I have since 2014 been experimenting with the new BBX driver, and now think it’s time to share some observations.
In order to put the comments in context, my previous speaker was an open baffle design based on the excellent AER MkI driver with a Seas base element to handle anything below 80Hz. 2 separate 47Labs Gaincards was used to bi-amp.
So, on to how the BBX stands up to this:
- Detail and instrument separation is outstanding, actually the best I have ever heard.
- The ability to handle complexity, both rock and symphony is excellent. The previous systems strong point was smaller ensembles
- Live recordings are particularly interesting. It really is very good at recreating “the room”
- Imaging is slightly less sharp then with the AER MkI system, but given the size of the BBX, a trade off I do willingly.
- No need for any Sub, I have the LF set to 18Hz, and I am using a curve where 1000Hz is the zero level, then +2dB up to 20Hz and -6dB to 20kHz.
- The speed of the bass in unlike anything I have heard before (of course apart from live music)
My system consists of
- MacBook Pro w Audirvana and Tidal. Room correction made with LA Convolver using Menubus. The filters created with Accourate. I only play cd quality and resolution.
- USB to Gustard X12 with digital coax to a 47Labs Shigaraki Dac
- Amplifier Primare i30. The 47Labs Gaincard I also have (25W) is not able to play loud enough with a 4 Ohm speaker
- Interconnects and speaker cables are 47Labs OTA, power cables and filter from Supra
The BBX unit is mounted with double sided foam tape to a steel plate screwed into the wall. The wall itself is made using concrete board instead of the normal plaster type. This was a chance I took, thinking a stiffer board would yield a quicker recovery when moved by the driver, and the sound I get proves this
Again – I am very happy with the sound. I think once you get use to this kind of bass sound and overall detail it will be hard to go back and listen to the regular driver based systems. The one improvement I am still looking for is eliminating this rare sharpness in the highs that sometimes is there.
I think the BBX system opens the door for many audiophiles to move the system into regular rooms. There might of course be some compromises, but at least for me it is very much worth it.
