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Phase Tech dArts

post #1 of 34
1/9/07 at 12:40pm
Thread Starter 
Looking for speakers and the Phase Tech dArts look interesting. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area and would like to demo.

Anyone operating this system and what is the real story on them. Are they as good as the reviews say they are.

Chuck
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post #2 of 34
1/9/07 at 2:42pm
I haven't read any reviews, but I have heard them and they are extremely good and a great value considering what you get and the objectively fine performance they offer. They are very similar to NHT's Xd, but more full HT oriented. For 2.1, the NHT's are more detailed and offer some other things, but the PTs are a bit warmer/smoother and a more plush, refined HT experience. I recommend the newer "out of wall" models for the best performance, set up away from walls, but if the speakers are going in the walls or on the walls, there are few other speakers I can think of that can overcome that disadvantage like these do. Surprisingly high-tech and even "risky" from a company that has been somewhat under the radar for awhile. I'm going to start carrying these to augment the Xd system.
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post #3 of 34
1/9/07 at 4:06pm
Thread Starter 
John,

Thanks for the reply. I will check out the NHT Xd also.

Chuck
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post #4 of 34
1/10/07 at 1:54am
Mr. Poindexter has quite a bit of experience with them I believe. Hopefully he will show up.
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post #5 of 34
1/11/07 at 6:40pm
Thread Starter 
OK! I know there must be someone that hase PT dArts out there somewhere.

I have ot go to Orlando on business in March and may take time to drive to Jacksonville to see if I can get a demo.

Chuck
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post #6 of 34
1/13/07 at 5:32pm
This Is The Worst Sounding Demo Of My Entire Life, A Tinned Ear's Person El Cheapo Synthesis System.
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post #7 of 34
1/13/07 at 5:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CINERAMAX View Post

This Is The Worst Sounding Demo Of My Entire Life, A Tinned Ear's Person El Cheapo Synthesis System.

Actually, Chuck, if you know anything about Cineramax and how poorly he sets up hugely overpriced, over-geared audio systems, this is one of the biggest recommendations I've ever seen, the bizarro world "must audition" recommendation.
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post #8 of 34
1/13/07 at 5:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alimentall View Post

...the bizarro world "must audition" recommendation.

Can't stop laughing
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post #9 of 34
1/13/07 at 9:10pm
Thread Starter 
John,

Best to hear it for myself and then decide.

Chuck
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post #10 of 34
1/14/07 at 1:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alimentall View Post

Actually, Chuck, if you know anything about Cineramax and how poorly he sets up hugely overpriced, over-geared audio systems, this is one of the biggest recommendations I've ever seen, the bizarro world "must audition" recommendation.

Pissoff lightweight!!
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post #11 of 34
1/14/07 at 6:04am
Thread Starter 
I am the lightweight. I don't even know what the acronym MTF means. All I am trying to do is put togetehr a high quality bi-amped system. I wanted to go with active speakers but it appears to be too expensive an option for my budget.

I figured about $8k for speakers and the dArts Amp must be worth what you would have to pay for a good amp.

When your new to selecting gear I don't mind takiing my time and doing the research.

I think everyone wants the best bang for their buck.

Chuck
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post #12 of 34
1/14/07 at 6:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CINERAMAX View Post

Pissoff lightweight!!

Come on. You guys have a long way to go to top Rosie and the Donald!!
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post #13 of 34
1/14/07 at 8:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chhelo View Post

I am the lightweight. I don't even know what the acronym MTF means. All I am trying to do is put togetehr a high quality bi-amped system. I wanted to go with active speakers but it appears to be too expensive an option for my budget.

I figured about $8k for speakers and the dArts Amp must be worth what you would have to pay for a good amp.

When your new to selecting gear I don't mind takiing my time and doing the research.

I think everyone wants the best bang for their buck.

Chuck

Chuck welcome to the forum, I meant no disrespect. there has to be something out there better sounding than having someone with a metal claw scrape a blackboard in your face. Tha'ts what the system sounded like to me. A torture chamber. Buy a used meridian system instead.
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post #14 of 34
1/14/07 at 2:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CINERAMAX View Post

Pissoff lightweight!!

