Mine arrived on Saturday and they sound fantastic post break in. Their build quality is phenomenal. For those concerned about the required feet away from the wall - You can still play music with them near the wall and it sounds fine but not HiFi. One feature not talked enough about these speaker is how they're only 10" deep and 35 lbs. Mine are tucked neatly near the wall and I easily pull them out when I have a long listening session. I play music for my young daughters with them near the wall. I've been to a few audio shows and have had a few listening sessions in HiFi stores and per my untrained ear, my system now competes with the best of them.

Caladans arrived two days ago. Finally set up last night. They sounded very mediocre at best. Was sorry I bought them. This morning .....OMG...... astonishing sound. Lock the doors, somebody could steal them. I ordered them 10/30, a long time ago. They were worth every minute I waited for them. Clayton recommends at least 50 hours of burn for a good reason. I cant believe these things will still be getting better. He has crushed it.

@Newrecordday2013

21 күн бұрын

They do take some time to open up - those woofers really get better around the 40-50 hour mark.

@vernkeplinger6237

21 күн бұрын

@@Newrecordday2013 Thanks Ron for all you do.

Even through KZread the sound clips sound fantastic. Midrange is superb

@kevintomb

3 ай бұрын

Not so sure that is a good thing. I have heard great sounding speakers, in real life on youtube that sound muffled and just okay, so what does this actually mean?

Just brilliant. Have to wait a while before Clayton can fill international orders.

Ron - I love the way you present and choice of words you use is so brilliant to a point that making to place an order of these OB speakers.

Wow that 3rd track with the blues is amazing ! My Martin Logans and Depth sub was absolutely astounding, the imaging, depth, placement and sound stage was flawless ! Thank you for sharing. Literally made the hair on my arms stand up lol !!

Breathless and breathtaking! I don't ever recall you being so passionate in your delivery of a review. It was detailed and measured. ( and always entertaining. ) Like someone mesmerized and out of control by a cult leader I want to run out and buy these speakers. Great review!

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@AUSER7117

8 ай бұрын

As I will.

@harryberry474

7 ай бұрын

And...did they cost $2950 for the pair or $3295 like the site is showing today 11/19 just 3 weeks after this video's posted? add $150 shipping plus tax? So realistically they're closer to $3700

I’ve watched A LOT of speaker reviews, and never have I wanted a speaker more. They are so perfect for my tastes and style too. What beauties. The realism is staggering from these, the energy that pumps out of them too ❤❤❤

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

@robk5745

8 ай бұрын

@@Newrecordday2013 thanks for sharing them with the community

@okafka5446

6 ай бұрын

@@Newrecordday2013 "Sound clips sound very good. I'm curious what your opinion on minimum room size for these to work well in would be?" Me too, any thoughts?

Impressed to say the least! Great presentation, superb room acoustics, great recording. This is highend my friends.

The extension into the lows is downright NAUGHTY !!!! ... You know something is special about a driver setup when it just surprises...

Brilliant review. And amazing sound. 👏👏

oh my. Well done to Clayton and thanks for bringin amazing news. I was disappointed when you said last week about the problems with the Saphires. But lookahere, now this is something something to dream of.

Artisan, audio statesman, genius….. we are grateful to Mr Shaw. The industry needs more gifted sincerity on this scale.

Definitely on my shortlist thanks for the great review as always ✌️

I placed my order. Crossed my fingers. Haven't been this excited since I was a kid waiting for Santa. Was on the phone with Clayton, what a solid guy. Very easy to talk to.

@darrenreed883

8 ай бұрын

How did you order the web site is down. Is there a different site

@rockroll9513

Ай бұрын

Did you get them? How are they?

Thanks for the review, Ron!

Update: Clayton has opted to exclusively provide Caladan in hardwood, leading to a slight increase in price compared to the initial video release. Originally considering an MDF version, he decided to discontinue it due to the overwhelming popularity of the hardwood option. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to him at 801-631-2994.

@CavalierLiberty

8 ай бұрын

Website in the description is incorrect. You got it right at the end of the video.

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

@@CavalierLiberty Thanks, fixed.

@CavalierLiberty

8 ай бұрын

@@Newrecordday2013 glad I could help

@theaustralianconundrum

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I see them! At 6:18 someone has placed the speaker cables on their little 50 cent stands so they don't don't touch the floor and vibrate the electrons!!!!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard I cried. @@Newrecordday2013

@oakmountainman7872

6 ай бұрын

What species of hardwood are those Caladan speakers in your video?

