SEAS Lotus Performance Set PS165/1 - World Class Sound

SUBJECTIVE SCORE CHART POINTSPOSSIBLESEASLOTUSOverall sound quality2016Tonal balance (above 80Hz)108Low-frequency extension108Clarity at low volume108Clarity at high volume108Image stability108Listening fatigue (moderate volume)109Flexibility/ease of installation2017Total subjective score10082Ratings: Average performance is equal to 1/2 total points possible

ClassicalSchubert's Symphony #9 "The Great"From Rock to Bach - err well, Schubert in this case. Telarc's 20-bit recording of Schubert's Symphony #9 "The Great" can really test for a sense of space and tonality. The French horns that open this piece are brassy, beautifully recreated and ambient, showing the size of the cathedral where the recording was made. Through the SEAS, the orchestra's imaging was well defined and solid in their positioning, with nice long ambient decays of each note. The oboe was reedy and rich, and the flute was well distinguished from the oboe.

The string plucks and bowing of the cellos and bass were smooth with a richness that was glorious, yet relaxing. The timpani were taut and articulate. The brass crescendos were prefect and never became harsh or edgy.Score: 9/10

JAZZDiana Krall Love ScenesVocals were wonderfully reproduced by the PS165/1's and listening to the Love Scenes album was a joy. Breath and lip details were tucked in between each of her luscious words. Krall's singing was rich and thick tonally, and the SEAS didn't add any chestiness to ruin the fullness of her voice. The upper vocal tones were just as nicely reproduced. There was no hint of nasally midrange dip or the hated midrange peak of sibilance.

Adding to the great vocals was how well the piano was reproduced - accurate ambience and string ring-out, with just the right amount of the boxy nature of the piano preserved. The big string bass that opens the first track move up and down the scale. The PS165/1's clearly recreated the bassist's hands moved up and down the neck of the instrument for all he's worth. The electric guitar sounded like a perfect Gibson Les Paul.Score: 9/10

R&BUsher ConfessionsI finished off by listening to Usher's Confessions CD. This pop/rap/R&B album has an interesting mix of acoustic and electronic instruments as well as male vocals. During the acoustic "Intro" track, the PS165/1's brought to life Usher's vocal qualities, providing the emotional impact of the lyrics sung. All of the instrumentation comes through with excellent details and clarity. Once the full-on bass beat of the rap kicks in, you really need to add a subwoofer to the system to get the full effect - the midwoofer of the PS165/1's does do an amazing job on all of the low-frequency stuff, but adding a subwoofer under it would make for an ultimate sound system in just about any vehicle. I am so impressed with the power handling of these speakers - they never gave me any mechanical noises or complaints. Well done SEAS!Score: 7/10

ConclusionWell, if you already haven't been able to tell what I thought of these Norwegian wondrous speakers, then I will spell it out for you. The SEAS PS165/1's are about as close as any speaker that I've tried out for CA&E to the all-conquering Alpine F#1 Status components that I reviewed a while back. In other words, the SEAS are just great sounding!

The build quality and the design brilliance of these speakers are world class. They reproduce sound with fantastic purity, realism and an ease of listening that makes them a joy to spend time with over and over again. Yes, they are expensive at $999 for the set. But, if you are a discriminating listener that actually wants to fall in love with sound, you must give these a listen. After a long listen I'm sure you'll be hooked.

RockSwitchfoot Beautiful LetdownWhile listening to Switchfoot's rock album Beautiful Letdown, I was very impressed with the midwoofer low-frequency reproduction and power handling. The opening track, "This is Your Life," drops in a few kabooms in the first 15 seconds. The PS165/1's played back nicely with no complaints from the cone or suspension. The vocal reproduction was full and detailed with good breath sounds clearly audible. The tom drums kicked hard, beefy and taut. The electric guitars stayed pleasant and listenable even at high volumes. This remained true even when the "Wall of Sound" recording style was in-play on "Dare You to Move." I'm really starting to like the sound quality and ease of listening to the PS165/1's.Score: 7/10