Cadence ARCA : opinions please

[bhagwan]

i have a few points that come up when reading posts in the last couple of pages, on the OT.

1. does the replacement of the ES panel membrane from an earlier, older technology one with the current, efficient (as lighter), resilient, hygrophobic, with longer life, etc., amount to an advancement of technology?

2. does the change in the internal cabinet surface geometry to cater to issues with the earlier parallel surfaces after advanced software detected these not amount to an advancement of technology?

3. does the change in the internal wiring from the original VDH to the current, better engineered siltech not amount to an advancement of technology?

there are many more.....

Point # 1 = Yes
Point # 2 = Yes
Point # 3 = No

Can you list the others too, so I could let you know i it is 'advancement' or not ?

Essentially my major point is not about Arca getting from Version 1 to Version 6;
The Basic Sound of the Arca was 'excellent' 13 years back & is still very good.
However, the competation has raced ahead & Arca is only crawling.....
The product needs a fresh view & a a new start;; imho...

Hi Bhagwan,
Just like you, my reference speakers 6 years back was a Dynaudio but today it is not, does that make Dynaudio outdated in my books or anyone for that matter ? As humans we will always crave for the "forbidden fruit". I am sure the day we have a speaker which sounds exactly like real instruments our instruments will progress

Sir,
I too loved Dynaudio [past tense];
I used to have the Confidnece 5's & used it for almost 5 + years.
However, Dynaudio has gone to sleep; Sorry to say.

The Consequence is a lovely speaker [specially for classical] !
However, its time has passed.
JM Labs has re-invented itself & Dynaudio has resigned to its fate - deep slumber...what a finish to an excellent product [Per Scanning & Gerhardt Richter would be hitting themselves for what the current owner has done] !!
It truly pains me;

To be 'truthful'
As of today I think Jorn & Tidal makes great speakers - sure - but he too will loose his edge in a few years & come 2016 he will no longer be a great designer - time would have moved on - just like what happened to Mark Levinson - all great things are super in their respective 'time' !!

 

[Dr.Bass]

Well Shanti, there are still some candidates who are timeless, the Kondos, Shindos, Pass Labs, S-L, even your Canasya. Designs which depend on the latest in technology to sound like a new-age kid will always fade with time just like fashion IMO.

 

[bhagwan]

Well Shanti, there are still some candidates who are timeless, the Kondos, Shindos, Pass Labs, S-L, even your Canasya. Designs which depend on the latest in technology to sound like a new-age kid will always fade with time just like fashion IMO.

Sir,
This is not about fashion;
It is about pure performance.
The Cadence Arca is 'dated' in its sound production.
Kindly listen to it & you will know.
I use a Cadence Product myself & have very high regard for it [The Canasya]
only because it is good. If I do come across a 'better' tube power amplifier - I will change it - simple.

Long & short of it - Amps like Kondo [along with the others you mentioned] have a fan following & therefore they are around. So be it. Will be the case with Cadence Arca too.
However, to call it cutting edge in sound reproduction is very far from the truth.
If a person likes the sound of ESL panels - sure the Arca is a great product & that too at a super price !! :clapping:

 

[hifiashok]

Point # 1 = Yes
Point # 2 = Yes
Point # 3 = No

Can you list the others too, so I could let you know i it is 'advancement' or not ?

Essentially my major point is not about Arca getting from Version 1 to Version 6;
The Basic Sound of the Arca was 'excellent' 13 years back & is still very good.
However, the competation has raced ahead & Arca is only crawling.....
The product needs a fresh view & a a new start;; imho...

i am unable to understand the drift of your suggestion on 'raced ahead'. drawing from DB's suggestion, the sound of the guitar has not changed. if the arca v1 reproduced it in a way and v6 does it in a better, closer to the original way (not so cut&dried, tho') (assisted with advanced, currently available s/w notwithstanding), what does 'crawling' mean?

also, if intro of the newer siltech did ditto, again, why is it not owing to an advancement in tech.?

if we are comparing 2ch to 5.1 or whatever is current, i understand. however, as a basic LS reproducing music beautifully, beats me!

 

[bhagwan]

i am unable to understand the drift of your suggestion on 'raced ahead'. drawing from DB's suggestion, the sound of the guitar has not changed. if the arca v1 reproduced it in a way and v6 does it in a better, closer to the original way (not so cut&dried, tho') (assisted with advanced, currently available s/w notwithstanding), what does 'crawling' mean?

also, if intro of the newer siltech did ditto, again, why is it not owing to an advancement in tech.?

if we are comparing 2ch to 5.1 or whatever is current, i understand. however, as a basic LS reproducing music beautifully, beats me!

a]
Version 6 is better than Version 1 - this is the 1st assumption.

b]
Arca is a great loudspeaker.

c]
Arca is an even better lousdpeaker - considering that it cost US $'s 12/- K in India.

d]
Arca was a Great Loudspeaker in 1998. Arca is a Good Loudspeaker in 2011.

e]
Other speaker makers - employing different approach in audio [basically physics] have managed to get 'better' sound from their creations - Kaiser Kaweru - just to site an example.

f]
Components that go into Cadence Arca may have changed over the years - but the product was a 'vision' of Swami Shanti - Mr. Walter Schmidt & he is not working on the newer versions of the Arca.....

g]
Also the mating of the ESL with the Eton [Woofer] was done by Swami Shanti - that is not an easy task to accomplish. New designers may or may not be able to do it in today's time and age.....