Wonderful news...!!! Amazing audio clips..!!! (BTW they look fantastic)

Ordered a pair early December 2023........still waiting. Last promise was for June delivery. We shall see.

@bobtomay

2 күн бұрын

I've now been waiting for 7 months - no response from v/mail or email from them

Great teaser Ron! Room is looking amazing!! I want a pair of these!!!

After listening "Winter sounds" album, I tend to agree that the most important factor of the sound quality, is the source of the recording.

It’s all about the tuning great job here obviously. The space really paying off now !

What??? New OB"s ??? I remember these.... Your golden child.... Happy B-Day brother. ❤

Great review! Nice price for such an exceptional product. Going to shake the competition for sure.

Holy crap, the music is out of the Box. Stellar sound.🔥❤️😄

They look amazing.

I can hear ALL the way down to 25Hz. + easily with my own hand built OB system featuring 2 Lii Audio W15 subs I modified, and designed. It's truly amazing. Thanks for making, uploading and sharing Ron 🙂

@paulsochinfan

7 ай бұрын

Could you kindly share your design? Thank you

I have downloaded those high resolution files and after critical listening I can say that those Clayton Shaw Caladans sound exactly the same as my table top computer speaker. Needless to say I am very proud of my little speakers matching those highly praised Caladans.

@nicoeleich

7 ай бұрын

hahahahahahahahahhahaha..

@stiffmeister0hYeah

7 ай бұрын

at 3:40 he mentions that it's time to put headphones on.

@duroxkilo

6 ай бұрын

lols jokes aside, mic placement has a great influence on the captured fqs. place the mic (or ear) close enough to a 2in speaker and it will capture 30Hz with ease. that's how headphones can dig low w/ authority...

@russelldawkins9094

6 ай бұрын

@@stiffmeister0hYeah…then you’ll hear your headphone’s interpretation of the Earthworks microphone’s interpretation of the sound of the speaker in close proximity to the tweeter. What would be more useful would be to hear the recording of the speaker interspersed with the line level signal being fed to the speaker.

@rongoodman8874

5 ай бұрын

Excellent comment. I was wondering the same. The mic placement definitely would give a different result than one could expect sitting in a chair 10 or 15 feet from the speakers. @@duroxkilo

I forgot to mention that the production quality of this review is pretty entertaining. The last 15 seconds were well executed 🙂

This video is perhaps the best hifi review I’ve ever watched. Thanks so much much for continually raising the bar. And yes I so want a pair!

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Much appreciated!

@matiasmerono

Ай бұрын

Oh yeah! Only better in the old western movies, with the seller taking a drink from the top of his carriage. Magic ointments, flies and mules.

not often I pay any attention to you tube playback, but this comes through very impressive so can only imagine how they are in the room. well done!

I’ve been following speaker reviews intermittently on KZread. One of the trends that has emerged (apart from a few interesting designs) is the increasing affordability of high end sound. It has appeared to me that, at least for the past few years, audiophiles need not break the $10,000 barrier to get superlative sound. This speaker, based on your review, breaks new ground with a superlative speaker well under $5,000. That is unheard of. The second jaw dropper is how in the heck does he get such bass extension in a relatively compact OB design??? This sounds like, if you have the space to properly setup an OB design, this is the speaker you have to consider!

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Bingo!

Not sure how much I was expecting to hear but I think I am in shock. Good . . No GREAT news for people in the market for a new speaker of an upgrade. Exciting review.

1K??? WOW!!! That really is incredible. The second song, is one of my go-to testtracks, love how it shakes my insides🤪

Ron, thanks for this great update! I owned the M3 Sapphires and when the Peerless tweeters became a problem, I was able to get a pair of replacements...it was a miracle and helped me sell the Sapphires without taking a huge loss. Based on the size and the price, I will be first in line for the Caladan if and only if it is using components that are widely available in case of a problem....my strong suggestion to Clayton is to offer an option to be able to buy a pair of spare tweeters at the time you order a new pair of speakers. PS...I agree about the discontinuity of the Sapphires that from time to time made the Sapphires seem like there was an imaging or phase problem.

first time I got the goosbumps through YT. Brilliant stuff

Instant like and subscribe after this review! I've been wanting an affordable open baffle speaker and this sounds like the e-ticket to bliss. I was too late to the game for the Pure Audio Project kits and Preludes which now start at 7k. You are doing a solid for the common man audiophile on a limited budget. Great review and thanks for the heads up!

