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REVIEW: Ruark Paladin Speakers

88.105.207.24


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Model: Paladin
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $3200
Description: Two-way solid wood floorstander, 8in woofer, 91db
Manufacturer URL: Ruark
Manufacturer URL: Ruark

Review by il toro ( A ) on April 21, 2007 at 15:07:11
IP Address: 88.105.207.24
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for the Paladin


Now 10 years old but were Ruark's top of the range in mid-late 90sn with a price tag to match. Mine had a lovely rosewood finish, all have shot-filled bases to so very heavy and solid for rock-steady bass. Good clarity at top end too. Very sensitive at 91db so worked well with a succession of valve amps (Audio Innovations 200, Arion Electra, Audion 300b SET) but still happy to rock with solid state so long as you keep the volume control well down.

Probably the nicest looking speaker I've ever owned, definitely have high WAF despite their size. Probably at their happiest with acoustic rock and symphonies (cellos and basses in particular really sing) but easily had enough punch for rock and enough delicacy to show the nuances of chamber music and lieder.

If I have any quibble it's that when I tried to use them with a borrowed Krell solid state power amp, I felt they got overloaded. They were fine with a more subtle Sugden A21.


Product Weakness: Too sensitve for monster 200w solid state setups.
Product Strengths: They ROCK, but also have enough delicacy. 91db so sensitive enough for valves.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Audion 300b SET monoblocs
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Audion Permier
Sources (CDP/Turntable): LP12/Ittok/OC9
Speakers: Ruark Paladin
Cables/Interconnects: Straighttru
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical/chamber/rock/blues/jazz
Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 14 x 14
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): yes
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): none




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Topic - REVIEW: Ruark Paladin Speakers - il toro 15:07:11 04/21/07 ( 1)