FR 10s in the Building!

Quick follow-up question: I plan to put my Isoacoustic pucks under the FR10s soon. Is that anticipated to impact the 2-4kHz range because of the change in height (around 1.5")?

No, there response will be the same. Above the tweeter axis (if you were on a super tall chain or something, a resp0onse dip forms at 1750 Hz (the tweeter crossover range). Below the tweeter (i.e. raising the speaker up further in height using aftermarket feet) the response is the same.

Here is a polar map showing the vertical directivity of the speaker in 3dB steps. Other than above 16 kHz, it is rather good below the tweeter axis to a much larger angle than you’re changing things.

fr10 production var1 Directivity (ver)

What cables are recommended for the FR10s? What were used in the development of the speaker? It has been my experience that the speaker’s developer knows best.

There are other factors at play that would assist in helping find what fits YOUR system best. Do you prefer a warmer sound and not care if too dull? Do you prefer the cleanest sound possible and not care if it is too bright? Are you somewhere in the middle? What other components do you have?

If you can provide this basic info, others that know much more than me, will be able to guide you.

What I can say about the FR20, and I switch between a Levinson solid state pre, BHK hybrid Pre and Conrad Johnson tube pre, along with M1200 amps and a Conrad Johnson tube amp, is that the speakers are truly special.

I have Cardas Clear Cygnus speaker cable with custom 12" long bi-wire split at the speaker end. I have 2 different xlr interconect, with Audioquest Pegasus XLR from preamp to power amp, except use Audioquest MacKenzie rca for CJ to CJ, and Cardas Parsec xlr from music player to preamp, except use Audioquest MacKenzie from music player to CJ pre (CJ does not have xlr connections)

And while the system definitely sounds different with each combination of pre and power amp, am fortunate that all combinations seem nice.

Thanks for the generous response. I have a simpler system: Innuos Zen via Front Row USB to DS Mk.2 to Rogue Pharaoh II integrated via AQ Water XLRs. I don’t have the FR-10s yet, but I don’t think I am going to hold out much longer. I’ve always admired planer mids and highs and owned Maggies and Quads in the past. Currently have Zu Def IVs using Zu Event cables which I found to be the best of all I tried. I’ve had the Zus for 11 years enjoying the power as above all I like to listen to big band jazz. I know the FR20s are the more logical choice for me, but I am even older than Paul M. and don’t wish to deal with 130 lb. speakers any more.
I guess my query was more for someone at PS Audio as I found manufacturers usually know what’s best, but I’ll bet your Cards cables are great. Sounds like you are having a lot of fun. Thanks.

The FR20s are awesome…just hire someone to unbox and place in room for you, well worth it, was for me !!!

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I use all Cerious Lumniscate cabling…I imagine these were not auditioned at PS…there are so many great cables out there…though I’m sure PS could make some great recommendations…they only sell AQ I believe … check out the cables for sale page for recommendations for each product…it’s under Connections on the shop page…

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My understanding is PS Audio is a fan of and sells AudioQuest. My guess would be Robin Hood, or William Tell speaker cables. No horse in this race.

I had Sonus Faber speakers before getting the FR10s. The FR10s are an improvement in a few ways important to me. But also different and I am in process of system tuning to make it just right for me. As Chris noted somewhere above, the SFs have an inverted smile in frequency response and FR 10 does not. I prefer that else my ears bark at higher volumes. So I’ve toed them in per his suggestion which helped a bit (I’ll post a freq response curve to show it soon). I also changed some software settings on my streamer (evo 432 high end) which helped a bit. Lastly I changed one run of interconnects from AQ Water to acoustic zen absolute copper (pre to amp). That definitely added a welcome touch of harmonic warmth and a tad of bloom without any negative impact, in the right direction for me. I will audition another run of AZ from dac to pre soon … not sure I need more warmth after the first AZ and other changes but I figure worth a try :slight_smile:

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Also focus on getting the tweeters aimed at ear level. Once I adjusted my FR20’s to get the tweeter perfectly aligned at ear level, the tonal balance really fell into place and pure magic appeared.

Super interesting. I lasered it today and my ears are about at the mid point of the midrange driver or maybe slightly lower than midpoint. I have a low couch. If I sit on a pillow I am more about midpoint between midrange and tweeter. I’ll experiment with the pillow. .

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You could also raise the back of the speakers to get the tweets pointed in the right direction.

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Yup, FR Series has a lot of depth in the cabinet and you can raise the integral footers to get the angle you want. With the particularly tall FR30, I have also raised my chair and remote/beverage stand. When you are near field(ish) and you want that tweeter at ear level, you godda do, what you godda do.

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I still haven’t put feet back on the base of the speakers. They sound “nice”.

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It’s interesting how every listening space and system (room, gear, ears, brain) is different.

My Gershmans came equipped with Gaia isolators from the factory but for me they sound better with the isolators removed and sitting on Townshend platforms.

I also had to shim the front of the speaker up 3/4" or so off the platform to get the sound where it is best for me.

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