Reviews
HI-FI
& MUSIK MAGAZINE HOT VIVACE
REVIEW
June 2008 — Our friends from Sweden have tested the Vivace, and the verdict is excellent. Here are some translated excerpts of their extremely positive comments:
“The first thing that really impresses is the loudspeakers extraordinary ability to represent the high-speed transients. Imagine for example the classic guitar and the delicate sound of the touch on the strings. 99 out of 100 systems give you just a soft, nice and cosy sound but in real life you will hear the distinct sound from the attack.”
“Or drums: drumsticks hitting the snare drum. Too often it sounds like a soggy blanket. The most impressing is not the loud sounds, but rather the micro dynamics. In that league these speakers are world class players!”
“For the right person this is a one way ticket to Nirvana.”
“Given that the sensitivity is very high there is an excellent choice to match them with with low power amplifiers. I used an Audion tube amplifier with 2A3 tubes as drivers with excellent result.”
June 2008 — Our friends from Sweden have tested the Vivace, and the verdict is excellent. Here are some translated excerpts of their extremely positive comments:
“The first thing that really impresses is the loudspeakers extraordinary ability to represent the high-speed transients. Imagine for example the classic guitar and the delicate sound of the touch on the strings. 99 out of 100 systems give you just a soft, nice and cosy sound but in real life you will hear the distinct sound from the attack.”
“Or drums: drumsticks hitting the snare drum. Too often it sounds like a soggy blanket. The most impressing is not the loud sounds, but rather the micro dynamics. In that league these speakers are world class players!”
“For the right person this is a one way ticket to Nirvana.”
“Given that the sensitivity is very high there is an excellent choice to match them with with low power amplifiers. I used an Audion tube amplifier with 2A3 tubes as drivers with excellent result.”
“Plus: The dynamics,
the precision in the reproduction, the build
quality”
“Minus: The price level, not for everyone”
“Conclusion: The Gemme Audio Vivace are of course not everyone’s loudspeaker but for the right person and wallet they will experience unforgettable musical experiences.”
If the vitality of horn sound combined with full extension of bass is on your list, we invite you to visit your nearest dealer today, and hear for yourself. We bet you'll rapidly fall in love!
“Minus: The price level, not for everyone”
“Conclusion: The Gemme Audio Vivace are of course not everyone’s loudspeaker but for the right person and wallet they will experience unforgettable musical experiences.”
If the vitality of horn sound combined with full extension of bass is on your list, we invite you to visit your nearest dealer today, and hear for yourself. We bet you'll rapidly fall in love!
DAGOGO
MAGAZINE EXCEPTIONAL TANTO
REVIEW
Our TANTO loudspeakers are praised worldwide, and this new review from DAGOGO Magazine is one the the most in-depth analysis of these unique speakers. The reviewer, Phillip Holmes, also fell in love with the speakers.
Here are a few excerpts:
"I’d rate the soundstaging ability of the Tanto’s to be first-rate... They might be state-of-the-art in this regard."
"Most speakers that start to sound confused at high levels have flimsy cabinets and nasty crossover networks of dubious quality. That’s not an issue with the Tanto’s."
"The good lower midrange of the speaker made listening to Ellington’s and Basie’s sax and trombone section a real delight. I mean, honestly, you could hear so much character from the tenor and baritone sax that it was like listening to a different jazz band."
"I heartily recommend an audition..."
Our TANTO loudspeakers are praised worldwide, and this new review from DAGOGO Magazine is one the the most in-depth analysis of these unique speakers. The reviewer, Phillip Holmes, also fell in love with the speakers.
Here are a few excerpts:
"I’d rate the soundstaging ability of the Tanto’s to be first-rate... They might be state-of-the-art in this regard."
"Most speakers that start to sound confused at high levels have flimsy cabinets and nasty crossover networks of dubious quality. That’s not an issue with the Tanto’s."
"The good lower midrange of the speaker made listening to Ellington’s and Basie’s sax and trombone section a real delight. I mean, honestly, you could hear so much character from the tenor and baritone sax that it was like listening to a different jazz band."
"I heartily recommend an audition..."
INNER
WORLD AUDIO AND 6MOONS MEET THE
VIVACE
Kari Nevalainen has seen many loudspeaker designs using small Fostex drivers, but his encounter with the VIVACE reserved him quite a surprise:
"I didn't measure it but I wouldn't preclude that, in room, this speaker is capable of hitting bass notes as low as 20Hz with reasonable amplitude, amazing as that must sound."
