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  Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Intuitive Design Summit model number PSL 624 (PSL=Pitcher Sound Labs)

Part I: Introduction

The Intuitive Design Summit Loudspeakers are almost certainly the last loudspeaker I will ever buy. They have completely blown away even my most ridiculously unrealistic expectations. This review will humbly attempt to do justice to these utterly magnificent, stunningly transcendent masterpieces of sonic transduction. I am a consumer with no affiliation to any audio retailer or manufacturer. My only goals are to inform the audiophile community about these and to pique its curiosity, possibly to the point where some people may actually to give these an audition—something they so richly deserve.

The review has seven parts:
1. Introduction;
  2. Synopsis (just read this if you want to get the main points without
suffering through the whole tome);  
3. The fleshed out, fully detailed narrative (extremely long and thorough, beware);
4. Photos;
5. Personal anecdotes and observations of others;
6. My poem: “Pitcher Perfect—The Fabulous Summits” (I had to do it!);
7. Disclaimer statement. (This is really stupid but is intended to preempt shill
accusations.)



Part II: Synopsis

The Intuitive Design Summits are a two-way, dynamic loudspeaker with a custom, proprietary, chambered, 1” soft dome tweeter; a 7” carbon pulp midbass driver; a first order crossover; capacitors manufactured on site by Intuitive Design; a granite cabinet; and the granite Path Stand System. Mine have Stillpoints and inverted risers under both of the speakers and both of the Path Stands, which in turn are placed on 18 x 12 x 3 inch, 75 pound granite surface plates.

Dimensions and weights, etc. (Rounded off):
Speakers: 19 ½ x 13 ½ x 11 inches, gross shipping weight=84 lbs (each) with boxes
Path Stands: 18 x 13 x 11 ¼ inches, gross shipping weight=92 lbs (each) with boxes,
but without the sand poured in
Overall, in our room (see photo with 4 foot “yard”stick): height is 43 ½ inches
Distance from back wall is between 26 and 28 inches to the BACK of each speaker
Room dimensions: 20 ft 10 in x 15 ½ ft x 9 ft (ceiling height)
Speakers are parallel to the longer wall.

These speakers are the best I’ve heard, with a unique and profoundly powerful
combination of high end smoothness and detail. The imaging is utterly three dimensional, stable and holographic, practically beyond belief. Off axis dispersion is outstanding, and yet the precision of the imaging seems to be completely unaffected by this. The entire sonic spectrum down to around the 40 hertz rolloff is presented with stark, vivid realism that is uncanny and seamless.

It must be noted that the superlative sonic attributes come to their fullest fruition only
when the Dodson 217 Mark II D DAC is in the signal path. The superb bass response is contingent on outstanding amplification, such as that provided by the Odyssey Extreme Monoblocks, which are rated at greater than 200 wpc, and are probably closer to 300, with outstanding current delivery, as assured by the presence of 360,000 microfarads of capacitance.


Part III: Fully Detailed Narrative

 PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT ALL COMPARISONS WITH OTHER BRANDS OF SPEAKERS ARE SUBJECTIVE, AND STRICTLY MY OWN OPINION BASED ON LIMITED LISTENING. ANY BRANDS I NAME BELOW WERE FAVORABLY IMPRESSIVE IN SOME WAY, AND ANY “DOGS” HAVE BEEN OMITTED. YOUR OPINION MAY VARY OR BE DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED TO MINE, AND I DO NOT CONSIDER MINE TO BE THE REFERENCE, EXCEPT FOR ME.

I am 43 years old and have arrived at audiophile nirvana. The audiophile journey began in my teens, listening to speakers like the original AR 90 (never even got to hear the legendary AR 9’s). I vaguely remember a General Electric system, then a Panasonic system, 10 wpc solid state receiver with an 8 track and large, 2 way speakers with a passive radiator and soft, boomy bass, which I thought was great at the time. The first real system I had was during my 20’s, and included a Parasound receiver with preamp outputs, the legendary B&K ST140 amplifier, and what must have been the original (or near original) version of the Paradigm 9SE loudspeakers. Years passed and my audiophile interest was again piqued by loudspeaker listings on Audiogon. I ended up with Paradigm Studio 100 V3 speakers augmented by a Rel Storm 3 sub-bass unit and driven by Odyssey Extreme monoblocks, with a Rotel RC 995 preamp, and Dakiom Feedback Stabilizers. I was actually fairly satisfied, but not utterly transfixed in paroxysmal ecstasy like I am now.

Duane, a dealer who I’ve known for over 10 years, had been talking about a 3,000 dollar speaker that sounded like a 10,000 dollar speaker. (The Summits are about 3,500 dollars and the Path Stand System is about 1,500 dollars). I listened to them even though I was fairly satisfied with the Paradigms. I couldn’t believe the synergistic combination of smoothness, detail and bass reproduction combined with an excellent soundstage. Dynamic range was practically identical to that of the Paradigms and the mid bass was better. Given their price, I became upset and finally caved in and bought the Summits, plus upgraded the preamp, and added the Dodson.

As currently configured in my system, with Odyssey Monoblock Extreme amplifiers, an Odyssey Extreme Tempest Preamplifier, and the Dodson 217 Mark 2 D DAC with upgraded 218-like software, these are the finest loudspeakers I have ever heard, with the closest competitor being the old, three box version of the Audio Physic Caldera, fed by about 7000 dollars of front end electronics, including Spectral products. Those retailed for about 20,000. I listened to those several years ago and did so only once, but did use some of my own source material (Police, Synchronicity 2, Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs, gold disc). It’s a close call, the memory is less clear than before, the systems are different and there was never anything like an A/B, but the subjective impression of profound sonic excellence imparted by the Summits is even more powerful that imparted by the Calderas. Previously, there was nothing close to the Calderas, in my mind.

Other speakers I have listened to much more recently, which were great, but not as great as the Summits, (in my own, unscientific, subjective and possibly flawed opinion ONLY), include: 1. Totem Winds: Just a great loudspeaker, with great tonality and detail, great soundstage, but seemed inferior to the Summits with respect to soundstage height and, in retrospect, mid bass punch); 2. JM Lab (either Mini or Micro Utopias, whichever sell for around 5,000; these had the Be tweeter): Very detailed and fairly sweet high end, excellent midrange and soundstage, but quite lacking in the bass, seeming to roll off at a rather high frequency, and showing some softness and just a hint of boominess, not acceptable to me, even knowing they’d have been supplemented by the Rel; 3. One of the upper level Aerials, I think it was the 7B: Really a fine loudspeaker with true finesse and sweetness on the high end, and a very respectable soundstage. These seemed a little rolled off on the high end and possibly slightly lacking in sonic detail. Sonically they reminded me of some of Dale Pitcher’s earlier designs in the lower to middle echelons of the Essence lineup. Those were a very “nice” loudspeaker with no glaring weaknesses, but they never blew me away like his Summits do now.

Specifically:

1. The Summits have the most amazing combination of high end smoothness and detail I have ever heard in any loudspeaker, at any price, bar none, especially when the Dodson DAC is in the signal path (it is possible for me to listen A/B by switching inputs on the preamp between the player directly or through the Dodson). This confers an incredible, unique and stark realism that is practically indescribable. It is a consistent feature irrespective of program material, including rock music, classical music, jazz, bluegrass, folk music, and even other things like the Cybergenesis theme from the Terminator Soundtrack. Sumiko has a song used its by dealers in setting up systems called “Say a Prayer for the Cowgirl.” This is a well recorded track and sounded very good through the Paradigms. It sounded utterly real and qualitatively different—starkly so—through the Summits. The Paradigms made it sound like the woman was in the center of the soundfield, singing into a microphone. The Summits made it sound like her voice was being magically amplified with no microphone or any hint of electronic artifact whatsoever, i.e. she was THERE in the room, floating as if she were a singing ghost, with normal timbre, only louder than a typical unamplified human voice

2. The soundstage is truly 3-D, with uncanny depth, height, width, and stability, with the WIDEST SWEET SPOT I ever remember hearing, so much so that—get this—THE IMAGE IS PRESERVED, EVEN WHEN SEATED OUTSIDE OF THE LATERAL CONFINES OF THE SPEAKERS! Yes, that is really true. Last night we listened to Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Jupiter, (Phillips Digital Classics, DDD), preformed by the “Orchestra of the 18th Century.” I was seated off center and outside of the plane of the edge of the right speaker. It was STILL like listening to the orchestra. I was amazed, able to perceive central imaging, off center imaging, and actually place the instrument sections of the orchestra both side to side and front to back. It was absolutely unreal. The soundfield hung in space as a stable, 3-D image, even from that position, seeming to become a holographic entity unto itself, rather than a well crafted psychoacoustic illusion based on auditory cues.

DEPTH and HEIGHT: These consistently convey depth of soundstage, the likes of which I didn’t even know could possibly exist in a stereo system. The tympani seemed to come from the back of the room on the Jupiter piece. With Dueling Banjos, the two banjos are placed very precisely and three dimensionally in space, every single time, as follows:
The first banjo is about 2 feet in front of, three or four feet to the side of, and one to two feet below, the second banjo. Both banjos sound exactly like banjos in the room, and they stay virtually locked in their respective positions throughout the piece, even when they start playing really fast, together. The taller one on the left may move in about a foot or so but that’s it. The various notes from the first banjo seem to emanate from different positions along a short diagonal corresponding to long axis of that banjo itself.

WIDTH: These are the first speaker I’ve heard in over 10 to 15 YEARS that project an image convincingly outside the lateral edge of the speaker, as perceived from the sweet spot. I first perceived this when the speakers were on brass spikes on top of the stands, which were on spikes coupled to the floor. Dale suggested granite surface plates and Stillpoints with inverted risers. I was wary but did it anyway and the image outside the speakers actually became MORE convincing and stable (base also improved, necessitating a downward adjustment in the Rel’s crossover, and detail sharpened still further). This lateral projection occurs with the Carlos Santana Song, “Black Magic Woman”, during the interlude near the end, where two separate sets of bongos are playing simultaneously. One set is projected outside of the right speaker, seeming to emanate from above the Rel, and the other is projected about one foot inside of the left speaker. Both also are projected about one or two feet BEHIND the speakers as well, and these images remain stable throughout the song. Other instruments are placed appropriately and stably in positions elsewhere on the soundstage.

3. BASS: The bass from these speakers is far better than any monitor I’ve ever heard, and in fact is more like that of a floorstander. The low end rolloff is stated to be around 40 hertz, and the bass with these is actually even better than what I heard from the Paradigm Studio 100 V 3 speakers that I owned for about a year. The crossover is set at 27 hertz, not 28 like I had thought in an earlier post to a thread. The midbass punch is just as excellent as that of the Paradigms, and just a tad richer without being soft or fuzzy. I had had concerns about a two way system going so low, but the midrange doesn’t suffer at all. Dale Pitcher had mentioned some potential “Doppler issues”, potentially introducing distortion when the 7” carbon pulp driver has greater excursion at higher volumes. I have simply NOT been able to hear this, ever. I think that they are actually “Doppler NON-issues.”

Part IV. Photos—See below.


Part V. Personal anecdotes and observations of others, including non-audiophiles.

1. Alien abduction-like, lost time:

I was listening to these and it was getting later, around 9:04 on a school night. I wanted to listen to only one more song, for about 5 minutes. I listened for about 5 minutes, and glanced casually at the clock, startled to see that is was about 9:53. Then I remembered having listened to not just one but several songs, losing track of time. No aliens. It was kind of weird, though.

2. Closing my eyes, images of musicians playing instruments, moving and singing spontaneously appear in my mind’s eye, unprompted by me.

