Panorama
Table of Contents
- Main Panorama Web Page
- Is the Panorama Magnetically Shielded ?
- What amps/recievers are recommended ... ?
- Panorama as a center... ?
- Does Panorama use 1st order crossover?
- Trying to decide between Panorama and Sapphire
- Trying to decide between Panorama and Essence V
- What makes the Panorama Special ... ?
- What has the Panorama been compared to?
- Owner's Manual (PDF)
Is the Panorama Magnetically Shielded?
 | Yes and No. A stock Essence or Essence V features shielded bass and mid-bass drivers. |
| The tweeter is not shielded. You will need approx. 12-15" from the side, top or bottom of a direct view television set. |
| Not as much of a problem with RPTVs because they tube are usually deep in the cabinet. |
| If you need to be closer to a CRT check with us as we can do a special version with shielded tweeter for . . . $ |
What amps or rec are recommended ... ?
| Too numerous to list. The Essence is an easy load for any amplifier or receiver. |
| Even very inexpensive receivers will provide adequate power. |
| Higher quality amplification is recommended for the very best sound. |
| We suggest you let us know specific equipment you own or are considering, and we'll be happy to give you feedback. |
We tend to favor higher-powered tubes or solid-state of 80-100 watts or better per channel for the best performance.
Back to Top
How does the Panorama work as a center ... ?
The Panorama may be used as a center channel. For example in a system with Panoramas for left right and center. For best performance, the middle Panorama should be at the same height as the left and right, (usually pretty hard to do unless you have a perf screen). Normally, the Emerald, Essence or Veritas will make better sense as a center.
Like most speakers, the Panorama sounds best when positioned vertically. We don't recommend laying a Panorama on it's side. We'd rather see you using the Essence in this application (or the new, smaller center)
Back to Top
Does Panorama use 1st order crossover? Phase coherent ... ?
No, the Panorama is not a
minimum phase design. In a minimum phase design, speaker height and listening
height are critical. This is true of all of this type of design like the older
Sapphires, Vandersteen, Thiel, etc.
We feel that advanced higher-order networks such as found in the Panorama,
yield the best balance of transparency, detail, smoothness, low distortion and
dynamics. Some people believe that only 1st order speakers "sound the best".
After 26 years of very serious listening and testing, we disagree. Higher order
networks are more complicated and it takes greater effort and cost to get them
right. But you are worth it:)
Back to Top
Trying to decide between Panorama and Sapphire. . .
This one's easy. If you have the room and the budget, go for the Panorama. It gives up nothing to the Sapphire. As a fully optimized 3-way design, it simply improves on the Sapphire in a number of areas. Greater dynamic capability is the most obvious. However, the Panorama also has improved dispersion and improved midrange detail by virtue of it's 3 way design. It simply sounds more "open" and lifelike. Our philosophy is to make every model as real sounding as possible at it's price point. The additional cost and complexity of the Panorama also buys you more authority in the bass range. Although both speakers spec the same as far as 3db down point, the Panoramas larger cabinet and dedicated bass driver plays with greater clarity and authority than the Sapphire.
Back to Top
Trying to decide between Panorama and Essence V. . .
We commonly are asked to help a customer decide between the Panorama and the
Essence V. The real difference is in intended use. The Essence is optimized for
the 80Hz THX type multi-channel, home-theater crossover. They must be used with
a subwoofer(s). Used in this manner, their dynamic range is unlimited in
virtually any domestic application. They will play cleanly well beyond reference
levels, even in relatively large home-theaters. Of course they will also sound
absolutely superb doing it.
The Panorama uses a vented enclosure and different tuning to reach a clean 40Hz cutoff point. Subwoofers now become optional instead of mandatory. The Panorama can function exceptionally well as a stereo pair of speakers with or without subwoofer. The lower frequency capabilities of the Panorama also make it an exceptional candidate for multi-channel systems where the owner desires to use a lower frequency cutoff point (below 80Hz) to the sub(s). The Panorama has exceptional dynamic range but the trade-off is that the Panorama will not go quite as loud in the 80-300Hz range as the Essence V. This will only be a consideration in large rooms when playing beyond reference level.
What makes the Panorama Special ... ?
The market is filled with expensive two-way monitors, many costing far more than the Panorama. The Panorama builds on the legendary musicality of the Sapphire series. Using advanced computer modeling techniques and measurements, we are able to create a 3-way monitor that does things no two-way monitor can match. The Panorama name really describe what you'll hear! Superb imaging, open, transparent and pure while never sounding harsh or "in your face". It is a very non-fatiguing speaker. And, it is built and looks like fine furniture. Built in the USA by skilled craftsmen using the highest quality Danish built drivers. Meant to please for the long-haul. Backed by the best warranty in the business. You get to try it in your home!
What has the Panorama been compared to ... ?
These are some of the observations of customers and reviewers:
Coming soon . . .
| |
| |
|