the more elegant and timber finish look for the new room

looking forward to some pictures

[Drizt]

I have been contemplating downgrading to them for the more elegant and timber finish look for the new room

wow, didn't see that coming. If you do go that way it will be a massive endorsement for the CX4F! I guess you will be hoping to organise a home audition? If so, I will be very much looking forward to reading your thoughts.

looking forward to some pictures

+!

[alan3016]

Which controls did you tinker with?

Isn't it great having some control over the in room response

Drizt, the sound was initially not well integrated when sitting in the usual listening position. At mid volume the bass was good, but mids lacking. At higher volumes the mids were more distinct, but were shouting at you. However, I noticed the music was much more cohesive sounding at the long end of the room - some 10 meters away!

Simply adjusting the bass EQ filters made a huge difference. The ability to make this adjustment has sold me on active set ups.

[alan3016]

Aaron, Geoff and JohnA - thanks for your comments.

Geoff, you were obviously in early on the CX4 product, mine are # 28.

Catostylus, I think they are well worth an audition. It was easier for me to justify the outlay when I also needed an amp upgrade.


Pictures will be a little while away. Need to put TV on wall, design and build entertainment unit ...

[Catostylus]

Catostylus, I think they are well worth an audition.

Auditioning them is the one thing my wallet fears most.

[firefly0071]

More than the current value of my car.

[alan3016]

More than the current value of my car.

Until recently, they were more than the combined value of both our cars!!

I recouped a bit of $ with sale of old speakers and amp.

[Whatmore]

Did you get to see/hear the musickube in action?

[alan3016]

Did you get to see/hear the musickube in action?

No I have not heard the MusicKube, as it was not available at the time. It will contain some MSB components, so I had to make do with these and extrapolate!
I believe Stuart had set himself a deadline of the Australian HiFi and AV show for the launch.
I have not got any more recent updates than this.

[hired goon]

G'day,

Geoff, you were obviously in early on the CX4 product, mine are # 28.

I ordered mine the day they were announced, IIRC. A gamble that paid off in spades. Love 'em. Too bad I fled the country a few months after delivery. Miss 'em.

--Geoff

[Willco]

G'day,

Congrats and enjoy. I also have CX4Fs ... serial number #001 in fact.

--Geoff

Hey Goony,I'm presently on Assignment in Tucson and popping up to RMAF next month--are you thinking about attending?--I've been before and know the ropes--just asking.

Willco

[hired goon]

G'day,

Hey Goony,I'm presently on Assignment in Tucson and popping up to RMAF next month--are you thinking about attending?--I've been before and know the ropes--just asking.

No desire to join the Royal Malaysian Air Force ... nor head to Tucson, for that matter. It's a bit of a drive from here (13 hours), and I've got me SGR CX4F speakers and ME15 pre-amp, so there's not much I'd be interested in.

--Geoff

[Willco]

G'day,


No desire to join the Royal Malaysian Air Force ... nor head to Tucson, for that matter. It's a bit of a drive from here (13 hours), and I've got me SGR CX4F speakers and ME15 pre-amp, so there's not much I'd be interested in.

--Geoff

Yoh G, Over and out Good listening--can you play loud in the Mormon Seminary?

Will

[Drizt]

congrats on the purchase Alan

they are a mighty fine looking and sounding speaker.
I have been contemplating downgrading to them for the more elegant and timber finish look for the new room

looking forward to some pictures

wow, didn't see that coming. If you do go that way it will be a massive endorsement for the CX4F! I guess you will be hoping to organise a home audition? If so, I will be very much looking forward to reading your thoughts.



+!

wow, seems like the CX4F's might be on JohnA's radar after all -> http://www.stereo.ne...-speaker-system

If so, that is a big endorsement for the CX4F's !

[damocles]

What preamps are you fine folk using with these speakers?

[hired goon]

G'day,

What preamps are you fine folk using with these speakers?

I've got another fine Aussie component: an ME15 pre-amp.

--Geoff

[alan3016]

What preamps are you fine folk using with these speakers?

I am making do with the preamp function of the Oppo for now.

Waiting to see what the sound quality is like from the upcoming MusicKube before deciding which way to go.

[Drizt]

What preamps are you fine folk using with these speakers?

I know rippingdragon uses one of the MSB DAC's and uses it's preamp section to drive his CX4F's. Sounds great.

[damocles]

Thanks. Having listened to a bunch of kits in the past 12 months, actives may well be my next purchase

[GregWormald]

If you think a kit would/could come close to a CX4F then I suggest you pay a visit to the SGR house and factory and see the detail, finish and plain old mass of the cabinets! I reckon the cabinets alone would weigh in at about 30 Kg each.

I'm a pretty fair woodworker, and I'm sure I couldn't come close to putting together a cabinet like the SGR's if it was pre-cut--and I sure couldn't cut it to the standards they insist upon.

Greg

[Nada]

MSB DAC's and uses it's preamp section to drive his CX4F's

had all the appeal of dissecting a cadaver for me..utterly fascinating process but not very tasty

[Drizt]

had all the appeal of dissecting a cadaver for me..utterly fascinating process but not very tasty

Que, what the ?

[Willco]

had all the appeal of dissecting a cadaver for me..utterly fascinating process but not very tasty

Hi, I'm afraid I must concur-- having experienced the mentioned frontend with Harbeths-- the sound was not endearing-the warmth and smoothness of the Harbeths( Ive owned them) was reduced to a slight Digital hardness tending fatiguing.

Pity-- the MSB products seem nicely made.

Pic by Moi

YVMV

Edited by Willco, 23 September 2011 - 03:41 AM.

[Drizt]

alan,

Any chance of some pictures of your set up ?

[alistairm]

Yes - pics please! I have only once seen CX4Fs in the flesh, and they were staggeringly well finished.