SOUND LAB AUDIOPHILE A1 ELECTROSTATIC SPEAKERS SOUNDLAB Martin Logan killers! $18000 New. Utterly Spectacular! Start Price USD 4,500.00 Current Price USD 4,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price USD 7,500.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, August 22, 2008 End Time Monday, September 01, 2008 Location Broomfield, Colorado See more about 'SOUND LAB AUDIOPHILE A1 ELECTROSTATIC SPEAKERS SOUNDLAB' Description SquareTrade © AP6.0 tara-sell Store SOUND LAB AUDIOPHILE A-1 ELECTROSTATIC SPEAKERS $18000 The finest in electrostatic loudspeaker technology! My testimonial: You will find a number of critics’ reviews below so I will try not to belabor the point, but I have to add my two-cents for what it’s worth. I’m not a professional critic but I have devoted much of my life to the pursuit of enjoying music & fine audio equipment. I have listened to thousands of speakers by ALL of the finest manufacturers.  I will simply say the Sound Labs are the most impressive, realistic, accurate, sensitive and enjoyable speakers I have had the pleasure of hearing ever, period! In a word… spectacular! What Martin-Logan wants to be! Paired with an NHT subwoofer and powered by an Adcom GFA-555 mkII driven by a Hafler 915 preamp the A1’s have transformed my living room into a stage occupied by any artist I choose. PURE SONIC BLISS! I can only imagine what they would do for a home theater! I can only imagine because I’ve lost the battle with the wife over whether these could stay, or you wouldn’t be reading this. She won’t part with our Belle Klipschs and there isn’t room for both so, with much sadness I present these for your consideration. Condition: Factory refurbished this summer. I just received the electronics modules back from the Sound Lab factory in Utah where they were tested, refurbished and brought up to spec with new bias supplies (cost $400 – receipt included).  They are functioning beautifully! Cosmetics: There is one small hole approx ½” diameter in the grill fabric of one speaker. There are a few abrasions in the wood frames (bumps & bruises from being moved) but nothing unsightly or even very noticeable unless you’re looking for them. Ownership: The original owner was Jeff Rowland of Jeff Rowland Designs audio in Colorado Springs, CO. Shipping (not). These are too large, heavy and delicate to be shipped. They may be picked-up or, you can make your own shipping arrangements or, I will entertain delivery arrangements within 500 miles of Denver, Colorado. If you are able to make other arrangements, you are welcome to do so. I will assist in making them available or delivering them to a local freight company. Please email for shipping or delivery quotes BEFORE bidding. Audition: They are set up and available for audition in my Broomfield, Colorado home. Please email to schedule an appointment. Critical Reviews & Testimonials: AllegroSound - Soundlab A-1 Electrostatic Speakers "The Soundlab A-1 is about elevating reproduced music to the level of the live experience... that they succeed to this extent is a miracle that every audiophile should experience at least once in his or her lifetime... they've got me excited about music like never before. The A-1 was capable of sketching the outlines of a piano or chorus with lifelike dimensions that had me hooked like never before... I was captivated by the sensation of having my favorite singers standing before me as if in the flesh. The realism of the height perspective made me want to run right up to these phantoms and hug them out of sheer joy."   -Dick Olsher, Stereophile, Vol 15 No 11. "The awesome performance of the A-1 has become a legend, and will forever change the way you hear reproduced sound. The A-1 stands at the forefront of loudspeaker design. There has never been a single membrane loudspeaker that reproduces the audio spectrum as faithfully as the A-1."Perfectionists and reviewers have acclaimed the naturalness and ease with which the A-1's reproduce music in all of its forms, from Segovia to Shostakovich, from Dylan to [Grateful] Dead, from Shirley Horn to Sinatra. There is an addiction to the A-1 such that upon auditioning, you will never view music replay as before; everything else sounds "canned". A-1's are the last speakers you'll ever want, and now you can afford them! In the words of reviewer Dick Olsher: "The A-1 is about elevating reproduced music to the level of the live experience, ... that they succeed to this extent is a miracle that every audiophile should experience at least once in his or her lifetime, ... they've got me excited about music like never before" In the words of reviewer J. Gordon Holt about the A-3: "Never in my life have I lived with a speaker that has brought, and continues to bring, as much pleasure, excitement, and satisfaction.  In short, I am madly, passionately in love with their sound..."     