ERA Speakers

[pcfallon]

Has anyone heard of these. I am about to order a set as they sound wonderful but I can't find anything on the net on them. I am told they come from the same folks who make Aerial speakers.

They have a beautiful wood finish and top of the line binding posts.

Thanks,
Paul

[zara]

I had been searching for some floor standers for quite some time. I started out auditioning B&W 600 series and then the CM series, then equivalent priced speakers in the Paradigm line. Finally I heard the Design 5 ERA speakers by signal path international (Bookshelf). They sounded great. To be honest I was ready to buy B&W's without ever having listened to them due to their great reviews online, but it's like everyone says the only way you can know is if you actually audition. Every ear is different and mine really enjoys the ERA's. I have to admit though their marketinyg campaign is really lame and while there product kicks ass and is quite the bang for the buck, I wonder if this branch of the company will be around for long.

[bmel]

I recently got a pair of the Design 4. A recent review, with which I totally agreee:
HomeTheater 4/06 Review

[cwest]

I'm new to the audio arena and have never had any audio equipment in my house. Of these three speakers B&W M1, Orb, Design 3 ERA which is the best? Also, My room is 14' wide by 20' feet long and has a 10 foot ceiling. Are these speakers going to fill the room or should I be looking at larger speakers?

[Schadenfreude]

The Design 4's Sound More Like Bookshelves And Less Like Satelittes, Give 'em A Listen.

[cwest]

Thanks you. How do they compare to the Amphion Ions?

[Era Design]

If I can answer any questions, please feel free to email. davids@signalpathint.com
Best regards,
David Solomon
Era Speakers
Signal Path International

[Sean Max]

I've heard these speakers a couple of times at the only dealer in my area that carries them. The first time I was less than impressed, as they were rather poorly set up on either side of an rptv and I just thought I'd listen to them for the heck of it. The second time I was much more impressed with them. The dvd was Heat and I was really surprised at the quality of sound coming from these little speakers. Very clean and dynamic, and these were the Design 4's. A system of Design 5 LCR's is still on my short list of ones to consider, if I decide that my first choice is too expensive. Excellent speakers for the money.

[Schadenfreude]

I hear the on-walls are fabulous as well.

[jjtoma]

Originally Posted by Era Design

If I can answer any questions, please feel free to email.
Best regards,
David Solomon
Era Speakers
Signal Path International

David
What are the spec's for thr design 5 & lcr5

Thanks

[emorphien]

I want to hear these. I saw them recently at a local shop and they are very nice looking and very well built.

[jjtoma]

Originally Posted by emorphien

I want to hear these. I saw them recently at a local shop and they are very nice looking and very well built.

I just purchased a set of design 4's for surround duty. Plan on
5's for L&R/ LCR5 for fronts/ Sub 10. I listened to these at my
friend's shop, sounded very good. Big sound from a little
speaker, very impressive.

Just wish I had some specs, not even mentioned in the manual.
Will use these with a new Arcam AVR350


Jim

[Delacroix]

From what I've been reading the ERA Design 4's and 5's seem to be rather impressive speakers, especially for their size. My problem is that I live in Europe (Switzerland) and can't locate any importers here to schedule an audition. I have however recently auditioned the CM1s and wonder if any of you can provide a comparative assessment of these against the ERAs?

[Schadenfreude]

I have however recently auditioned the CM1s and wonder if any of you can provide a comparative assessment of these against the ERAs?

The CM1's are very comporable to the Design 5's , both are among the best in the small bookshelf monitor category.

[mpgxsvcd]

I just want to say that I am totally sold on the ERA line of speakers. I have listened to them at Audio Advice here in Raleigh NC. They are absolutely amazing. I can not believe how rich and full the sound is from the design 4 and especially the design 5 speakers. I was able to find an almost new design 4 center channel for $300 shipped. That is one heck of a deal for a speaker of this caliber. I can’t wait to replace my crappy Bose/Athena system with the ERA speakers. Some people have noted that it is very hard to find an online dealer who will ship these speakers. You can try Audio Advice or goodwinshighend at http://www.goodwinshighend.com/speaker.htm#era. I have dealt with both and they both offer excellent customer service. Anyway great job with these speakers. They truly astound me!

[new27]

Some questions for Mr Solomon,

Do you make dedicated stands for your speakers, if not, do you recommend a particular brand/model?

Can you provide some specs/measurements regarding your subs, i.e. freq response, spl, etc...

Can the Design 5's be driven comfortably with a receiver as opposed to seperates, if so, can you recommend some makes/models?

[jjtoma]

Originally Posted by new27

Some questions for Mr Solomon,

Do you make dedicated stands for your speakers, if not, do you recommend a particular brand/model?

Can you provide some specs/measurements regarding your subs, i.e. freq response, spl, etc...

Can the Design 5's be driven comfortably with a receiver as opposed to seperates, if so, can you recommend some makes/models?

A review from 6moons.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/era/era.html

Also January 2007 issue of Stereophile has a feature on ERA Acoustics.
Design 4 & Sub 10, starting on page 141.

