Coincident Pure Reference Extreme Sloped Monitor
By Highendaudio.com

 

Back in December 2009, I posted a short update of this new version of the original Pure Reference (PR) speaker, the difference being the "Extreme" consists of two cabinets (monitor and subwoofer), instead of one. This latest update only concerns the monitor part of the Extreme.

As I mentioned in the lengthy original review of the PR, I used the (supplied) "extender feet" to slope back the speaker, with the goal of having the tweeter positioned further behind the midrange, for better time alignment (and focus). I later did the same with the Extreme monitor. Now, it turns out, Coincident has a new version of the PR Extreme monitor which is sloped back (one inch less depth between the bottom and the top), and I've had a chance to audition these sloped monitors in my own system. (In every other manner, they are exactly the same.)

The result is a very small improvement in image focus. However, you must remember that my monitors were already sloped back somewhat in the first place (by raising the front of the speakers with the extender feet), so there should be a slightly greater improvement in other systems. Further to this, the "should" requires more explanation...

Creating a slope, for time alignment, artificially (as I did earlier), or with the actual construction of the speaker itself (as with this new sloped PR monitor), will provide an improvement in image focus, though mainly at close distances; 12 feet or closer. However, the further the speaker is located from the listener, the less noticeable the improvement in focus will be. In fact, I doubt there will be any improvement at around 20 feet or more.

In short, the closer you are to the monitors, the more noticeable the improvement with the sloped version, but I also need to make this perspective clear; Unless one is sitting very close (8 feet or less), the overall improvement with the sloped monitors will usually be subtle. So, for most listeners, this change will be considered a refinement, which is always welcome, and only rarely will it be a "big deal".