Some more notes:
"The sound was smooth, clear, coherent and of reasonably correct timbres. This unproblematic nature of the midrange's three octaves is what always makes it so much fun to listen to 4" Fostex drivers and the Vivace proved no exception."
"...it's clear that the cabinet construction of the Vivace is not merely a flashy luxury but a prerequisite for creating ideal operation conditions for the tiny driver."
" One of the Vivace's strengths must be its well-developed soundstage."
Kari Nevalainen has seen many loudspeaker designs using small Fostex drivers, but his encounter with the VIVACE reserved him quite a surprise:
"I didn't measure it but I wouldn't preclude that, in room, this speaker is capable of hitting bass notes as low as 20Hz with reasonable amplitude, amazing as that must sound."
Some more notes:
"The sound was smooth, clear, coherent and of reasonably correct timbres. This unproblematic nature of the midrange's three octaves is what always makes it so much fun to listen to 4" Fostex drivers and the Vivace proved no exception."
"...it's clear that the cabinet construction of the Vivace is not merely a flashy luxury but a prerequisite for creating ideal operation conditions for the tiny driver."
" One of the Vivace's strengths must be its well-developed soundstage."
ENJOY
THE MUSIC "ENJOYS" THE TANTO!
December 2007 — In a head to head comparison with System Audio Ranger speakers, the TANTO shows its advantages. Even compared to the reference Wilson Benesch much higher priced Act 1 speakers, the TANTO only trails by a small margin on many aspects.
"The Ranger cannot match the Tanto in portraying the slow decay of harmonics that real instruments often display."
"Let's start with the piano – tough as hell to do full justice here – and it's the dynamics that make the difference for this 88-string monster. Rubinstein's famous recording of the Funeral March Sonata [JVC XRCD JM-XR24008] sound amazing on the reference, and the Tanto is not far behind, rich, sonorous, and musical..."
"Let's listen to the wonderful E Power Biggs on the Flentrop Organ at Harvard. The Ranger loses some points as it cannot reach the very lowest notes... The Tanto not only reaches those notes, but produces prodigious volumes of air, moving me to emulate the organist's feet in lock step and sing harmony to boot. The Tanto's rendition of the Prelude in A Minor beggars belief that so much sound can come from such a small box."
"I much admire the Tanto's way with male voices in particular..."
If you are looking for tonal accuracy, micro-dynamics, proper decay of notes, ... About ambiance, air and transparency, our loudspeakers will give you these in spades. Listening to a pair of TANTO will certainly convince you.
December 2007 — In a head to head comparison with System Audio Ranger speakers, the TANTO shows its advantages. Even compared to the reference Wilson Benesch much higher priced Act 1 speakers, the TANTO only trails by a small margin on many aspects.
"The Ranger cannot match the Tanto in portraying the slow decay of harmonics that real instruments often display."
"Let's start with the piano – tough as hell to do full justice here – and it's the dynamics that make the difference for this 88-string monster. Rubinstein's famous recording of the Funeral March Sonata [JVC XRCD JM-XR24008] sound amazing on the reference, and the Tanto is not far behind, rich, sonorous, and musical..."
"Let's listen to the wonderful E Power Biggs on the Flentrop Organ at Harvard. The Ranger loses some points as it cannot reach the very lowest notes... The Tanto not only reaches those notes, but produces prodigious volumes of air, moving me to emulate the organist's feet in lock step and sing harmony to boot. The Tanto's rendition of the Prelude in A Minor beggars belief that so much sound can come from such a small box."
"I much admire the Tanto's way with male voices in particular..."
If you are looking for tonal accuracy, micro-dynamics, proper decay of notes, ... About ambiance, air and transparency, our loudspeakers will give you these in spades. Listening to a pair of TANTO will certainly convince you.
ANOTHER
HOT REVIEW OF THE TANTO BY SONIC
FLARE
October 2007 — We designed the VFlex loudspeakers to offer the deep bass of a full range in smaller, decor friendly enclosures. But over that, we tried to design first-class sounding high-end loudspeakers. With the reviews coming one after the other, we are pleased to see that all reviewers readily agree. We are going in the right direction.
Sandy Greene, the Sonic Flare reviewer describes the sound of the TANTO in great style:
"They image exceptionally well. Vocals are beguiling. Instruments have an easy texture and flowing rythm."