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Those tracks sound amazing

Love the demo tracks and the challenge to greatness this presents to us DIYers! Guess I'll have to unpack the pair of old Polydax 35mm silk dome tweeters I have stashed away. But I'm also quite happy with the midrange speed I'm obtaining from 3" titanium diaphragm mid drivers with 20lb motors. They might even sound great WITHOUT 38" wide classic CD horn lenses to introduce them to the room, lol!

I agree with the comment about the "passionate delivery". I want them, and at that price I'm going to have them.😊

Best reviewer in the world of Audio!

Clayton back! YEA1!

The recommended tracks are soo good :)

Another awesome video! I hope your long awaited Schiit Tyr review is loaded in the hopper!

@jon4715

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I’m also dying to hear the full Tyr review.

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Coming soon!

Your so lucky your there with them live.

loved it 😍

Those are just gorgeous.

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Agree!

@jwilson086

8 ай бұрын

@@Newrecordday2013 question for Clayton if you have a chance to ask - will he be exhibiting at Florida Audio Fest in February? I would really love to hear these in person.

OMG. I can’t believe those things sound that good. I mean thats unbelievable

So great the way the greatest possible speakers just get better and better if you have the cash!

Wow, you don't look a day older than yesterday, but the maturity of your review is impressive.

@badd99

8 ай бұрын

It's obvious in his reviews which products he actually cares about and is making because he wants to vs he is obligated to

It is impossible to unhear that. Eish, talk about complicating, in an extremely good way, my Christmas gift to self. Thank you NRD. Now some initial amplifier pairings.

Damn. Even through my R3/NAD setup, those tracks sounded good. Crazy.

A wonderful review Ron!! I would buy these based only on your recommendation if I were looking for speakers in this price range. So cool to see you this impressed 👍 Must Google if they are available in Sweden.

Wow!! This must be one impressive speaker!!

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

They are.

This is a great set of speakers. I wolud love to hear how it paired up with another gem in the audio world, the AGD Amp.

@thomasvargas5984

7 ай бұрын

Or even a StarCrimson :}

@idianmansjur2673

7 ай бұрын

oooh yes..Orchard Audio, forgot about that one..Thanks@@thomasvargas5984

Great video Ron, I have a pair of RF7-III. With the Gr-Upgrade they are so much better now. I'm taking it on your word Ron, already ordered. Clayton is such a book of knowledge.

@Newrecordday2013

7 ай бұрын

That’s great!

@muddasirsultan6256

2 ай бұрын

what's a Gr-upgrade?

@johnadams3116

2 ай бұрын

@muddasirsultan6256 GR-Research they make speakers, amps, cables, and headphones, they also analyze other companies speakers and provide cross-over parts so you can yank out that crap and put in good quality coils, capacitors, and other stuff, Danny Hobbs and the forum on audiocircle are a wealth of knowledge, and alot of help, also they are a few people that will build your crossover and ship it to you in case you are not comfortable with constructing a crossover, heck that's what I did. After the upgrade I just wish Klipsh didn't use those woofers, coated in that crap

Oh this awesome album - winter songs. The bass on it is nuts. I've got some huge OB's and when this thing strikes those notes - I'm assuming in the 30Hz range, its pretty epic.

Ok tou make it FUN!! I spent almost 2 decades away from real listening due to work/travel an living in small places so get to listening and the latest I tried KZread. Because in the 80s ,90s we only had magazine or show but HIFI shops Thanks

Amazing!

I smile at the open back, dynamic driver designs that are being built today. However, I think that the reviews we have seen with the Martin Logan 'Masterpiece' electrostatic series have been a game changer for true, dipole, with a two way line array concept for a while now. At 90+ DB sensitivity, attach a 400wpc. amp and one can be amazed with the dynamic range, and spatial image an arched, mylar panel can create. I know, as a Klipsch Forte'4 owner along with a pair of Classic 9 ESL's side by side in my dedicated 18x24' space, the ML's NEVER disappoint me or my listening guests. 😉 Best wishes with the final production and introduction of this new speaker.

Sounds nice and natural; top to bottom.