Links to relative information:   Sound Lab Products - the finest electrostatic speakers   Sound Lab A-1PX - full range electrostatic speaker   Sound Lab reviews and testimonials   Review of Sound Lab A-1 in Classical Music magazine   Review of Sound Lab A-1 in Fi magazine   Glacier Audio Sound Lab Speakers   Jan 2006 price $18,700: Soundlab/Prices-jan06.pdf     LINK to the following articles and some NICE PICTURES: Stereos of the Rich and Famous Are electrostatic speakers the right choice? Not necessarily. For example, in December 2000 I was forced to sell my Sound Lab A-1s. Each is 6.5 feet tall and 3' wide. They were well-finished in oak and white cloth and look sort of like a cabinet maker had been asked to produce gracefully curved room dividers. What's wrong with that? The girlfriend decreed that our Harvard Square apartment's small living room does not really need to be divided. http://philip.greenspun.com/favicon.ico Are there dynamic speakers that sound as good as the A-1s? …. the answer was "not even close" Philip, It's encouraging to read another audiophile's opinion (especially one that I happen to agree with) regarding the low-frequency attributes of electrostatic loudspeakers (ESLs). I am an owner of Sound Lab electrostatics (since 1983) and a performing musician (electric bass). I mention the musician aspect to emphasize the fact that I am a genuine bass freak! Contrary to the popular belief that ESLs are weak in the low range, in fact, Sound Labs actually excel in this region. I believe the primary explanation for this lies in their superior "timbral accuracy"; that is, their ability to more accurately reproduce the natural timbre of a given musical voice. While an ESL's timbral accuracy surpasses that of conventional speakers throughout the entire frequency spectrum, the low frequency region is an area where they really shine. A good example of this is in the reproduction of my favorite musical instrument, the "upright" bass. This instrument is difficult to record and difficult to reproduce. A conventional loudspeaker will often times sound muddy and labored in its efforts to make this instrument sound realistic. A full-range ESL will not only reproduce the fundamental tones, but will also more accurately reproduce the overtones, which are an essential part of the sonic signature of the upright bass. The result is a cleaner, more well defined and overall truer sound. Perhaps the primary reason for Sound Lab's superior timbral accuracy has to do with the fact that they employ a full-range element as opposed to conventional speakers which utilize cabinets, multiple cone drivers and crossovers, all of which create their own sonic shortcomings (e.g. comb-filtering?). One of your "contributors" suggests that comb-filtering can result from a large surface radiator having to interact with small-area receptors (ears), and that waves coming from large surfaces do not get to the ears at the same time. Hmmm  I thought comb-filtering resulted from interaction between multiple drivers. Maybe someone can clue me in on this one. Another writer says, "ESLs don't do bass well" because of their limited displacement area, but then continues, "they are still much more linear than dynamic drivers" (perhaps due to timbral accuracy?). The area where ESLs may not perform as well as conventional speakers is in their relatively limited dynamic range. For example, a close-miked bass drum or an electronic bass drum reproduced through an ESL generally will not deliver the same visceral impact as a good quality, large cone driver. There is a trade-off here; if your listening preferences tend toward rap, techno, or recordings of freight trains and jet plane take-offs, then a box design may be the thing for you. However, if you listen to just about anything else, then you might want to consider a well designed ESL, which is a more accurate, less aurally fatiguing, transparent transducer capable of reproducing a wide soundstage, good imaging and excellent bass response. Steve Floor Salt Lake City, Utah -- Steve Floor, April 21, 2000 About a month ago I bought a pair of Sound Lab A1 speakers from Phillip. I love these speakers. I have had many great speakers in my 30 year quest for the musical holy grail including most recently Genesis 300's and I would put these right at the top. What I find especially interesting, is that I have them in a very small space, and they don't ever seem to overwhelm, regardless of how loud they are played. In addition, they can play very low and still be satisfying. They are completely natural sounding, I would urge anyone interested in great sound to hunt out these remarkable speakers for a listen. -- Edward Schneider, January 29, 2001   From AudioKarma, an audiophile newsgroup: Soundlab A1 vs Martin Logan CLS - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums Soundlab A1 vs Martin Logan CLS I'm looking to add one more pair of speakers to my tiny collection. I'd like to have just one pair of electrostatics. I've heard Martin Logan CLSs and always thought they were great speakers, even with little bass. I keep hearing and reading that Soundlab A1s are even better, but I've never managed to hear a pair. Has anyone here ever heard both and have an opinion?   