"They... can handle all sorts of scale and dynamics with ease."
We can only tell you, readers, to check for your nearest dealer and have a listen. This ain't a "me too" loudspeaker.
October 2007 — We designed the VFlex loudspeakers to offer the deep bass of a full range in smaller, decor friendly enclosures. But over that, we tried to design first-class sounding high-end loudspeakers. With the reviews coming one after the other, we are pleased to see that all reviewers readily agree. We are going in the right direction.
Sandy Greene, the Sonic Flare reviewer describes the sound of the TANTO in great style:
"They image exceptionally well. Vocals are beguiling. Instruments have an easy texture and flowing rythm."
"They... can handle all sorts of scale and dynamics with ease."
We can only tell you, readers, to check for your nearest dealer and have a listen. This ain't a "me too" loudspeaker.
STEREO
TIMES REVIEWER LOVES THE VIVACE!
October 2007 — Larry Borden, from Stereo Times, wrote an exciting new review about our unique VIVACE loudspeakers. His last comments : "I am buying the review pair" is the best conclusion we could ask from this absolutely great review.
Some excerpts :
"To say that that I recommend the Vivaces would be a massive understatement; they are in fact one of the most enjoyable speakers I have heard"
"Music heard through the Vivaces is lively and energetic, and subtle differences in intensity are reproduced with startling clarity."
"...the Vivaces have wonderful coherence"
This is an extremely enjoyable review to read. Don't miss it!
October 2007 — Larry Borden, from Stereo Times, wrote an exciting new review about our unique VIVACE loudspeakers. His last comments : "I am buying the review pair" is the best conclusion we could ask from this absolutely great review.
Some excerpts :
"To say that that I recommend the Vivaces would be a massive understatement; they are in fact one of the most enjoyable speakers I have heard"
"Music heard through the Vivaces is lively and energetic, and subtle differences in intensity are reproduced with startling clarity."
"...the Vivaces have wonderful coherence"
This is an extremely enjoyable review to read. Don't miss it!
CANADA
HIFI GREAT TANTO REVIEW
October 2007 — Canada HiFi, the great online and print magazine of the hi-fi community in Canada has posted a hot review of the TANTO speakers. Some comments:
"To say that I enjoyed the sound of the Tanto speakers would be an understatement."
"I enjoyed a sound stage that was truly vast"
"...truly live sound performances"
"Each time I listened to them, I was glued to my chair for longer periods of time"
October 2007 — Canada HiFi, the great online and print magazine of the hi-fi community in Canada has posted a hot review of the TANTO speakers. Some comments:
"To say that I enjoyed the sound of the Tanto speakers would be an understatement."
"I enjoyed a sound stage that was truly vast"
"...truly live sound performances"
"Each time I listened to them, I was glued to my chair for longer periods of time"
HI-FI+
VIVACE REVIEW - THEY HAVE "UN JE NE SAIS
QUOI"
September 2007 — In Hi-Fi+ Magazine (#53), Paul Messenger presents his review of our VIVACE loudspeakers. While he admits his room was much larger than the recommended size of 200 square feet, causing important bass mismatch, he still enjoyed the speakers very much. He also finds that the VIVACE are tube addict speakers!
Here are a few excerpts from the review:
"Stereo focus and imaging were dramatically good"
"The overall sound is very fast and exciting"
"...beguiling openness on voices"
We invite you to download the review, available in PDF format here:
September 2007 — In Hi-Fi+ Magazine (#53), Paul Messenger presents his review of our VIVACE loudspeakers. While he admits his room was much larger than the recommended size of 200 square feet, causing important bass mismatch, he still enjoyed the speakers very much. He also finds that the VIVACE are tube addict speakers!
Here are a few excerpts from the review:
"Stereo focus and imaging were dramatically good"
"The overall sound is very fast and exciting"
"...beguiling openness on voices"
We invite you to download the review, available in PDF format here:
SON
et IMAGE - BANC D'ESSAI
Septembre 2007 - Son et Image présente un banc d'essai sur les TANTO. C'est à ne pas manquer.
L'éditeur, Michel Leroux nous dit :
"La contrebasse (sur l’album Companion de Patricia Barber) n’est pas économe, bien au contraire et, au contact des Tanto, les notes basses se montrent étonnamment bien assises, à la fois généreuses, spontanées, accompagnées de l’effet de rondeur associé à l’instrument."