I heard the Caladan speakers at AXPONA this year. Yes, they are fantastic! They were being driven by a pair of Atma-Sphere mono blocks. The DAC was a Linear Tube Audio Aero.

Which wood on the test speakers? It would be great to see an example of each on his website.

Wow this sounds amazing.

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@johnsonadekunle7675

8 ай бұрын

I’m interested in purchasing these speakers.

@johnsonadekunle7675

8 ай бұрын

Don’t tell me you didn’t use subs in the demo.

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

@@johnsonadekunle7675 I did not use subs.

Couldn't tell you how happy I was to hear the price, and the high sensitivity which means we'll be able to drive it with a number of TUBE amps. Looks like you are also using my new favorite INT ss AMP - the Electrocompaniet, which I just obtained on the used market. More people in the US should know about that product, it's really a cut above most of the stuff I've owned including MF, Arcam, and some older levinson. Of course years and model types vary in sound Q, but that's what we have you for. Really cool review, well done!

@ericelliott227

8 ай бұрын

Where was price mentioned? I watched the whole thing and nothing about price was mentioned. I don't think it has been established yet.

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

@ericelliott227 if you didn’t catch the price, watch the ending again.

I'm curious how these speakers compare to the M6. Glad Clayton is on the mend and doing his thing. Kudos to you, Ron, and your posts. Always authentic.

@greeneggsandham6720

8 ай бұрын

I meant to ask how the new Caladens compare to the M4, not the M6.

Order placed, deposit made, anticipated delivery in JAN. Taking a leap of faith as this will be the first time seeing/hearing OB speakers (other than NRD on YT).

@vernkeplinger6237

7 ай бұрын

i did the same last week. Paid in full. It is a leap indeed.

@djb113

Ай бұрын

Did you get them? How are they?

@boomcrash

Ай бұрын

@@djb113I like them. It’s taken a while for my ears to acclimate to the tweeters as they are not what I’m used to (AMT or beryllium), but they’re good. The open baffle sound is something I’ve never experienced. I really like it. They’re essentially in the same spot since setting them up. I assume there will be further improvements as I move them around the room. I have about 40 hours on them so far.

NRD, you just dropped a Bomb on us!!! I'm in,especially at that price!!!

Heard these at CAF and had the pleasure of talking to Clayton several times. They are fantastic speakers and of incredible value. I will own a pair.

@Newrecordday2013

7 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

Happy Birthday Ron !! Appreciate the Videos ' My 1st taste of open baffle was in 1989 and I was blown away ' They looked like Daliquest 10s but they wasn't they was all metal cage and they wasn't Quads because he was using a Pioneer SX 1250 reciever ' sound was so powerful I'll never found out what they was 😂

@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120

8 ай бұрын

Ron I want a pair no joking ' Lots of O.T. I have put in almost pulled trigger on Kef R7s don't let me man !!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for demonstrating that my speakers are great! But I'll bet the CALADAN sounds even better in the flesh. If I had the room for open baffles, they'd be on my short list!

@paulsochinfan

7 ай бұрын

May I ask how is your current room not suitable for OB?

When I was watching this video, I thought I will go to living room and watch on TV. I was listening through a pair of Tekton Lore Reference speakers. Usually listening that way, you get an idea but wow I was blown away! I can only think about what it would be like in person. I downloaded the second track, and listened and it made my walls rattle. Excellent track for those speakers. But the real star of the show is the vocals which are as real as any speaker I've ever heard. The first time I ever heard those small Maggie's, LS, those sounded really good, but the added warmth in these is fantastic, triple the price of the Maggie's. Thanks, I really don't think you need other speakers with these. They cover all the bases. Open Baffle speakers truly do have a unique sound. Wow.

Have to investigate further as i live in Portugal , ( due to customs cost and freight) but I think I have just encountered my next speakers , …..the price / quality relation likes to me off the roof ! And with that sensibility ,…perfect for tubes , Thank you Ron !

I am amazed at how the low end & and overall sound spread sounded on my APS-- Klasik 2020 Studio monitors, clearest lows I have ever heard from any speaker I have heard anywhere! The sub low was astounding, even over KZread....

I'll be at CAF, can't wait!