3. Our 10-year-old daughter’s friend was listening and asked why the loudspeakers suddenly sounded so “good”, after we got the Summits. Our 12 year old son said that it was weird that such a small speaker could sound so great, even compared with a larger floorstander. My mother in law is NOT an audiophile and NEVER had asked me to play the stereo (married 17+ years), but did just that when she heard “Dueling Banjos”. My 75 year old mother said that following the setup of these speakers, it was the first time she’d ever been able to detect a sonic difference out of all the other upgrades and tweaks. She thought that bass and separation were better.

A close family friend of ours, Rose, had this to say:

“The Intuitive Design Summit listening experience provides sensory delight in every sense of the word. The sound is ingested, swallowed whole, distributed to the senses, and the eyes watch while the sound dances overhead, just in front of the minds eye, just barely out of physical reach. There is a definitive head and heart connection, which delights the soul and the even the “average” listener will delight in the effect.

“The sound penetrates the senses, notes dance in the field of vision, while the auditory nerves carry the sound deep inside the chest/heart where the feeling is indescribable. I have never in my life ever heard or felt the notes in such a strong sense. The experience has been one of the most intense feelings I have ever allowed to wash over me and over take me.

“I do not consider myself an audiophile. Instead, I would consider myself a dilettante.”

Part VI. The Poem, “Pitcher Perfect: Ode to the Summits”

i know there are those who will think this a shill
but please understand that these loudspeakers thrill

so before you post pot shots, loud and shrill
please take a quick listen, if you will

your soul will shine, sparkle and glisten
if only you’ll give these fine speakers a listen

for then you should find my words to be true
but ‘til you listen, you won’t have a clue

the time’s getting late as I look at the clock
but I just had to tell you---these loudspeakers ROCK!

Part VII. The “Disclaimer”

Disclaimer/conflict of interest statement: NOTHING at all, I am just an ecstatic customer who’s been waiting anxiously to post this UNSOLICITED review. It was and is totally and completely my idea, which occurred to me AFTER purchasing and setting up these speakers. It is absolutely, positively NOT a shill. I swear to God.

(As a courtesy that had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with this review, which I had already planned to write, Dale Pitcher was kind enough to send to me four small sheets of ERS cloth in an attempt to solve an RF problem, which I had contacted HIM about. They did not work in that application and are not in use. It should be obvious to even the most hardened cynic (and/or dullest moron) that this act of courtesy does not constitute compensation or a quid pro quo. It seems absurd even to mention it, but having navigated through some of the threads on this site, I’ve chosen to include this distracting and ridiculously trivial “disclosure” as the default course of action.)

Associated gear
Dedicated circuit with two pairs of Porter Ports 20 amp outlets in a 4-plex configuration.

Groneberg Reference Power Cords for Osyssey Stratos Extreme monoblocks, plugged directly into the Porter Ports (because that's what Klaus told me to do :) )

Groneberg Reference Powercord for Odyssey Tempest Extreme Preamp.

Some higher end Transparent Reference cord for the Dodson 217 Mark II D DAC.

Previous generation 10 amp Powervar

Onkyo Integra DPC 8.5 universal player.

Groneberg Digital Reference interconnect from cd player to DAC.

Audioquest (Python ???) interconnects from DAC to Preamp.

All other interconnects are Audioparts mas Signature, cryo treated interconnects.

Speaker cables are Audioparts Mas Signature Hybrid Reference bi-wires, with spades, stacked at the speakers' binding posts.

Cable to the Rel Storm 3 is Signal Cable Speakon. Rel is plugged with a "regular" power cord directly into the wall.

A Parasound R/EQ 150 has been modified so that it can be in the signal path but emulate a hard wire connection when set on bypass, which it usually is.

The Onkyo universal player, the DAC, the preamplifier, and both monoblocks sit on Audiopoints by StarSound Technologies, and the points sit on the matching discs.

Stillpoints with inverse risers support both speakers and both stands, with the whole assembly sitting on huge granite surface plates (I got the 75 pound plates for about 130-something dollars, including shipping, on ebay).

