It is indeed fascinating to see the stream of free advise for PS Audio, how to run their new speaker business better. So much expertise out there 
. There is a silver lining though: People are so fascinated by this endeavor that they contributed 3700 posts before a single set is delivered. Now that is market engagement. I’m looking forward to reading the experiences once the first FR30’s land in customer’s homes.
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Well spoken Sir!
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Things made in China can be beautifully done. For example, Eastman guitars, Jay’s Audio, Denafripps, Prima Luna, KEF LS50, others too numerous to count.
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My iPhone 13 is a marvel of engineering and excellent build. It too is made in China. The problem seems to stem from this old (accurate) picture of cheap stuff from China. Without a doubt some of the cheapest stuff comes from there but that doesn’t mean everything. Not by a long shot. All it means is that the breadth of their capabilities is enormous. From the most intricate and beautifully crafted objects to some of the cheapest crap made.
Let’s not go down the road of labeling an entire nation/country/people. We all happen to live on the same planet at the same time and in my opinion here’s no room for bashing.
We go where our products will get the love and attention we demand.
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Agreed. I completely understand if one’s livelihood has been impacted by a local industry/business being affected by competition from China or India or whathaveyou. But if you had told me 50 years ago that a half century on - in what seemed like the far-distant next century - we would still be squabbling globally like the ancient tribes, I wouldn’t have believed it. But maybe I’m just Polyannaish in this regard. I have to believe we can sort it out, though.
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Yup, I forgot about the most obvious thing, Apple products.
To the group’s credit, posts on this topic have been much more respectful than in the past, with relatively little China bashing. It is a topic where emotions can run high.
On the other hand, and as already observed, there is remarkable negativity directed toward PS Audio adding a speaker to its product line - be it marketing, distribution, design, manufacture, etc. One would think many have already seen and heard the speaker, and have justifiably hated it. 
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I don’t see what amounts to China bashing here, just individual consumers with a preference to have items produced locally to support a local economy. Clearly the Chinese are capable of producing high quality products at a competitive price. My preference is and continues to be locally sourced and manufactured products. The market will vote with their wallet. My belief is that for PS Audio to source locally would require considerable investment either pushing the price higher, cutting in to margins excessively or both. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. As yet there is not a speaker out for listening. A lot of claims made and promises not met from what I have read.
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I’ve received a surprising number of messages, emails from folks on this forum regarding my Wilson speakers; 2 people stating that Wilson drivers are made by Focal, 8 people telling me that they’re made in China (NOT THAT THERE"S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT!)
So I wrote to Wilson (the speaker mfr, not the soccer ball)
Here’s the pertinent part of MR Wilson’s reply:
"Historically Wilson has always designed its specific drivers in conjunction with driver manufacturers to meet our specific design parameters. The drivers are manufactured to our spec and cannot be purchased from the manufacturer by others. In some cases, such as the Convergent Synergy Tweeters, much of the manufacture is done after the basic driver arrives at our factory.
The reason people bring up Focal in forums is that Focal used to supply drivers to Wilson Audio. No Wilson speaker designed in more than a decade have utilized Focal drivers. Previously to that, Focal was the main supplier. Further, no drivers used in Wilson loudspeakers are manufactured in China. Our primary driver designs are manufactured for us by ScanSpeak in Denmark."
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Pretty clear.
And the sonic quality of Wilson speakers has (imo) gone through the roof since they made those changes. But hey, some people probably still think Wilson uses the inverted dome metal tweeter from years back that went through Watt/Puppy and early Sasha. Wilson is on like the 5th or 6h generation of the soft dome tweeter now since that change from the metal tweeters happened. That’s why so important to get out to dealers or shows (less optimized) and listen to what is available - latest and greatest. Because it changes all the time. Old product stereotypes can be turned on their head with each new generation of product, especially for the speaker brands that are keeping it fresh. That’s what makes the hobby fun - continuous improvement.
Boulder amps are a good example. I thought the previous generation sucked (for the cost) but the new stuff is amazing, even at the high prices in comparison to competitors. My opinion only, of course, ymmv
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The Sabrina X tweeters are what struck me from the first groove of the record. I can’t think of the proper descriptors but the new physical presence and the length of decay as the shimmer hung in the air was absolutely startling.
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I liked SabrinaX - listened to them for a good hour+ with Luxman 509x integrated and also with ARC LS28 pre / VT80+ (or SE? I forget the name, but the one with the KT150’s) separates, Chord DAC. Liked them but found a little bass shy, but that’s what Rels are for I guess. Just my opinion though, and in the right room I’m sure they’re great. I made the mistake of getting hooked in by Sasha DAWs and now they will be haunting my upgrade dreams until I can muster the doh-re-mi, which will unfortunately be a long, long time. But I’d go with SabrinaX and Rels over Yvette for sure. Again, just imo
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Have heard the SabrinaX with my Luxman 509 and the sound was gorgeous. Stepping up to a Pass Labs 60.8 could be the ticket. For my wife’s condo the sound suited the space and did not bother the neighbors. Project was vetoed, so there’s that as well.
I honestly liked the $10k 509x integrated on the SabrinaX’s better than the $20k ARC stack. The 509x is a beautiful amp
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Yes indeed it is. It seems our listening preferences may be similar. It is a very nice all in one solution, with a reasonably good phono stage.
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Indeed, and the usual suspects to boot. Yes, it’s shocking …
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We all have disorders of one type or another, as that is what makes us unique, and to a degree audiophiles.
I do look forward to the product hitting the market. I had initially put off upgrading one of my systems in anticipation of the new PS Audio speaker hitting the market. Impatience won the day, and time will tell if I made the right decision.
Well reasoned. Well said!
Maybe all of us should wait a bit, to find out what the real product can do, before redesigning the world around us to suit assumptions.
So far people have shot the messenger/s, the message, the product, its country of design its country of manufacture, its next of kin, its designers, its supporters and its imagined performance—ALL WITHOUT HEARING OR SEEING IT.
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I’m gonna give my opinion since there are so many out there.
From a design perspective, it’s gutsy and bold, much like PSA’s electronics. Not like most of the other designs out there, more unique, forward thinking, striking and sexy. I’m still single, but seriously considering seeing if I can get a Civil Partnership with a pair of FR30’s! I know I like the In-laws already!
From a performance perspective, PSA don’t do things by half, that’s been proven time and time again. They have a solid history of successful ground-breaking design. This is not some humdrum thought plucked out of the air, this is certainly the second individual design we know about, and I’m certain there have been many more, this is a work of passion (obsession?) and to go back to the drawing board when something was so near completion previously is not something one does unless they’re aiming for something quite special.
For me, the Planar drivers are what sells it already, coupled with 4 bass drivers. I just adore that. I’ve always been very fond of the ribbon sound and that’s on speakers far lesser to these. I want to hear what this level is capable of achieving because I know it’s going to be luscious.
To make it clear, I’m not a prospective buyer, my budget is far far below anything close to this. But that doesn’t stop me admiring the potential, and the effort that’s gone into it.
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