At least I know how to set things up You remind me of one of my competitors - sells overpriced pieces, puts them together wrong, then I have to go make it all sound decent. I think the newest PT system is equal to or better than all but the top one or two Meridian systems at this point and I'm a Meridian dealer. If anything, it's a bit too polite for my tastes, but is quite good. I think it was John Kotches that gave it a very good review in WSR, at least, that's what I hear and he's a Meridian guy. The bookshelf 650 system is the one to check out, IMO.
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post #15 of 34
1/14/07 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alimentall View Post

At least I know how to set things up You remind me of one of my competitors - sells overpriced pieces, puts them together wrong, then I have to go make it all sound decent. I think the newest PT system is equal to or better than all but the top one or two Meridian systems at this point and I'm a Meridian dealer. If anything, it's a bit too polite for my tastes, but is quite good. I think it was John Kotches that gave it a very good review in WSR, at least, that's what I hear and he's a Meridian guy. The bookshelf 650 system is the one to check out, IMO.

Sure, you have not heard or seen my setups for which I get called back 15 years later to do new improved systems. My stuff sounds great, thank you very much.

Maybe the larger Darts system sounds acceptable, the smaller one does not.
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post #16 of 34
1/14/07 at 2:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CINERAMAX View Post

Sure, you have not heard or seen my setups for which I get called back 15 years later to do new improved systems. My stuff sounds great, thank you very much.

I've seen the pics. Bad setup is easy to see.
Quote:



Maybe the larger Darts system sounds acceptable, the smaller one does not.

Maybe you should just relax. Unacceptable to Cineramax = rave review, IMO. You think everything is black (I don't sell it, it sucks) or white (I sell it, it's the best). Just remember, lots of people think some of the stuff you sell and install sucks too.
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post #17 of 34
1/18/07 at 6:55pm
Thread Starter 
I think Phase Tech should give me a good deal on a set of dArts. From the response on this and other forums I have yet to hear from anyone that owns a dArts System.

Lets start a campaign to give a set to "Chuck " for free if he will demo in his home theater.

Please send emails to Ken Hecht at sales@phasetech.com - Subject - Give a dArts System to Chuck.

Who knows stanger things have happened!

Chuck
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post #18 of 34
1/18/07 at 7:07pm
I believe that request belongs in the ultra low-end $0 and under forum.
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post #19 of 34
1/19/07 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 
QQQ

I think I need to start looking at other comparable systems. Doesn't seem to be a lot of enthusiasm for Phase Tech.

The Meridians and NHT systems may be a better approach.

Has anyone have any input on this new KEF 5000W or the Neosonik Systems that were displayed at CES.

Still hard to beleive there are no dArts owners out there.

_____________
Chuck
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post #20 of 34
1/19/07 at 9:30am
I have not heard them myself but I believe Mike Poindexter had a very favorable opinion about them and used them in one opf his theater rooms. I would send him a PM. He used to contribute here all the time. He owned a pair of Infinity IRS V and one would assume knows what good sound it. Do a search on the name poindexter and send him a PM.

I would not assume just because not many have them that they are not good...of course I wouldn't assume that makes them good either .

I like JMlab very much but they are not digital active which it sound like you are looking for. I also think Meridian is quite good.
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post #21 of 34
1/19/07 at 11:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chhelo View Post

Still hard to beleive there are no dArts owners out there.

Not to me. PT isn't known for being a high-end company really and have sort have been under the radar. The dARTS system is really an aggressive move, but isn't getting the press it deserves. "Build it and they will come" doesn't work in audio. It's more like "market it and they will come". The game is so rigged now that if a high performance solution doesn't come from a ridiculously expensive, famous brand, it gets no respect from anyone, no matter how good it is. It's a shame, but it's reality. I think the PT system is clearly one of the best dedicated HT systems out there. I thought movies were fantastic. The newer ones seem to do better with music.
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post #22 of 34
1/19/07 at 12:32pm
First post...

I just joined here to add my experience, since I've been considering the phase tech darts system for my own theater (if, at some point, I can afford one).