Negotiableterms View Public Profile Find all posts by Negotiableterms   #2   06-22-2005, 08:39 AM House de Kris Loud-n-Deep   Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: California Posts: 991 I've heard both, but there were years of time in between so I can't offer a side-by-side comparison. They both sounded wonderful. If I had a choice, and I wasn't going to use a sub, I might opt for the A1, but either would be excellent. SoundLab A1 3 reviews    ( views/week)    5 of 5 MSRP: $ 15270.00 RatingReviewed by:kelley(Unregistered User)(AudioPhile) Review DateOctober 20, 2002 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Value Rating 5 of 5 Review 1 of 3 Summary:I have had my soundlab A-1 speakers for over a year, and I listen to them virtually every day for some time. I am very, very happy with them, and they represent my best audio purchase. They sound wonderful, and the sound never palls like some products. I have purchased products in the past that sounded fine, but ultimately resulted in listener fatigue due to some mid-range peak or some other flaw. Once one recognizes the flaw, it is hard to ignore. So far the SLs have no such flaws. I go from SACD to a transformer based preamp and then to Wolcott monoblocks. Strengths:Dispersion -- sounds great throughout the house. Weaknesses:WAF. One can maximize WAF by using silk prints over the spandex speaker cloth in some attractive pattern. Similar Products Used:compared to live classical music and to electrostatic headphones like jecklin floats and stax   RatingReviewed by:Philip Greenspun(Unregistered User)(Audiophile) Review DateDecember 4, 2000 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Value Rating 3 of 5 Review 2 of 3 Summary:You can't get a more accurate loudspeaker than a full-range electrostat. The Sound Labs have great dispersion. You can walk anywhere in the room and still hear high frequencies. This makes them superior to most planar speakers. The speakers aren't very efficient. I use a 100-watt class A amplifier and it clips a bit on piano solos. A 400-watt amp would be better. Tube amps aren't a great match for these speakers.The speakers sound great even in a small room (I had them in a 12x14' room at first) but they are physically huge (6.5'x3'). Your spouse or decorator may well suggest a sofa instead of a pair of huge speakers...(I wrote a full review at http://philip.greenspun.com/materialism/stereo ) Strengths:Natural sound. Low distortion. Attractive understated appearance. Weaknesses:Enormous room-dividing size.   RatingReviewed by:Kevin Heine(Unregistered User)( an Audiophile) Review DateApril 8, 1998 Review 3 of 3 Summary:I have found nirvana! The SoundLab A1's are the best speakers I have ever heard. Now that I have that rave out of my system, here are the associated components: amp- Audio Research V140's, Pre-Amp- Audible Illusions 3A,Cd- MAS Transport, Wadia 12 DAC, TT/Arm?cartrige- Rega Planar 3/RB300/Benz Micro, Cables- Tara, Kimber. My A1's have the new toridal transformer and the upgraded Cardas binding posts. Now I know what Dick Olshner and Gordon Holt have been raving about all these years. If you wanted one word to describe the A1's, it would be seamless. With no crossovers or multiple drivers between you and the music you get a clear picture of the original recording venue. Bas down to 25HZ (in my room) and a high end that goes on forever, the new transformer boosts dynamics and the audio extremes. Speaking of extremes I get 110db (in my room, and only for brief periods, need to keep my tin ears from turning to brass) of clean music, no trains or electrical storms here (or hear). A soundstage so realistic you want to walk up and thank Sonny Rollins for the fine performance he's just provided you. Layered depth from here (or hear, ok it's corny but I couldn't resist onre more time, the last, I promise). The A1's hit all of my hot buttons, tone, pace, and realistic soundstage. I recently had the opportunity to compare the A1's to the Wilson Grand Slam's at a NYC Audiophile meeting, it was no comparison, for a quarter of the price you get better tone (the shrill top end may have been due to the Spectrel Electronics), in the dealers room the soundstage was only average, in pace they were equals. The only caveat is that you will need to drive them with tubes, I auditioned the Krell KS250 (no longer in production) and the BEL's amps, the high end became hard and the sound was less palpable ( I had to get it in here once), even my wife noticed the difference, to her it sounded less "real". So if your looking at mega buck speakers the ($13,700) A1's are a steal, you need to audition the A1's before you buy. I'm sure Roger West would be glad to refer you to a local dealer.   