 

[hifiashok]

two immediate inferences can be drawn from the above:-

1. the same s/w that was available at the time on the same media, rest of the chain remaining constant, sounded good on the 1998 LS but would not sound as good on the v2011.

2. advanced s/w available today vis-a-vis 1998 would not be able to assist current designers to improve upon what Mr. Walter Schmidt had achieved.

 

[Radni14]

I doubt if ARCAs ever in past got so much discussed, debated or talked about on any forum !

 

[hifiashok]

speaking personally, exposure to the finer nuances, technologies, listening impressions, the various healthy discussions, etc., on this (and some other) forum have possibly added to our overall 'knowledge' and in a more informed appreciation of our music and eqpt., allowing this.

 

[bhagwan]

http://audio-heritage.jp/VICTOR/Speaker/zero-1000.html

or

http://audio-heritage.jp/VICTOR/Speaker/sx-1000.html

or

http://audio-heritage.jp/VICTOR/Speaker/zero-l10.html

 

[ramii]

Trust your own ears.

But also do your homework first. Don't let anybody else decide for you which are 'better' speakers. So do try and audition as many brands as possible at your price point, and also make sure your Cary amps can suitably drive them to reasonable SPLs that match your room.

If you like the electrostatic sound, then Cadence is a great buy, though you could also consider the Quad 2805s or 2905s. I love my Cadence Avitas, and would certainly recommend them and the other Cadence models, but you must listen before you buy, and your decision should be your own.

where can i get cadence speaker in india

 

[bhagwan]

where can i get cadence speaker in india

CADENCE

72-76 MUNDHWA
PUNE - 411 036
MAHARASHTRA
INDIA
TEL.: +91-20-26813085 / 26870151 / 26870152
FAX : +91-20-26813084 / 26871612

E-mail : [email protected]

[email protected]

 

[hifiashok]

Welcome to CadenceAudio WebSite

 

[hifiashok]

the site tho' may not have been updated for 10 or more years!

 

[jls001]

the site tho' may not have been updated for 10 or more years!

I thought it has been static since late 18th century:lol:

 

[bhagwan]

I thought it has been static since late 18th century:lol:

So true.
It seems that Cadence Management is not bothered;
21st Century is Internet Savvy & it is the information highway etc. But Cadence is still in its own time bubble;

 

[Radni14]

Last week I replaced resistors in my ARCA s . I removed stock resistors ( 5 numbers per speaker) and replaced them with Duelund graphite cast Premium resistors ( arguably the best in market ) using Mundorf silver gold alloy wires and matching shoulder . After about 6-8 hrs of break in , results are very rewarding !
Thought some FM would be interested in knowing about this upgrade project , so I put it down in this post .

 

[rikhav]

Last week I replaced resistors in my ARCA s . I removed stock resistors ( 5 numbers per speaker) and replaced them with Duelund graphite cast Premium resistors ( arguably the best in market ) using Mundorf silver gold alloy wires and matching shoulder . After about 6-8 hrs of break in , results are very rewarding !
Thought some FM would be interested in knowing about this upgrade project , so I put it down in this post .

Hi radni
From where did you purchase them?
Mumbai, Delhi or imported it from Europe or USA

When ever I am come to Ahmedabad next, would love to listen to your setup

 

[captrajesh]

Last week I replaced resistors in my ARCA s . I removed stock resistors ( 5 numbers per speaker) and replaced them with Duelund graphite cast Premium resistors ( arguably the best in market ) using Mundorf silver gold alloy wires and matching shoulder . After about 6-8 hrs of break in , results are very rewarding !
Thought some FM would be interested in knowing about this upgrade project , so I put it down in this post .

Nice to know of your modifications. Did you take the opinion of Amba or taken a decision on your own?

Could you describe how the speakers sound when compared to when the stock ones were in place.

 

[Radni14]

Resistors and materials were purchased from USA and Canada .
Amba of Cadence was consulted for values of of stock resistors which I planned to replace ,
and also on how they could fit on the crossover , and quality of hook up wires needed etc. I appreciate Amba's cooperation and help in my project.

 

[bhagwan]

Last week I replaced resistors in my ARCA s . I removed stock resistors ( 5 numbers per speaker) and replaced them with Duelund graphite cast Premium resistors ( arguably the best in market ) using Mundorf silver gold alloy wires and matching shoulder . After about 6-8 hrs of break in , results are very rewarding !
Thought some FM would be interested in knowing about this upgrade project , so I put it down in this post .

Very Interesting indeed;
Great Products...

A few request...if I may

a]
Pics of the Duelund Components

b]
Arca X-Over [open]
How did you manage to open it ? Older Cadence models used to come with potted x-overs & they could not be opened or seen or worked on.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...093.1073741830.298129950281617&type=1&theater

Did you use products like this ?

If what you do 'worked' the Arca must be sounding better - what is the rest of your chain ? If I may ask;

All the Best !

Great Work.
:clapping: