R-A-W Acoustic HT-1 Ribbon Monitor (Maple)

[Zero]

*sold* These monitors are in need of a new happy home! Like so many toys, I would keep them if I could. I got a screaming deal from Al Wooley over at Raw Acoustics (out of BC Canada) on these speakers. All I want is what I have in them ($350/pair).

If you want a compact speaker that excels at light classical / jazz / acoustic, then they are for you. Between the Aurum Cantus RA104.5 Ribbon Tweeter, the Adire WR125s 4.5’’ (shielded) woof, compotent crossover, R&D and excellent cab work, you couldn’t MAKE them for less.

These are tuned to 80hz and while their bass is amazingly tout given their size, a sub is recommended. They also require solid current. Receivers from the likes of Denon , Yamaha, Sony, Onkyo - are not going to be enough.

*sold*

[dorokusai]

I just reached into my pants.

[audiobliss]

How are the grills attached to the enclosures? They look really nice and clean.

[Zero]

Michael

Magnetic grills.

[michael_w]

Great price and very nice speaker. The wr125 is an awesome driver and in general mates quite well with the ribbon. Magnetic grilles are cool too ;) (magnets are imbedded from behind the baffle) Get these some decent power and they'll be worth every penny. Also, the finish looks better in life than it does in that picture.

Mark, I'm amazed you were even wearing pants to start with.

[steveinaz]

very cool...

[hotwheelman]

Mark doesn't wear pants.....he just wants you to think he does.:D

[Zero]

Last call Gents. If you are looking to make a serious step above the LSi in a small package - this is it!

[AndyGwis]

What would you need to power these bad boys? I inherited some small carver amps that aren't needed for my ht setup. . . may build a 2-channel system.

[Zero]

Which Carver Amps?

I've owned one, and heard my fair share of plenty others. Most, if not all vintage Carver pieces will have the balls to drive the HT-1's with no real problem.

[AndyGwis]

Smallest ones, Carver TFM-6cbs. 65wpc 8-ohm in stereo, 100wpc 4-ohm stereo, 200 wpc 8-ohm only bridged. I have two.

I'm just starting to come up to speed on higher-end Polk speakers, and mainly just academically from reading the forum (I have Monitors if that tells you anything :) ). I know nothing about these speakers other than they are better than what I have, are a good deal, and look very nice.

If I'm looking for a fairly budget friendly pair of speakers to couple with carvers for 2-channel rig, would these do the trick? I would prefer not to have a sub for 2-channel, so maybe I need to find towers.

[audiobliss]

Nope, you've got it wrong here. This is way better what you have, it's a great deal, and they look excellent.

:D

[AndyGwis]

Thanks for the clarification. I think I could pull together $300ish if I could use these as a strong (again, for a person with 33 posts :) ) 2-channel system.

I know these are excellent speakers, but I'm not 100% sure they are excellent speakers for what I need.

[michael_w]

It probably depends more on what music you listen to. These will have plenty bass but I'm sure they would be best if matched with a sub. For example, I'm happy with the bass I get out of my lsi7's but for some music I'm glad I have my sub there to add that little tiny bit of presence on the really low notes. If you set them up in a good room and find that perfect placement I bet you'll be happy with them as is.

At that price I would be very tempted too. As Zero said, you couldn't even make them for that much. The wr125's alone are half that price! I say give them a shot and if they don't work for you you could resell them back here or on audiogon.

[Zero]

Andy,

In Bridged mode, you will be fine.

I am saying this as an audio hobbiest/enthusiast and not as a seller.. in my subjective opinion, the timbre, resolution, and sound-stage you gain from this speaker is on a whole other playing field from any current Polk product, Lsi included. The caveat is that RAW acoustics is not immensely popular, carrying virtually no publication awards, et all.

As for being what you need... talk to me..what do you want, what do you listen to? I can tell you that while the Carver has balls - sonically, it will only give you 50% of what these little guys are capable of.

You mention bass being a concern. I can tell you, these do NOT sound like 80hz tuned speakers (which is what they are)..... but just the same, they are small monitors and in the end, cannot displace the same amount of air a good floor stander of the same caliber can.

[fredv]

Hi Sean,

Don't mean to steal Andy's deal. Will this 10 wpc Leak:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39326
drive the RAW?

Thanks,

[Zero]

FredV,

Honestly, I am not familiar with the classic LEAK. Going purely off of 'what I know' about tube and my experiences from past amps that have gone through these doors.... those 10 watts will drive the HT-1's fine *if* ;

You do not intend on blasting it...

The HT-1's boast a friendly 8ohm load. Whats not so friendly is their efficiency, rated at 85db and acts more like 83db. If you want a very warm, rich, super high class sound at soft volumes (which you would more than likely achieve with the LEAK)... you're golden. That would be a sweet combination to end the day too. However, if you want to rock out... if you want to take it up to pretty loud levels, than no - it just wont be enough.

[Zero]

Ok boys, I'd hate to put a rush on this but I need to know by mid-afternoon tomorrow(sat). I got a line of people waiting for these things... I want to keep them in club polk if I can...

[fredv]

I will have to pass this pair of beauty. While I will never attempt to push the Leak (for it's age), I am afraid that 85dB is too low for it to comfort.

Cheers,

[Zero]

Fred,

Perfectly understandable. Thanks for giving me a response!

[AndyGwis]

Hey Zero,

These speakers are very intriguing, but I think I would be jumping the gun to commit at this point. Maybe if I had my tax return in hand or made a decision after a few drinks last night, I would have the 'balls' to pull the trigger.

But, alas, I will have to pass. Sorry for delay in getting back to you. If for any reason they aren't sold to another in the next few days, PM me and I may still be interested :)

Thanks again.

[AndyGwis]

who ended up getting these bad boys?

[Zero]

Andy,

I trust you got my PM. In case you didn't, thanks for giving me a prompt update.

Someone from audiogon ended up with em'.

[AndyGwis]

Hey Zero,

I did receive your PM the other day. Thanks! Glad someone ended up with these nice speakers. . . I've already got a little non-buyer remorse for not pulling the trigger, but something else will come up for me I'm sure.

Andy