SPECIFICATIONS   Frequency response   28 Hz to ultrasonics. Recommended Power   250-1kw with music. Radiating area   2200 square inches. Horizontal dispersion   90 degrees. Vertical dispersion   Projected field height of spkrs. Impedance (nominal)   8 Ohms. Sensitivity   88dB/1w/1m (measured at 4m). ControlsBass levelMid-frequenciesHigh-frequenciesD.C. Bias   4 positions in 3dB steps.  4 positions in 3dB steps.  Continuously variable.  Continuously variable. Dimentions   82"h, 35.5"w, 25"d at base. Weight   185 lbs ea.     VALUE APPRAISAL Retail price: $18,700 Jan 2006 price $18,700: Soundlab/Prices-jan06.pdf   Current used value range per the Audiogon Blue Book is $3620-$9390 Current AVERAGE used value per the Audiogon Blue Book is $5500. This is an “average” figure that includes ALL units sold including damaged, “as-is” & “parts” units. They are very difficult to find and typically sell for over $9000 good condition. Here’s the Audiogon value chart   Browse Sell Learn MyPage Help  Learn > BlueBook > S > Sound Lab > A-1 My BlueBook | Log out   Subscriber access: 118 days left         Sound Lab A-1 : Pricing info   New $16970.00                                     $9390.00 High $10100.00 Last $3620.00 Low Used $5500.00     Dec 00 Feb 07                Sound Lab A-1   released 1981, pr, 370 lbs         Sound Lab A-1 : Research Tools     Here’s a pair for sale on Audiogon for $8500 AudiogoN ForSale: Sound Lab Soundlab A-1 Full Range Browse Sell Learn MyPage Help  Home > Browse > Speakers: Planars > Item: 1223325105 Log In |  *        Sound Lab Soundlab A-1 Full Range electrostats (factory updated) Asking $8500.00 obo New Retail $19000.00 Condition 8/10 Days/Views 13 / 1517 Ship cost Plus shipping Ship from 700 lbs from 10977 Ship to Worldwide Included Box About Seller  Audio Pimp/JB Audio (3286)  (send email)  (view feedback)  (other items)     Pay Terms Money Order, Personal Check, COD, Visa/MC, PayPal     Make your Offer       Pictures Sound Lab Left speaker Sound Lab Right Speaker     Description The Soundlab A-1's are full range electrostatic speakers with no crossover that need a large room to fully shine. These speakers will kill any Martin Logan Hybrids in existence, and they handle dynamics better than the big Magnepans. These are much better constructed than the M-1 and quite a bit better. Why buy M-1 when you can buy A-1 for less?   Here’s a pair for sale on ebay for $8700: Sound Lab A-1 Full Range Electrostats (updated) - eBay (item 350074091549 end time Aug-25-08 10:06:39 PDT)   If you're quick you can use Buy-It-Now to get these in superb condition fully tested & guaranteed for only $7500.00! If offered, my BUY-IT-NOW price is always a good deal, so you if you see something you want, act before someone else does. 93% of my full-run auctions exceed the BIN price. With BIN you DON'T have to WAIT for the auction to END! The BUY-IT-NOW option is removed after the first bid is placed. The BIN opportunity will soon GO AWAY, so if you WANT it, be the first to hit that button! (Click here for other Tara-Sell items on eBay) Save Tara-Sell to your ebay favorites and check back often as I am always listing exquisite audio components. Many sell quickly as I always offer a fair BUY-IT-NOW price.   Scroll Down to Bottom for Detailed Photos What you see in the pictures is exactly what you get! My ads show ACTUAL PHOTOS of the exact item for sale. With few exceptions, I do not use “stock” or “file” photos, copies, etc. as shown in many other ads.  Be careful where you buy! PLEASE check my feedback and bid with complete confidence. TARA-SELL   "AS ADVERTISED" OR YOUR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Offers extended warrantees EBAY POWER SELLER SEVEN YEARS IN BUSINESS ON EBAY OVER 2300 SATISFIED EBAY CUSTOMERS OUTSTANDING  99% + POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING      SQUARE TRADE SEAL OF APPROVAL PAY PAL PREMIER BUSINESS MEMBER STATUS SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!!! TOTAL CONFIDENCE!   This item is tested & functioning as described. There is no reason to believe it will not continue to perform well for many years. Nevertheless, as with all used electronics this is sold as-is with no warranty. Extended warrantees are available through Square Trade Warranty. As per my extensive feedback, it is honestly & accurately described.   EXTENDED WARRANTY AVAILABLE Protect your investment. 