Samson Rubicon R8a Monitors

[MKS]

So, after doing some research I was informed to check out a set of Samson Rubicon R8a monitors. I was told to ignore the price and brand name. Since none were located in my area to try out, I purchased a set through Sweetwater.

Got my first set. Oops, the woofer was dead in one of them. Called sweetwater and they crosshipped another set right away.

Just hooked up the new set today and WOW! Those 2" Velocity Ribbon high-frequency transducers make a huge difference. As I was told, it will make it sound like the blanket has been removed from every speaker you've ever heard.

If you get a chance, check them out for yourself. I have a new found respect for Samson.

Street price: $529 (pair)

 

[punkrockacademyfightsong]

hmm, sounds like a good deal, alltough i wouldn't expect great quality from samson... maybe i should give them a try someday... at the moment i'm very happy with my new Dynaudio BM5A's

 

[006]

I'd rather get a pair of Event Tuned Reference 8's...hell even a pair of KRK RP-8's for less than those Rubicons. However, what you're probably amazed about is the clarity given from the ribbon tweeter. I know the pair of ADAM monitors I've worked with I was so blown away by the clarity because of that as well.

In the end, it's really whatever works for you in your environment. While I'll keep the TR8's on my shopping list, I'll also keep an eye on these, as I always listen to real user comments on things more than anything else. You also happen to be someone I would surely trust in the gear department when it comes to good/bad gear.

~e.a

 

[black sugar]

On the subject of "budget" monitors with ribbon tweets...

I had a chance to check out the Adam A7's yesterday and I was really impressed, FWIW. Same basic character as the S3A's they were sitting on top of, just not as ballsy on the bottom end, of course.

That's about all I could tell from a quick a/b in a room I wasn't very familiar with. At $1000 a pair, I'm definitely intrigued, though. Gonna have to go for another listen and hopefully take 'em home for a test drive.


EA, it's funny you mention the Events. I went specifically to check out a used pair of Reference 8's but was intrigued with the A7's, mainly because I'm probably moving my rig into a smaller room. I had no idea how big those Events were! Big for "nearfields" anyway...

 

[MKS]

hmm, sounds like a good deal, alltough i wouldn't expect great quality from samson... maybe i should give them a try someday... at the moment i'm very happy with my new Dynaudio BM5A's

Yeah, I was worried by the Sansom name but I decided to take the chance since Sweetwater has a no hassle return policy.

It still doesn't make up for the defective woofer on the first set but damn, they really sound good.

 

[MKS]

Ok, I want to update my thoughts on these speakers.

These Samson's really do sound good but I'm not doing you guys justice by not relaying the fact that my ear fatigue has increased dramatically since using them.

I honestly think the speakers are are the culprit.

 

[sparkyness]

Sure it's the monitors and not just what you've been listening to recently?

I can only take so much of certain bands/styles before my ears done with it and I can't make head nor tail of what I'm listening to.....especially if it's purely shouted vocals and big riffs (e.g Mark of Cain/90's-era Helmet). Can barely get through an entire album in one sitting without ear fatigue kicking in. Other stuff I can listen to all day without losing the ability to analyse the production.

 

[MKS]

Sure it's the monitors and not just what you've been listening to recently?

I can only take so much of certain bands/styles before my ears done with it and I can't make head nor tail of what I'm listening to.....especially if it's purely shouted vocals and big riffs (e.g Mark of Cain/90's-era Helmet). Can barely get through an entire album in one sitting without ear fatigue kicking in. Other stuff I can listen to all day without losing the ability to analyse the production.

Maybe. I will keep posting to this thread as time goes on.

 

[The ORIGINAL South Of Heaven]

Samson = Sam Ash = The Devil!