[jjtoma]

Another review

http://stereos.about.com/od/gtgtloud...a/era_4_ls.htm

[jjtoma]

A member's review @ Audiogon

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr...0115&read&3&4&

[Era Design]

Originally Posted by jjtoma

David
What are the spec's for thr design 5 & lcr5

Thanks

The D5's -3dB in-room response is 50Hz-20kHz +- 3dB, SPL 84dB, up to about 250 wpc.
I suggest 75wpc w/ good power supply at minimum...
There are a few exceptions of 50-60 wpc units sporting a big power supplies that work fine as well...
David Solomon
Era Speakers

[Era Design]

Originally Posted by new27

Some questions for Mr Solomon,

Do you make dedicated stands for your speakers, if not, do you recommend a particular brand/model?

Can you provide some specs/measurements regarding your subs, i.e. freq response, spl, etc...

Can the Design 5's be driven comfortably with a receiver as opposed to seperates, if so, can you recommend some makes/models?

Hi
My favorite stand for the D5 is the Sanus Ultimate Foundation... They are wonderful and I use them at every show.
For the D4 & D3, I recommend the Def Tech Pro 100. The main reason is that they are fairly stable, plus the top plate works well.
If you'll write me at davids@signalpathint, I will send you a pdf of the specs. This is open to anyone needing info as they won't allow the use of emails or links until I have done my time here on the board.
We are working on our new web site that will be much more informative.

Sub8 ported, Sub10 sealed
Freq Response::: Sub 8 35-140 Hz Sub 10 25-140 Hz
Power::: Sub 8 200 watt A/B Sub 10 300 watt A/B
Features:: Ground lift (both)
Crossover 30-140 (Both)
Inputs/Outputs Sub 8 Low Level Sub 10 Low Level /Speaker level
Accessories::ense rubber feet Solid aluminum cones w/ floor protectors. 4-rubber pads for side mounting
Dimensions 14.5 x 12 x 12.5 w/ feet and amp/////////18 x 14 x 12.5 w/ feet and amp
Weight 55 lbs ////////// 68 lbs

My favorite receiver to date is the Arcam AVR300 or AVR350, however, we've had good results with most receivers that have a good power supply.

Best regards,
David Solomon

[Jake Sm]

My favorite receiver to date is the Arcam AVR300 or AVR350, however, we've had good results with most receivers that have a good power supply.

Dave, do you mean a non-current limiting torroidal design?
Any mass market receivers that you think are ok for the Era's, or do you only recommend Rotel, B&K, Arcam, & Lexicon type receivers?

[mpgxsvcd]

Originally Posted by Era Design

Hi
My favorite receiver to date is the Arcam AVR300 or AVR350, however, we've had good results with most receivers that have a good power supply.

Best regards,
David Solomon

Dave have you ever tested the design 4s with a Yamaha receiver? I noticed in one of the reviews that the design 4 bookshelves are power loving. Will an 85 watt receiver push them ok?

[tweeterex]

Depends on your tastes, content, room size, volume level.....which Yammie?

[mpgxsvcd]

Originally Posted by tweeterex

Depends on your tastes, content, room size, volume level.....which Yammie?

I have this Yamaha HTR 5660 85 watt receiver. Will it push the Design 4s?

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...ETYP=ATTRIBUTE

I listen to TV from TWC cable mostly but I watch some movies also. My room is about 18, by 10 with no wall on the right side.

[Era Design]

Most mid to high level receivers from 75 wpc or more measured full bandwidth will work fine in most mid sized rooms w D4/5. ie Denon, Yamaha, Sony ES... I've heard them all over the country at various dealers and most sound fine. Just keep in mind that we're dealing w/ a fairly inefficient speakers here.
Arcam is just one of the more musical HT receivers I've heard on our speakers.
We used them at RMAF (what a great show) and CES.

[schticker]

Originally Posted by mpgxsvcd

I just want to say that I am totally sold on the ERA line of speakers. I have listened to them at Audio Advice here in Raleigh NC. They are absolutely amazing. I can not believe how rich and full the sound is from the design 4 and especially the design 5 speakers. I was able to find an almost new design 4 center channel for $300 shipped.

Glad your local dealer could sell the center for someone else online.

You do realize that you would have ignored the speaker if it wasn't properly set up, right?

[mpgxsvcd]

Originally Posted by schticker

Glad your local dealer could sell the center for someone else online.

I am not sure what you mean by this? It seems like everyone wins this way. The first guy got to return his speaker, the store was able to move the speaker, and I got a great deal on it. What is wrong with that? If my local dealer had the speaker at that price I would have bought it from them. They didn't so I had to buy it online. I will buy the rest of the speakers locally because I can't find them anywhere cheaper. Price matters especially when it is a 40% discount.

Originally Posted by schticker

You do realize that you would have ignored the speaker if it wasn't properly set up, right?

Not sure what you are referring to here either? Yes the room and the amplifier they used make a big difference in how it sounds. However, I have all of the confidence that this speaker will sound great even in the less than ideal conditions in my living room and with my lower powered amp.

[Jake Sm]

We used them at RMAF (what a great show)

How were you received there Dave?

[Era Design]

Really well thanks. It's by far the most fun show I've ever attended. Our dealer trippled his business w/ us since.