TerryO Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 (edited) Only time will tell if my interest in the Golden Ear Triton Reference speakers proves to be a passing one or not, to date I have not heard any Golden Ear speakers, though I will be soon going for a listen to some, before that opportunity arises I thought I would ask for impressions from those who have actually heard the brands top of the line Triton Reference version either in shop or preferably in someone’s well set up listening room. While I know these speakers are great for HT duties my primary interest is in 2-channel sound delivery. I fully understand Golden Ear speakers are very polarising and they have more than their fair share of lovers and haters so that is why I am asking for those who have actually listened to the brands top end Triton Reference version to offer their opinions on what they heard. I also understand this might somewhat limit the feedback I get but I would rather keep any feedback focused on the top GE model that sounds like it is the one to have. Thanks in advance for any feedback. cheers, Terry Edited January 19, 2020 by TerryO
Ittaku Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 Excellent sound, truly one of the few top to bottom experiences in speakers that cast a great soundstage. The bass is thunderous and bottomless but falls short of the level of refinement as the finest full range panels or large closed speakers. However according to the person who had set them up, they're deceptive because their very narrow footprint makes them look like they'll be flexible in any environment and easy to set up, but they're not. While they fit in many more environments, they're just as dependent on set up as any other speaker, and getting the tonal balance right from the tweeter which is very directional and minute adjustments in toe-in alter it dramatically. I've only ever heard the lower models set up at the hifi show last year and it was a very average set up, and was expecting more. 1
Bunno77 Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 They were decent in this setup but the CD player maybe didn't fit? Didn't really amaze me though and crossed them off my list. Not a big difference from the Ones 1
Hydrology Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 Agree with everything @Ittaku said. While efficient they sound best with powerful amps behind them (for control). Almost a match made in heaven with current Meridian pre/power combo. But....they ain’t a pretty speaker! 1
Ittaku Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 17 minutes ago, Hydrology said: Agree with everything @Ittaku said. While efficient they sound best with powerful amps behind them (for control). Almost a match made in heaven with current Meridian pre/power combo. It's weird isn't it. Given they have a built-in self-powered subwoofer you'd think they'd be easy to drive, but they seem to be lifeless without current. Looking at their measurements they're very thirsty just above the subwoofer though.
JukKluk2 Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 Whilst I haven't heard the Reference, I have briefly heard the 1 and the 2. It's four years since last I heard them, but the experience is quite vivid in my memory, and I was quite impressed by them. If you're going to have a listen can I suggest you obtain a copy of King Crimson's album, Lizard? What was, on vinyl, side two is a hell of a work out for any speaker; it has everything from the most scintillating highs to deep, deep lows and lots of textures in between. Lots of melody, plus the required amount of wailing guitar. Any speakers that can convey this music well are worth listening to. 1
genkifd Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 ive heard the top of the line reference ones - very nice. awesome dynamic range. i listened to these with the Harbeth 40.2 anniversary editions and i felt that 40.2 had better mids while the Ref 1 went lower and higher. 1
Wayne Elliott Posted January 19, 2020 Posted January 19, 2020 1 hour ago, JukKluk2 said: Whilst I haven't heard the Reference, I have briefly heard the 1 and the 2. It's four years since last I heard them, but the experience is quite vivid in my memory, and I was quite impressed by them. If you're going to have a listen can I suggest you obtain a copy of King Crimson's album, Lizard? What was, on vinyl, side two is a hell of a work out for any speaker; it has everything from the most scintillating highs to deep, deep lows and lots of textures in between. Lots of melody, plus the required amount of wailing guitar. Any speakers that can convey this music well are worth listening to. I'd personally only suggest this if Terry listen's to this Album at home. If he doesn't it is pointless. Alway's take your own Music that you listen to, the only way to audition Audio Equipment.
Steveo888 Posted January 29, 2020 Posted January 29, 2020 I have the Triton 1's and love them. I am taking delivery of the references soon, if anyone is interested to hear my impressions I will post them here. Keep in mind when auditioning the ones originally I wasn't blown away in the shop but they suited my needs for music and Home thearte speaker and i bought them initially as i thought I would be using them for movies 80% of the time. It turns out I use them now 95% for music and it has really elevated my music enjoyment. Its only when I got them home and started tweaking my system is when they really started to shine for music . I like the sound of the triton 1 and did hear them side by side against the references a few years ago and the references were a step up in refinement and authority. 3
Steveo888 Posted January 30, 2020 Posted January 30, 2020 1 hour ago, genkifd said: congrats - great speakers. Would love to hear your Hulgich Dukes. They look incredible! 1
genkifd Posted January 30, 2020 Posted January 30, 2020 yeh i just cant wait to get them with the Audio GD components. imo when you get to this level and above its all about personal taste / preferences. 1
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