"Aucun agacement d’écoute. Jamais les Tanto ne sont fatigantes à l’oreille."
"Reliées à l’amplificateur de puissance Moon Evolution W7 de 300 watts sous 4 ohms, elles en redemandent."
Vous pouvez télécharger une version PDF ici:
Septembre 2007 - Son et Image présente un banc d'essai sur les TANTO. C'est à ne pas manquer.
L'éditeur, Michel Leroux nous dit :
"La contrebasse (sur l’album Companion de Patricia Barber) n’est pas économe, bien au contraire et, au contact des Tanto, les notes basses se montrent étonnamment bien assises, à la fois généreuses, spontanées, accompagnées de l’effet de rondeur associé à l’instrument."
"Aucun agacement d’écoute. Jamais les Tanto ne sont fatigantes à l’oreille."
"Reliées à l’amplificateur de puissance Moon Evolution W7 de 300 watts sous 4 ohms, elles en redemandent."
Vous pouvez télécharger une version PDF ici:
STEREO
MOJO VERDICT : TANTO WINS MAXIMUM MOJO
AWARD!
July 2007 — Stereo Mojo Magazine TANTO review is out. As James L. Darby, editor, says, he was not expecting much from all those claims about the super bass... He was in for a BIG a surprise! In the end, he awarded the TANTO a MAXIMUM MOJO AWARD, and we're proud to announce that we also won the Best New Speaker Of The Year 2007 Award!
Better read the review if you want to know how a sceptic guy became a TRUE BELIEVER and a BIG FAN! In the meantime, here are some excerpts:
July 2007 — Stereo Mojo Magazine TANTO review is out. As James L. Darby, editor, says, he was not expecting much from all those claims about the super bass... He was in for a BIG a surprise! In the end, he awarded the TANTO a MAXIMUM MOJO AWARD, and we're proud to announce that we also won the Best New Speaker Of The Year 2007 Award!
Better read the review if you want to know how a sceptic guy became a TRUE BELIEVER and a BIG FAN! In the meantime, here are some excerpts:
"Does it (the bass)
convey the feeling and emotion of a large pipe
organ? Absolutely! There was no sign of bloat,
sloppiness, or even boominess... To tell the truth,
as impressive as was the bass, the TANTO's other
characteristics were even more impressive"
"I have never heard a speaker that throws a significantly better soundstage - including Quads... The TANTO's are very much in Wilson Watt/Puppy territory in this regard"
"I wish I could point out an area where Mr. Gaboury's speakers were flawed or lacking, but I am at a loss... The Gemme Audio TANTO is musical and satisfying in the extreme."
"I have never heard a speaker that throws a significantly better soundstage - including Quads... The TANTO's are very much in Wilson Watt/Puppy territory in this regard"
"I wish I could point out an area where Mr. Gaboury's speakers were flawed or lacking, but I am at a loss... The Gemme Audio TANTO is musical and satisfying in the extreme."
TANTO
REVIEW - STEREO ET IMAGES
June 2007 edition of Stéréo et Images Magazine (FRANCE). English and French versions are available for download below. The English version is an in-house translation of the text only.
Voici quelques extraits :
"Elles (les TANTO) peuvent encaisser une puissance colossale, nous les avons écoutées avec un ampli de 750 W par canal sans problème de talonnement... mais avec une capacité dynamique par rapport à leur faible volume qui est proche du "miracle"."
"...une souplesse, une fluidité de restitution "enchanteresses"
"Le piano ressort avec tous ses violents contrastes ainsi que les divers bruits mécaniques des pédales d'étouffoir et curieusement de reprise de respiration de l'interprète."
"...impliquant une notion de vraie pression acoustique physique sur l'auditeur."
June 2007 edition of Stéréo et Images Magazine (FRANCE). English and French versions are available for download below. The English version is an in-house translation of the text only.
Voici quelques extraits :
"Elles (les TANTO) peuvent encaisser une puissance colossale, nous les avons écoutées avec un ampli de 750 W par canal sans problème de talonnement... mais avec une capacité dynamique par rapport à leur faible volume qui est proche du "miracle"."
"...une souplesse, une fluidité de restitution "enchanteresses"
"Le piano ressort avec tous ses violents contrastes ainsi que les divers bruits mécaniques des pédales d'étouffoir et curieusement de reprise de respiration de l'interprète."
"...impliquant une notion de vraie pression acoustique physique sur l'auditeur."
