SGR Audio Owners & Discussion Thread

[Nude 30]

When it comes to Hi FI, I'm definitely Old School, that means Tubes, Vinyl, Passive Crossovers, and an aversion to all all things digital including ICs, Op Amps, and all that so called modern science guff

Crikey, even my amps are hard wired point to point

Quite obviously, Leading Edge Technology and Application could never compete yet alone improve upon God's Own Kit...right?

Today, after a midweek telephone conversation with Harry, I visited SGR, where I proceeded to make some new friends, and learnt some valuable lessons

No point denying that I drove over with some preconceived ideas of what the MT3s would sound like: a little harsh, somewhat over driven, bass heavy at the expense of the rest of the spectrum, and prone to cause listening fatigue.

After all, I've been around this industry in one form or another for many years and have heard literally thousands of combinations of the best kit available. I should know

I'm a ****head

What I heard was comparable in some areas to the very best I have ever come across, and superior in other areas

Soundstage, pitch, tonality, dynamics, transients, but above all...Engagement

It only took two minutes for me to forget why I was there

I was too busy enjoying the music

Jacintha

Bic Runga

Leonardo's Bride

Patricia Barber

Harry Belafonte

And a rendition of Stevie Ray's Tin Pan Alley that my big ATCs would have bowed down to

In between listening sessions, Harry, Ann, and Stuart showed me through some amazing products and the design and application science behind them. The absolute attention to detail and resolve to be to 100% right is profoundly impressive

I have no doubt when SGR products are unleashed upon the wider Audio world a frenzy will ensue

Thank you so much guys, and Happy Birthday Stuart :eek:

Edited March 8, 2009 by Nude

[Drizt 43]

Great stuff Nude.

Ill be the first to tell you, "told you so" :eek:

[Young Skywalker 131]

Pleased to hear that you enjoyed your first MT3A experience Nude.

Now imagine those same speakers with a world class vinyl front end.:eek: Mind you, Harry's old H-K Rabco TT/linear tracking tonearm aren't exactly chopped liver and hold up very well to most modern offerings.

I am sure some people, make that most people, on this forum thought I was crazy in giving up my former high efficiency speakers and jewel-like Yamamoto SET amplifier to join the "accuracy or bust" brigade so hopefully Nude's voice of experience will go some way towards validating my paradigm shift.

My best birthday wishes to Stuart also. So much wisdom for one so young.

Aaron

Edited March 8, 2009 by Young Skywalker

[Drizt 43]

... so hopefully Nude's voice of experience will go some way towards validating my paradigm shift.

Aaron

Mate, Im more impressed that you made the decision to break the mould on your own. No need to worry about validation mate. Norpus and JohnA opened my eyes originally to SGR, and then I merely followed in the footsteps of others. I didn't really have any preconcieved ideals to break before taking the plunge. You were well and truely entrenched in your current path at the time so it took much more to make the paradigm shift as you say.

[Guest guru]

nude please just one more key to the stargate,admit the swans are a much better footy team than the pies and we can all go home.pleeeease,,,,

[Guest JohnA]

Nude

great to read you enjoyed your visit to SGR and also enjoyed what you heard.

I won't lie, when i first saw the octagons, i said, there is no way they will ever come into my house, then i loaned a pair and the rest is history.

I am looking forard to the day the boys and woman from SGR come pay me a visit with a set of MT heads to try, as i do like the looks better then the octagons, and feel they may be better suited to my tastes.

However i also love the octagons and the mt's will have to realy prove themselves which i am sure they will

Happy b'day Stuart

[Nude 30]

nude please just one more key to the stargate,admit the swans are a much better footy team than the pies and we can all go home.pleeeease,,,,

I'm afraid we're stuck on earth for ever, G

[Nude 30]

Nude

great to read you enjoyed your visit to SGR and also enjoyed what you heard.

I won't lie, when i first saw the octagons, i said, there is no way they will ever come into my house, then i loaned a pair and the rest is history.

I am looking forard to the day the boys and woman from SGR come pay me a visit with a set of MT heads to try, as i do like the looks better then the octagons, and feel they may be better suited to my tastes.