First generation Dakiom Feedback Stabilizers are put on the back of the CD player, the DAC and inside of the Rel, spliced into its amp.

Second generation Dakiom Feedback Stabilizers are on the back of the preamp and the back of both amps.

All connections are treated with Quicksilver, from Extreme A/V.

Similar products
Paradigm Studio 100 v3, Paradigm S8's, Aerial floorstanders (I think 7B but am not sure), JM Labs Mini or Micro Utopia Be monitors; Totem Winds--all recently before buying the Summits, and I owned the Studio 100's for about a year.

Long ago I listened to Audio Physic Caldera Loudspeakers.

by Mdhoover on 11-26-05 


 Summits from the sweet spot, with Rel in corner


 Mahogany brown granite finish


 Approximately 43 1/2 inches high


 Other gear, incl Odyssey, Dodson, Powervar, etc.
  Follow ups
Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

11-26-05   Addendum: i auditioned the paradigm s8's in my h ...   Mdhoover

11-27-05   Really enjoyed your review accompanied by so much that ...   Listener57

11-27-05   Listener57: wow, thanks for the kind words! eve ...   Mdhoover

11-27-05   Marvelous review. does intuitive design have a website ...   Drubin

11-27-05   Thanks drubin! here's my attempt to use the "markup ta ...   Mdhoover

11-28-05   Very good review!i am looking for speakers to replace m ...   Raytheprinter

11-28-05   Ray, thanks for your kind comments. these deserve a ...   Mdhoover

12-04-05   Have never heard the summits-but i do use a complete da ...   Powder

12-04-05   Hello powder, it's ironic that you should mention th ...   Mdhoover

12-16-05   Great review. it caused me to do some research on the b ...   nap45@

12-16-05   I haven't personally heard the denalis, but the answer ...   Mdhoover

12-17-05   The pingora is the "baby" denali . i have talked to da ...   nap45@

12-24-05   Are these actually built in wyoming?   Rja

12-24-05   Rja: i believe that they are. i do know that th ...   Mdhoover

12-24-05   Very interesting speakers and nice review. hopefully we ...   Stylinlp_38

12-25-05   Stylinlp,at what price point does a speaker become hi-f ...   Raytheprinter

12-25-05   Mdhoover, the reason i asked, i love to go flyfishin ...   Rja

Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Stylinlp_38:

You said:

"Only thing that concerns me about the reviewer is his speaker setup in those pictures."

My answer: It is time to share my tragic story: One day I came home and that huge "entertainment center" was in place. I pretty much had given up hope about stereo imaging, but Steve was actually able to get the Paradigms to image fairly well. The Summits image in a spectacular manner, as described in the review. It's as if that huge wooden structure between the speakers doesn't exist. The sound described above is achieved in THAT room, with no special treatments at all. Nevertheless, I would agree that that room is obviously not a dedicated listening room. So...., consider what these speakers could do if they WERE set up in such room! :) (The entertainment center was definitely not my idea, however, it seems to do less sonic damage than one would think.)

You also said: "Plus the only comparision is against mid-fi product Paradigm Studio 100 V3."

My answer: The Paradigms are the only other speakers I compared these to that I had personally owned; however, the above review does describe how several reasonably well respected loudspeakers fared (IN MY OPINION ONLY) when I listened to them in the stores.

You also said: "Another thing, speaker cabinets made of granite...if it works it works. Its probably more a composite of other materials with the granite."

My answer: The cabinets are solid granite. Each cabinet comprises six separate slabs of solid granite which are joined together. The description of the gross shipping weight per speaker (see Synopsis) should corroborate that.

Finally, you also said that I was: "Obviously not a dedicated audiophile."

Hard to say, as that would depend upon the definition of audiophile used. I will say this: You should listen to these with your OWN ears and see if YOU think they sound as great I think they sound. In the end, that's the ONLY thing that matters. For all you know, I'm an idiot with a tin ear. So it's your job to listen to these if you're in the market for speakers. One piece of advice though: It's a BAD idea to listen to these AFTER you've purchased speakers that you paid a lot for and thought sounded good. You may find yourself getting upset, as I did.