I just wanted to add that CINERAMAX's comments were the first negative ones I've seen regarding the darts system. Granted, there isn't a lot of people talking about it and I've never heard it for myself, but, as I say, his are the only negative comments I've seen - not that he was particularly specific about what he didn't like.
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post #23 of 34
1/23/07 at 3:20pm
Thread Starter 
Progress!

I may have a demo on the dArts 525 System next week. The Texas area rep is going to set up a demo at a Phase Tech dealers location in Hurst, Texas. When they give the date and time I will post just in case there is anyone else in the DFW area that would like to hear them in action.

Only other issue is what Pre/Pro or Receiver to marry up to the dArts Amp. I would like a card based system for upgrade reasons. Since all of the EQ occurs in the Amp maybe a simpler receiver would do. any suggestions on experience would be helpful.
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post #24 of 34
1/26/07 at 5:47am
Thread Starter 
Last call for alcohol!

The demo for the Phase Tech dArts 525 System is scheduled for Monday afternoon at Universal Electronics in Hurst, Texas. Universal is the delaer for PT in the DFW area.

Talk about pressure. Probably just a joke but they said just bring a check. Since I am new to demoing and buying high end equipment is it normal to be preparred to purchase something if they demo it. They are also dealler for the Sim PJ's and Stewart. I may have to arrive in an armored bank truck.

Just thought I would post in case anyone else was interested in seeing and hearing the system.

___________________
Chuck
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post #25 of 34
1/26/07 at 6:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bumpyride View Post


Granted, there isn't a lot of people talking about it and I've never heard it for myself, but, as I say, his are the only negative comments I've seen - not that he was particularly specific about what he didn't like.

The Cedia presentation of the DARTS junior was a total disappointment for me. Like a claw scratching on the blackboard whilst bombarded with boomy bass. What could sound worst?


Bring some ear plugs I say.
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post #26 of 34
1/26/07 at 8:41am
What a shock, a CEDIA demo that sounded bad! If that were the criteria, then we should all go back to boom boxes. I've never heard a CEDIA demo that *didn't sound like a claw scratching on the blackboard bombarded with boomy bass".

Besides, Cineramax is petrified that these systems will have people wondering why they hired him in the first place.

Chuck, the "bring your checkbook" is part joke, part a bit of cockiness that you'll like the system. Don't worry, most high-end purchases are never made the same day. We'll be interested to hear what you thought.
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post #27 of 34
1/26/07 at 9:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alimentall View Post

Besides, Cineramax is petrified that these systems will have people wondering why they hired him in the first place.

FYI: People hire me for my debonaire Ricky Ricardo accent.
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post #28 of 34
1/28/07 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 
I do appreciate all of the comments posted on this thread to date. Thanks to all that took time to comment.

It will be fun test driving the dArts System tomorrow with the Phase Tech regional distributor. Might even pull up this thread so they can relate to the fact that its been open since the 9th of January and we only have 28 post to date. Armed with this informaiton maybe PT will like to get a little more aggressive on marketing this system.

To prepare I went out and listened to several speaker systems today, Klipsch RF-82, Atlantic Technology, Krell Resolution 3, Sunfire XT just to prepare. The Sunfire XT speakers suprised me. Sounded almost as good as the Krell's, especially the highs. Only the bass was more solid on the Krell's. $5K a pair compared to $1.6K per pair.

Both beat out the Klipsch and AT.

I'll post my impression on the dArts Monday night.

_____________
Chuck
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post #29 of 34
1/28/07 at 6:09pm
These are extremely well regarded speakers, but they are not digitally enhanced, and the distribution channels are much smaller than mainstream design.

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/

His designs have received Class "A" ratings in Stereophile, if that means anything to you, and he considers the Orions his best of the bunch.

The cost can range from ~$2.5K DIY plus amps (you need 4 ch/side), it is an active design, to $7.5K built including the amps

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/orion_us.htm

Despite their price, many believe that these speakers can compete with speakers costing 10 times their price.

Linkwitz is considered one of the best speaker designers, he just is not very self promoting, nor is he very good at playing the high end game.
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post #30 of 34
1/31/07 at 7:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chhelo View Post

I'll post my impression on the dArts Monday night.


Well...? :-)
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