However i also love the octagons and the mt's will have to realy prove themselves which i am sure they will

Happy b'day Stuart

G'day John

Saw the Octagon MTMs today but didn't get to compare them with the MTs soundwise

'twould be interesting, but from I what I ascertained today SGR only move one way...forwards, so the MT heads should be exactly what you expect

[Drizt 43]

G'day John

Saw the Octagon MTMs today but didn't get to compare them with the MTs soundwise

'twould be interesting, but from I what I ascertained today SGR only move one way...forwards, so the MT heads should be exactly what you expect

You should hear the Octagons in Johns room :eek:. Its a lovely room. Plenty of bass reinforcement that is not over done in my opinion, sweet through the midrange, and nicely balanced in the top end due to all the soft furnishings and curtains. Im dying to get some curtains in my room to see what difference it makes to both the aesthetics and sound quality.

[Drizt 43]

Bic Runga

Thanks for the reminder on this one Nude, going to go listen to some of her CD's on the MT3a's now :eek:

[Nude 30]

Thanks for the reminder on this one Nude, going to go listen to some of her CD's on the MT3a's now :eek:

Your welcome Aaron

My fave is Bic Runga with Christchurch Symphony track 5 'Anyone who had a heart'

[ATTACH]6470[/ATTACH]

[k371n 1]

Thanks Nude re: Bic Runga live in concert.

Let's see if I can find this tomorrow.

Love her voice.

Would love to hear her life in a club somewhere.

I've missed the times she played in Sydney :eek:

k_

[rippingdragon 9]

SGR need a sign out front that says leave all your preconceived notions here.

Stereotypes certainly exist for a reason. A lot of low efficiency SS powered gear is harsh in the highs and bloated in the bass. But that doesn't mean all of it is, or even has to be.

For those of you yet to experience SGR and who are wondering what all the fuss about, I think their products can be explained by two key points Nude raised. They are 1) SGR's attention to detail and 2) their commitment to accuracy.

I see these two attributes as the contributing factors that have led to the house sound (or lack thereof) developed by SGR. This however, is slightly unfortunate because many people have had experiences with so called "accurate gear" that can sound harsh or bright and often gets referred to as "clinical" and "emotionally uninvolving". I cannot stress how far away SGR is from falling into this camp. I think coming from tube and full rangers helps Nude's and Young Skywalker's experiences with SGR demonstrate just how far they are from uninvolving or clinical.

So how does one explain the discrepancy with past personal experiences and new experiences with SGR? I think this is where their attention to detail comes in combined with lots of knowledge and experience. There are many many facets to accuracy in loudspeaker design. A lot of manufacturers of "accurate" equipment will provide some evidence to show that their equipment is "100% faithful". But on what metrics? So they show you a falt frequency response. Sure looks good.... as a start! But, what about resonance from cabinets, back wave reflections from the inside of the speaker drivers, drivers rigning or breaking up, the ability to produce from 20hz-20khz, transient response, or dispersion? When you start to get these things nailed down and can demonstrate how you've done it, only then can a manufacturer claim have an accurate product.

Unfortunately, the moniker of accurate has been tainted by other manufacturers who haven't considered the whole picture. However, if you can build a system that is faithful to all parts of a signal from sine waves to dynamic swings and transients than why would you expect the system to feel analytical or emotionally uninvolving? Is music from a live Stradivarius analytical or unengaging? Do you think they should alter the shape of a Strad and it's material to give it a different "more pleasing" sound signature?

It's hard work to take all of the above factors in the sound into consideration in a system's design. This is the reason why the preconvied notions exist. Very few manufacturers have the knowledge, technology, or willingness to go this distance. Anyone who has met any of the Ralstons and seen there place of work can more than attest to their ability to do so. For a local mob, the level of technology going into their builds is well above anything I've seen in and above their price range from even the most well established manufacturers.

I think that is why you find so many evangelists for the SGR brand. Not only are they putting together some awesome kit, but they are achieving sounds not thought possible by many from the technology choosen. It is hard to concisely explain in words what SGR are doing and how far above your expectations their equipment will sound (even with the mounting hype on the forum), which is why I think you find many of their owners can't shut up about the damn things! :eek:

[Grimmie 560]

SGR need a sign out front that says leave all your preconceived notions here.

which is why I think you find many of their owners can't shut up about the damn things! :eek:

Amazing how 'the crew' seem to impress even die-hard sceptics. I think their belief in what they're doing, and their pure sounds produced, are argument enough.

Well-done Nude, and welcome in.

