Purchased these a few months ago and they dont suit my bad sounding room unfortunately. They are special speakers and someone will be very, very happy.
Beautiful speakers that add to whatever room they are in.
Original shipping crates included.
I also have a pair of Auditorium A23 speaker cables that will be available seperately to the buyer.
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
### Sound Quality
Reviewers consistently highlight the midrange as mesmerizing, natural, textured, three-dimensional, and highly engaging, especially for vocals, surpassing many competitors in palpability and realism. Bass is described as fast, tight, deep, tuneful, full of tone and color, and surprisingly powerful for the speaker's size—capable of "rolling over you" with excellent PRaT (pace, rhythm, and timing), micro-dynamics, and coherence, though it requires precise room placement to avoid prominence or thinness. High frequencies sparkle nicely without fatigue, contributing to an overall warm, colorful, agile, transparent, and non-fatiguing presentation that excels at low volumes, creates immersive soundstages (tall, coherent, with strong scale for large ensembles), and transports listeners to the venue with intact ambiance and spatial cues. Dynamics, detail, resolution, and frequency extension are frequently called impeccable, with vinyl and digital sources sounding smooth and relaxed; however, the sweet spot can be narrow due to the tweeter's beaming.
### Build Quality
Discussions note solid construction in a bass-reflex enclosure, with high efficiency (96dB sensitivity) enabling compatibility from 5 watts to 400 watts, making them adaptable and "chameleon-like." No widespread complaints about materials or finish, though setup is emphasized as critical—tweeters ideally 7 feet apart, 45-48 inches from walls for optimal openness and bass balance.
### Reliability
Burn-in is crucial: speakers sounded disappointing at 200 hours but transformed dramatically by 450 hours per manufacturer recommendation, becoming "alive" and reference-level. Long-term user feedback includes one owner unable to find a better match after years, reporting consistent enjoyment without issues. No reports of failures, though proper setup is key to avoiding misperceptions like excessive bass.
### Strengths
- Versatile amplification compatibility and high efficiency for dynamic, lifelike playback.
- Engaging, fatigue-free musicality that surprises with bass slam, soundstage depth, and low-level performance.
- Awards and "best of" status for transparency, timbre, and venue recreation.
### Weaknesses
- Requires extensive burn-in (450+ hours) and precise positioning; early listening risks negative impressions.
- Narrower sweet spot and visible cabinet presence compared to some panels like Quads or ESLs.
- Bass can seem prominent if not dialed in, though tunable.
### Overall Reputation
The O/96s enjoy a stellar reputation in audiophile communities as "the loudspeaker many have been waiting for"—dynamic, detailed, coherent, and musically compelling, often preferred over pricier options for their heart-grabbing realism and value. Users report frequent smiles, extended listening sessions, and system upgrades abandoned in their favor, earning diamond awards and editor's choices.
### Price Range Breakdown
- New: A$24,990 (Australian retailer McLeans, standard finish including stands and grilles). Comparable new pricing includes US$15,900 (≈A$24,000 at 1.51 USD/AUD) in Lace Walnut gloss and older US$12,000 (≈A$20,000 adjusted, 2017 data).
- Used: A$16,500 (recent Aussie Audio Mart listing in Australia).
Prices vary significantly by condition (new units command 40–60% premiums over used due to handmade construction and limited availability) and finish (custom veneers like ebony, birdseye maple, or paint add fees, often POA).
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Custom options: Veneer type (e.g., lace walnut standard; exotics extra), gloss level, and paint matching increase costs.
- Location and import: Australian pricing reflects local distribution (e.g., McLeans), higher than UK £13,500 (≈A$26,000, 2021) or RM76,300 Malaysia (≈A$25,000).
- Market dynamics: High-sensitivity (96dB) design for low-power amps drives demand among audiophiles; awards like Stereophile 2017 enhance resale.
- Age and scarcity: Handmade in Brooklyn with few listings; used values hold well but depend on condition and accessories (stands/grilles included).
Limited recent user-reported data; estimates use conservative averaging of 2024–2026 listings, adjusted for AUD stability.
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