I’m pleased to announce that the Vanguard speaker, an modern take on the classic British bookshelf monitor but with a bolder and presentation will be nearing completing manufacturing soon. It will be released under a new brand called eXtremely Sexy Audio (XSA) Labs, a subsidiary of Vera-Fi Audio, LLC.
Due to the war in Ukraine and embargo on Russia, Baltic birch is not available so the first batch will be in all bamboo.
Next to a Graham Chartwell LS3/5A.
Measures 7.5in W x 12in H x 8in D. 50W 83dB at 2.83v. True 8ohm impedance. Introductory price will be $799 for first 25 sets.
Due to the war in Ukraine and embargo on Russia, Baltic birch is not available so the first batch will be in all bamboo.
Next to a Graham Chartwell LS3/5A.
Yes, they are beautiful sounding near field monitors. Place on a small isolator foam block or desk monitor stand if on a desk to get tweeter closer to ear level. LSX have built in amp and Bluetooth and WiFi so quite feature packed. But if you have a separate amp already and want a classic looking speaker in a nicely crafted wooden cabinet, this speaker has the looks and sound to back it up. I have not heard an LSX in person, but would imagine it sounds quite good. I may not have the same non fatiguing smooth voicing and 28mm silk dome tweeter sound though. The LSX is ported reflex so will have inherently deeper bass extension if that’s important to you.
You live close enough - if you want to audition the satin black version I previously lent out to SBAF for a local loaner tour, let me know.
You live close enough - if you want to audition the satin black version I previously lent out to SBAF for a local loaner tour, let me know.
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Drumroll please…
The Vanguards are now for sale under the XSA Labs brand at xsa-labs.com. We are taking pre-orders and the speaker should be shipping by the end of August 2022.
The Vanguards are now for sale under the XSA Labs brand at xsa-labs.com. We are taking pre-orders and the speaker should be shipping by the end of August 2022.
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Very excited about these! I've been following sicne late last year. I am local, and if possible to borrow your former tour pair I would love to try them.
And to think it all started with a box of foam core and hot melt glue.
And a handful of caps and coils with Wago connectors…
To get this response:
With this kind of measured step response:
And this smooth impedance:
But the proof is in how great they sound. All recorded with my iPhone, nothing special equipment wise. These are played from Class D amps I designed (LSA Warp-1 and hybrid tube/Class D Emerald Physics 600.2SE).
And a handful of caps and coils with Wago connectors…
To get this response:
With this kind of measured step response:
And this smooth impedance:
But the proof is in how great they sound. All recorded with my iPhone, nothing special equipment wise. These are played from Class D amps I designed (LSA Warp-1 and hybrid tube/Class D Emerald Physics 600.2SE).
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Presenting the Vanguard! Actual production units have arrived and they look and sound superb.
Shipping carton with custom artwork (it’s been halfway around the world from China to Texas and then from Texas to Virginia (double carton with precision cut foam inserts and non woven cloth bag keeps the speakers well protected):
Solid bamboo construction with clear satin finish:
Custom nameplates with laser etched serial numbers:
I have serial number 009 and 010 playing now.
Shipping carton with custom artwork (it’s been halfway around the world from China to Texas and then from Texas to Virginia (double carton with precision cut foam inserts and non woven cloth bag keeps the speakers well protected):
Solid bamboo construction with clear satin finish:
Custom nameplates with laser etched serial numbers:
I have serial number 009 and 010 playing now.
One important clarification is that we have the cabinets and crossovers in hand now. Unfortunately, the drivers are still on back order, another victim of the supply chain woes. We had ordered the drivers long ago but every few weeks, we get notification that the arrival date is being pushed back another few weeks. Thanks for your understanding and patience as we wait. The set you see above is using drivers from my earlier pre-production pair of speakers.
Very first set of Vanguards have just been received by a customer in Japan and he loves them! He made some videos to share.
Speakers are powered by Marantz Model 5 with NOS tubes and fed by a modified EMM Labs DAC2X with TEAC based TSDX CD transport. Normally it would be vinyl on a TY with a Lyra cartridge but the analog system was not available today.
Speakers are powered by Marantz Model 5 with NOS tubes and fed by a modified EMM Labs DAC2X with TEAC based TSDX CD transport. Normally it would be vinyl on a TY with a Lyra cartridge but the analog system was not available today.
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Review of Vanguard by Stereotimes just came out.
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/xsa-labs-vanguard-bookshelf-loudspeakers-by-greg-voth/
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/xsa-labs-vanguard-bookshelf-loudspeakers-by-greg-voth/
You should write a book; "Audio Entrepreneurship - Everything you need to know to get from Idea to Shipping Product"
The components are made overseas but the assembly is in the USA. The cabinet makers are true master craftsmen though. I couldn’t touch this level of skill.
I am listening to a set that I just assembled:
The crossover is wonderfully made with quality components. The cabinet has aluminum faced mass loaded butyl sheets to dampen vibrations on the wall under the open cell eggcrate foam.
Beautiful sounding.
Vanguards are now available in clear gloss blonde and a rich brown stained satin finish.
https://www.xsa-labs.com/shop
https://www.xsa-labs.com/shop
Audiophile Apartment from Tone Publications.
https://www.tonepublications.com/audiophile-apartment/the-xsa-labs-vanguard-a-new-paradigm/
https://www.tonepublications.com/audiophile-apartment/the-xsa-labs-vanguard-a-new-paradigm/