Grimmie.

[Guest JohnA]

I tell you what i love the most about SGR

from the first time i ever went there, they made you feel at home. There was never any hard sell. Now i just think of them as extended family. Any question, anything you need they just listen and if they can do, they do. If not they tell you why it won't and give you options.

Now SGR how my.......ooops better not say too much :eek:

[56oval 9]

Congat's guys , this is why I like diy or my case diy Ikea style ,for the same reason you get to deal direct with the designer manufacture ,seeing a product from grass roots begining and new ideas or a different take on an old one's .

Cheers

[rippingdragon 9]

Forgot to ask,

Has Nudey maybe found a replacement for the discontinued Tannoys?

[Nude 30]

Forgot to ask,

Has Nudey maybe found a replacement for the discontinued Tannoys?

Maybe Nudie has, maybe Nudie hasn't

Maybe it's not what Ripping Dragon is thinking though :eek:

[SGR Audio 115]

Hello All,

Thanks for the Birthday wishes and all your kind words :eek:

Producing high end products in Australia is far from easy, but we are getting there!

We really appreciate your support.

Cheers,

Stuart.

[Drizt 43]

Leonardo's Bride

Thanks again Nude. I picked up Open Sesame and we are loving it. I hadn't heard it before but thought I would take a punt on your suggestion. Cheers.

[Nude 30]

Thanks again Nude. I picked up Open Sesame and we are loving it. I hadn't heard it before but thought I would take a punt on your suggestion. Cheers.

Any time mate

Try this

It's from Angel's Blood

Abbey plays in Melbourne semi regularly, mostly with Paul Mac

www.abbydobson.com

[Drizt 43]

Any time mate

Try this

It's from Angel's Blood

Abbey plays in Melbourne semi regularly, mostly with Paul Mac

www.abbydobson.com

Thanks mate. Ill have to look into it.

I love the Paul Mac / Daniel Johns - The Dissociatives .... althought the recording is compressed, I love the album. Probably not your style, but I appreciate it.

[ehtcom 2,015]

Any time mate

Try this

It's from Angel's Blood

Abbey plays in Melbourne semi regularly, mostly with Paul Mac

www.abbydobson.com

Thanks for the link Nude.

Brought a smile to both myself and my wife Tracey.

It has dug up some fond memories of playing this song to our son Harry at bed time when he was 2~3 (now 15 and into thrash metal :eek: ).

Cheers, Earle.

[Guest JohnA]

G'day John

Saw the Octagon MTMs today but didn't get to compare them with the MTs soundwise

'twould be interesting, but from I what I ascertained today SGR only move one way...forwards, so the MT heads should be exactly what you expect

I have no doubt you are correct, it will just come down to personal taste.

[jaspert 195]

I tell you what i love the most about SGR

from the first time i ever went there, they made you feel at home. There was never any hard sell. Now i just think of them as extended family. Any question, anything you need they just listen and if they can do, they do. If not they tell you why it won't and give you options.

Now SGR how my.......ooops better not say too much :eek:

Having benefitted from their hospitality and generosity, i would have to agree wholeheartedly. And they are a class act. A lot of the time the technical bits went over my head but the ears got a treat and often followed by the palate too thanks to Ann. Another belated happy birthday wish to young Stuart.

[adrocks 111]

Nude,

Good review of the SGR's. Obviously from all the accolades praised upon them they are quite superb to listen too. And the fact that many afficiados of hifi on this site have got rid of their amps and speakers, and gone SGR speaks for itself.

There is no doubting their ability to deliver. And its nice to know the people at SGR are committed to the cause and have a real passion for what they do.

cheers

adrocks42

Edited March 9, 2009 by adrocks

[jrisles 207]

Slightly OT .. but regarding Abby Dobson i saw her sing in a Leonard Cohen tribute show with a group called Monsieur Camembert. The show was titled "Famous Blue Cheese" and it was without a doubt one of the best shows i have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Abby Dobson sung Leonards "Famous Blue Raincoat" song and she just nailed it!!! It was an amazing performance ... truly amazing ... i am talking "shivers down the spine" amazing ... that was the first time i had ever heard Abbey sing. Even better than Jennifer Warnes rendition imho ... :eek::eek:

If you ever get the chance go and see her live!! I have just searched online and she is playing in Brisbane early April at Kitty O'Sheas (Caxton St). I'll see some Brisbane SNA'ers there perhaps??

http://www.monsieurcamembert.com/cds.htm

Apologies for taking this OT ...

cheers

Jeff

Any time mate

Try this

It's from Angel's Blood

Abbey plays in Melbourne semi regularly, mostly with Paul Mac

www.abbydobson.com

[Mika75 13]

MT3s $$$ how much?

edit: Who and what is SGR ?? ..ok so I've done some searching, @ audiomarketplace they have plate amps, reading threads round here they do active upgrades, ....is this MT3 their 1st flagship loudspeaker? anyone ?

Edited March 18, 2009 by Mika75

[Guest JohnA]

Mika75, they became known with the octagons.

They did of course have some earlier models also and when you visit the house of SGR you get to see it all.

The MT3 has a new top section to the octagon.

There are many pictures of the octagons on here if you do a search.

their website is http://www.sgraudio.com.au/

It has nothing on it at the moment, apart from contact details, so at least you can contact them and enquire about anything you need.

RRP for the MT3's including all amps (not the plate amps) and crossovers is $40k

[NellyJamba 5]

I am still catching my breath following up with all that is going on in the industry.

Damn! What have I been missing?!

[Guest JohnA]

Nelly, since you are in Melbourne, do yourself a favour and go listen to a pair.

OR

since you are a fellow bike rider, throw the bike in the car, head down here, listen to mine and we go for a ride

[Drizt 43]

Nelly, since you are in Melbourne, do yourself a favour and go listen to a pair.

OR

since you are a fellow bike rider, throw the bike in the car, head down here, listen to mine and we go for a ride

I strongly recommend you take him up on this very generous offer mate. JohnA has a first rate system and hes a top bloke to boot.

[Guest JohnA]

I strongly recommend you take him up on this very generous offer mate. JohnA has a first rate system and hes a top bloke to boot.

ahhh shucks

thanks mate

most people would say i'm an A.........

[NellyJamba 5]

Nelly, since you are in Melbourne, do yourself a favour and go listen to a pair.

OR

since you are a fellow bike rider, throw the bike in the car, head down here, listen to mine and we go for a ride

Sounds like a plan!

But those hills in the East scare the **** out of me. I am more of a Beach Road weekend warrior. To put it in an inflated manner, I am more of a green jersey than polka dot jersey. Built for speed over very very very very very very very very short distance.

[Mika75 13]

Either JohnA is a top bloke or he just made his 1st move on Nelly

ok, back on topic, 40k for active loudspeakers u say ?

What is SGR doing that someone else isn't?

Why not just get the B&W 802d, 3 high power amplifiers & the Behringer DCX. With this configuration u can create virtually any sound u want...under 30k

[Guest JohnA]

Mika

trust me, i tried the 802D's in my room and they just did not compare.

But if we were to argue price

802D rrp $22000

then as you say 3 good quality amps at even $4k per amp is rrp $12k so you are getting very close to the $40k

Now i love the B&W sound and was very dissapointed that the 802D's did not do it for me.

Also to get the same bottom end out of an 802D as you do out of the octagons or mt3 you will need to add a good quality subs or 2, so more costs factored into the equation.

[Grizzly 2,686]

Plus the service that SGR provide. Try to get B&W to do that!

[jimdgoulding 2]

pardon the interruption . . testing 1,2,3

[Dr X 19]

Either JohnA is a top bloke or he just made his 1st move on Nelly

ok, back on topic, 40k for active loudspeakers u say ?

What is SGR doing that someone else isn't?

Why not just get the B&W 802d, 3 high power amplifiers & the Behringer DCX. With this configuration u can create virtually any sound u want...under 30k

Well said Mika...at 40k there are many options. What are they doing that someone else isn't? Well maybe one of their owners can tell you.

Add DEQX to your system above and a couple of 15" or 18" subs and it could very well be comparable.

[Guest JohnA]

Well said Mika...at 40k there are many options. What are they doing that someone else isn't? Well maybe one of their owners can tell you.

Add DEQX to your system above and a couple of 15" or 18" subs and it could very well be comparable.

and at the same price point once you add a deqx and a couple of subs

and then you are just assuming it will sound as good as you have never heard a pair of SGR speakers so you wouldn't know.

Why bother posting if you have never experienced them, have you even experienced B&W 802D??