Your room is looking and sounding Fantastic. Nice One

@Newrecordday2013

7 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly

Simply astonishing. I've been looking for my set of towers and I was in the process and about to build some but at this price point. Oh my Lord astonishing great review. I am all in on these

So does this essentially leave Spatial Audio Labs in the dust, or is there still a competitive place for them? Super exciting for Clayton, and truly glad to see him back in action (in a very serious way, it appears), but talk about an aggressive branching off in the industry move! Between the design, price, and performance superlatives present here, looks like there are some truly exciting times ahead!

@rosswarren436

8 ай бұрын

Don't think it "leaves them in the dust", they are still very good speakers of course. It does mean that going forward they will likely refine some of their designs, such as addressing the integration of the treble, mids, and lows better. If this is indeed Clayton's last or next to last speaker before he retires, there will always be room for someone to come along later and push the technology even more. That's the great thing about this ride. The future can, in theory, bring us even better products at competitive prices. But man, oh man, $2950 for these would be very tempting. I had my eyes on JBL L100 Classics but now I'm just wondering...

Whelp these just went to the top of my list

Insane, that's all, insane!

Wow wow, the bass is awesome!!!!!!!!, the clarity is dynamite. This are better than anything I heard through my headphones. Super

@Newrecordday2013

8 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks!

@argo117007

8 ай бұрын

*while listening to YT compressed audio through said headphones*

@Bloozestringer

8 ай бұрын

@@argo117007 you did see the file downloads?

@craighoffman6876

7 ай бұрын

@@argo117007 Links provided to the uncompressed high res sound files. 🙂

Danny helped me design my open baffle alnico full range with ambient neodymium tweeters with low crossover and it’s the way to go 🎶✔️🥰

I listened to these yesterday for about 45 minutes at Capital Audio Fest. They played the same tracks that Ron plaued. These speakers are Amazing!!!

@Newrecordday2013

7 ай бұрын

Dude! I was hoping to hear a report! And keep in mind those rooms are usually awful!

@michaelgarnett1372

7 ай бұрын

Think pair w new class A musical fidelity w a less laid back sources

Listening through my set of Grado GS 1000’s and holy cow!

The best of both worlds All new Acoustic Energy Corinium Speakers 😇🤫😉

@Newrecordday2013

5 ай бұрын

Looks like a typical box speaker to me.

exciting stuff! Will Clayton have a showroom for auditions?

its a two way speaker exactly what i like. 2 way arranges the sound stage with better focus than 3 way in my experience , this might be the one for me.

I have good headphones, and the recorded sound from this clip is the best one compared to all other speakers.

Holy Shiiiite.....Never heard my desktop speakers and sub sound so good. They're so good they made crappy little monitors sing. Even through the squashy KZreads. I'll listen through headphones when I get home tonight. Geeeeeez. Um...and affordable. Gagh!

Sound clips sound very good. I'm curious what your opinion on minimum room size for these to work well in would be?

Haven’t ever been this excited for someone to take my money.

That track has been on my list for a long time, I'm super surprised these speakers pull it off!

Two thumbs up ! This will allow people to listen to MUSIC .............instead of analysing a hi-end SOUND system....... Will also make it more easy to choose a musical amplifier and source instead o reading and choosing by numbers on glossy papers. Thanks

Sounds pretty darn amazing! What was the amplifier you were using? Electrocompaniet?

Sounds terrific! Had a couple of questions before I place an order. How would this sound with complex music, such as classical symphonies or rock music? I already have a great speakers for jazz and vocal music. But it struggles with the aforementioned genres. I’m looking for speakers that can do exactly that.

I was fortunate enough to catch these at CAF 2023 and oh boy… lightning did strike.

@Newrecordday2013

7 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

😃OH BABY! I waited and waited saving and waiting to afford the Saphires and ....... SHAZAM! Life deals me ACES!

My Caladans have arrived! As bad luck would have it, they were delivered the same day I departed for four days. I’ll unbox on Monday. Can’t wait! Still anxiously awaiting NRD’s assessment of the production speakers you received.

@vernkeplinger6237

2 ай бұрын

what day did you order them on ?

@boomcrash

2 ай бұрын

@@vernkeplinger6237 NOV 1, but I wasted some time pulling out of PayPal and reordering via Square. Probably could’ve had them a month or two ago.

@JonPrintzian

Ай бұрын

@@boomcrash I ordered mine Nov 5th. I hope to get my tracking number soon.

Interesting review...but for everyone commenting how great they sound. You can't know that till you've heard them. You are listening to YOUR OWN SYSTEM!!!

Awesome! Clayton probably is a a Dune fan.