2-year warranties are available on Used and Refurbished Items. Click link for details: SquareTrade | Great Warrantys Or cut & paste this URL into your browser search window: http://www.squaretrade.com/cnt/jsp/index.jsp;jsessionid=8zjg2at1z1?vhostid=tomcat-prod-3.squaretrade.com&stmp=google&cntid=8zjg2at1z1   SOME EXAMPLES OF BUYER FEEDBACK This guy's no joke, he knows what he's doing! Great packaging and communication. Buyer: acdc7369 ( 13)  Jan-22-08 19:17   $579.00 LEGENDARY PIONEER HPM-100 RARE VINTAGE SPEAKERS PERFECT - eBay (item 220190869503 end time Jan-11-08 08:24:47 PST) AWESOME!!!! COULDN'T ASK MORE FROM ANYONE!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! $1500 HOME THEATRE RECEIVER Great Deal! Unbelievably Trustworthy...Perhaps the best on E-Bay! A++++ Great ebayer. Other sellers take notice. Customer service second to none! Greatest item, greatest packaging, greatest communication, Hi, I received the refund. thanks for your fast excellent service and the way you do business.   GREAT SELLER,VERY EFFICIENT,FAST SHIPPING THE BEST PACKER IVE SEEN! EVER PERIOD Klipsch Synergy SF-3 SF3 Stunning Tower Speakers *MINT* US $367.98    Good packing, Item exactly as described , I'm pretty happy!!!!! Buyer: seamnkyma9w3r ( 3 ) DENON DP-790 Direct Drive Turntable $380.00   EXCELLENT PRODUCT---EXCELLENT PACKING----AAAA++++ Buyer: greaseneck ( 166 ) Klipsch KG-2.2v Center Channel Home Theater Speaker   Great deal! This thing is perfect! Buyer: busmoss ( 196 ) Dec-16-07 THORENS TD-166 MkII turntable TD166 Grado GT Cartridge (#220181599432) US $295.00   Excellent packaging & quick shipping Very knowledgeable AAA+ Buyer: v79543609 ( 114 ) Dec-15-07 CARVER MXR-130 MAGNETIC FIELD POWER AMPLIFIER RECEIVER (#220179131578) US $249.00 View Item speakers looked like they just came out of the box, great product fast Original Kloss NEW Large Advent Speakers Seller Packed Onkyo CD Player with Care // Very Satisfied // A++ Seller great communication & great delivery of the item as promised These items were in great shape, excellent packaging, fast turnaround! Great e-Bayer. Item as described. Sounds great. A+++++++++   A beautiful machine, as described. Fast shipment. Great seller.Thanks very positive. received product as described and in same week!!   Packed excellent and unit operates flawlessly Great Ebay seller+++++++++   Great product fast shipping Receiver sounds AWESOME!!!   Received in good condition as described. Great speakers. Thanks!   GREAT SELLER!! GREAT SPEAKERS!!   First class seller..! Buy with confidence... A+++     NO DOUBTS HERE!!!! You will receive your item quickly, well packaged and as advertised. I do not always offer the lowest prices, but they are always very good. Before you bid on the auction with the lowest price, ask if the seller guarantees the item, has it been tested and checked by a qualified technician? How long he has been selling hi-fi gear and does he know what he is talking about? Check his feedback! I always offer fair Buy It Now prices, a money-back guarantee, expert packing, 25 years in the hi-fi business and a positive feedback rating of 2400+!   Most of my equipment comes from Colorado where we enjoy a semi-arid (DRY) climate. This is important as humidity is the main deteriorating factor in audio equipment, especially speakers. Humidity attacks and accelerates deterioration of electronic circuitry and the flexible surrounds in speakers. Testing Audio/video equipment is tested for all basic functions and many secondary functions but we cannot always test every feature and setting. Amps, receivers & speakers are connected & tested for FM tuning & playback from a CD, tape, DVD, phono, etc. CD, DVD & tape players/recorders are cleaned internally & externally (heads and lenses are cleaned and demagnetized) and tested for playback, record, FF & REW.  Any defects found are noted in the ad. I sell a lot of vintage and mid-high end audio-visual equipment on eBay and have over 2300 satisfied EBAY customers. Most of my gear is used and often have some typical scratches and/or blemishes from normal use. Most are visible in the detailed, close-up photos. I have described this item honestly and accurately. There is no reason to believe that it will not serve well for many years.  However, electronic items are unpredictable. It is being sold AS-IS.   "As Advertised" SATISFACTION GUARANTEE   We guarantee the item you purchase is the item shown and advertised and is in the condition described in the auction listing, or you may return it for refund or replacement at your expense.   Items not as advertised: If an item does not function as described or is significantly different from the description, please contact us within 72 hours of receipt and we will make arrangements to resolve the problem. Once the 72 hour window has passed, we will not extend exchange or refund privileges.   Exclusions: Minor cosmetic defects, packaging, missing non-essential parts, or specification discrepancies that do not affect product fitness are not covered by this guarantee. No product guarantee is offered to customers outside of the USA.  Batteries and software are not covered by this guarantee.     Place a Bid!