7
Initial Impressions
Introduction:
The tweeter that we selected for this particular design
represents a true breakthrough! It is the subject of years of research,
and the development of some innovative and truly exciting patents
(Vifa of Denmark). This tweeter single-handedly provides extension
(35 KHz!)
and
dynamics; smoothness
and
detail; timbres
and
transparency.
In the presentation of many musical virtues—vibrance, timbres,
lucidity, and low coloration, to name a few--we’ve found this tweeter
to be a in a class by itself. To this end, we feel that it is the perfect
match to the companion woofer, and its low-distortion-loading.
In the application of this woofer/tweeter combination, we’ve
discovered new heights of musical control, predictability, and
articulation. The levels of “coloration” and distortion are lower than we
ever thought possible, only a few years ago.
Rather than imposing
an “Escalante flavor,” each piece of music displays a character
and flavor unique to the style and quality of the original.
You
should notice an almost unprecedented variance from recording-to-
recording…this is how it should be!
Break-in:
As befits a new technology, the burn-in process
demonstrates several distinct characteristics: The crossover itself
takes approximately 50-75 hours to form. Once this occurs, the upper-
bass to lower-midrange transition will flesh out, increasing
cohesiveness and dimensionality in that range. After 200-250 hours
the bottom-end will flesh out and gain greater solidity.
After burn-in, the sound will become progressively more open and
detailed. The components and technologies developed for The Pinyon™
loudspeaker yield expanding performance with use. Additionally,
cabinets, passive parts, cables and connections have all been designed
to last a lifetime.
Program Material:
Escalante Design does
not
recommend recordings
specifically designed for loudspeaker, system or cable burn-in. The
quickest and most enjoyable way to facilitate break-in is to play music
that is fun, dynamic and harmonically dense. Instruments combining
transients and rich harmonics seem to be most useful--for example,
piano, guitar, and harpsichord—for breaking in crossovers. Material
containing dynamic and powerful bass works best for breaking in
woofers.
