I’ve now spent a month with the Tablette Anniversarys and they continue to amaze me every time I sit down to listen. At $2200/pair I’ve heard nothing that comes close in overall experience.
The associated gear is as follows: Naim XS integrated amplifier, Sony SCD-XA5400Es, Wireworld Eclipse V 1M ICs, and Monster Cable M 2.4 speaker cable. The speakers are mounted on Sanus Ultimate Support 26″ speaker stands. As far as cables are concerned, frankly I’ve auditioned a lot of speaker cables and been underwhelmed by most of them so until I find something better that’s also proportionate cost wise these are my reference.
The synergy in the system is uncanny. As I listen, there isn’t much I can find that I would change. The Sony plays SACD and CD with a level of energy and excitement I’ve never heard from anything anywhere near its price and the Naim XS is neutral and dynamic with the ability to unravel the complexity of music with ease. Together with the speakers, this is quite a trio.
Soundstaging is staggering. It’s such an imbalance between what you see and what you hear that at times it’s hard to make sense of. The Tablette’s big brothers, the Response D18s are sitting a few feet out from them on either side, static. But there are times where someone who didn’t know better would sware they’re hooked up as well. The height is just as impressive. On the 26″ stands the Tablettes total height is about an inch and a half shorter than the D18s but the center image hovers well above the cabinets themselves.
One of the shocking aspects of these speakers is their dynamic capability. As small as they are, they pack a punch. I don’t necessarily mean this is a window-rattling sort of way, rather transients such as snare drums have the type of sharp, tactile feel that they should but often don’t. The top end is lively but smooth. When they’re called on to be bright, they have stunning energy, the rest of the time they’re smooth, textured, delicate and airy.
Midrange is very much like the top-end. Energetic when necessary while also capable of delivering nuance and depth. I’m hearing music unraveled as I haven’t before. It’s not necessarily that I’m hearing new detail (although at times I do), I’m hearing it as intended; in correct space and appropriate amplitude.
Bass is good, as long as I remember these speakers are small. They play low (-6db @35Hz according to Proac) but they’re not going to make pant legs flap. In the correct room (mine is a little large for them and they not all that close to the back wall) they will be more than sufficient. What they do down low they do very well but it can be hard to remember these speakers are as small they are when soundstaging and overall dynamics are taken into account. Overall, the bass is nimble and quick enough to compliment the rest of the range with appropriate weight and dynamics. Still, although I have yet to try; a pair of well-integrated subs (I’ll be trying them with the JL F112s or F113s soon) provide interesting food for thought. Don’t get me wrong, subs aren’t necessary, just intriguing.
Overall, I couldn’t be more excited about these speakers. They excel everywhere a fine loudspeaker should… They do well with everything from Rock, to Hip-Hop, to Jazz and I’m sure that they’d be equally adept with Classical (thought I have to admit my collection’s thin). They have life, depth and a seductive, vibrant glow that is intoxicating. When price is taken into consideration they’re even more impressive. The exact system I am listening to, well-appointed with additions such as Sonos, Rega DAC, Salamander rack and cables can still be had for less than 10K. One would be extremely hard pressed to do better for anywhere near this price. This system should bring enjoyment to whomever listens to it.
So, drop me a line if you’re interested, Schedule an audition, bring some music and prepare to be pleasantly shocked.