Good luck on your quest, and thanks for taking the time to read such a long-winded review.
Mdhoover 12-27-05


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Rja,

You'll not be disappointed if you listen to these. They are truly special, even among special loudspeakers. Dale Pitcher is an absolute genius, and yet has somehow remained below the radar screen of most audiophiles for all these years. His ongoing relative obscurity remains to me one of the central paradoxes in all of high end audio. The only reason I found out about him was because of Duane. I am SO glad that I did.

If you listen to these and then go fly fishing, then yes, you'll most likely be in paradise. These speakers are the high end audio catch of my lifetime so far. And that's no fish story!
Mdhoover 12-27-05


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Regarding the bass output of the Denali's:

I have an early pair of Denalis and in my room the bass is fantastic. Much tighter and more defined than my previous speakers which was a pair of Dunlavy SC-IVa's. Low notes on a pipe organ sound very realistic on the Denali's. Of course I am also using one of Dale's latest amps, so that really adds to the equation.

Smokinjoe
Smokinjoe52 01-09-06


 Scam alert!
Guys: I think we've been had. The section titled 'Specifically' is ver boten the same verbage used to describe the Ohm Walsh F speaker on audioreview dot com.
And I was berating myself for being so cynical now-a-days.
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/ohm/PRD_121023_1594crx.aspx
Richmon 01-18-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
01-18-06: Richmon
Guys: I think we've been had. The section titled 'Specifically' is ver boten the same verbage used to describe the Ohm Walsh F speaker on audioreview dot com.
Richmon, you appear to be questioning the reviewer and butchering the English language in one post.

"Verboten" is German for forbidden. "Verbatim" is English and means "using exactly the same words".

"Verbage" is jargon and is a deliberate misspelling of "verbiage" that assimilates it to the word "garbage". Is "verbage" what you meant...suggesting the review is garbage...or did you mean "verbiage", which means an excess of words for the purpose?

Mdhoover seems to have had his review copied and pasted, or perhaps he posted it in the wrong Audioreview section. I doubt there was any intentional hoodwinking at play on the part of Mdhoover.
Tvad 01-18-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I have to agree with Tvad! Mdhoover is a stand up guy in my book!
Raytheprinter 01-18-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
My apologies for jumping to conclusions and butchering the Kings english. Checking the date of the post on audioreview, it appears that Mdhoover posted here at Audiogon first, so presumably someone cut and pasted his review from here and pasted it over there.
I was impressed with his detailed and lucid review, got very interested in the speaker, sought more information and uncovered the counterfeit posting. I then attempted to set an olympic record in conclusion jumping.
Mdhoover -I'm sorry .
Richmon 01-18-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
With Mdhoover's ability to write in great detail and length and intertwining product review with legal disclaimers would make him very qualified to write for Stereophile if it wasn't for the fact that Mdhoover insists on telling the truth.
Duane 01-18-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Yes, I cut and pasted it to Audioreview. Accidentally posted it under the Ohm Walsh F. Have written them REPEATED emails telling them of my mistake over probably at least a two week period. Got ONE response, saying they could "move" it, and they never did. I've even snooped around on the site and found a direct email option to at least one of the moderators (I think). I've still had no responses so far (unless something is magically waiting in my email, which I haven't checked for 2 or 3 days), and will be on vacation for a few days with limited computer access. I APOLOGIZE FOR THIS MISTAKE. I don't blame anybody for being skeptical. (Actually it was a great find!! I thought nobody would see it but still have tried to get it removed but to no avail.) I had put so much work into the review that I wanted others to see it. I even asked Audiogon if it was OK to cut and paste. Audiogon responded that it was as long as it was MY review. Audioreview has been less responsive to repeated emails. I'll sure as h--- be more careful in the future. Sorry about that, to all of my fellow A'gon-izers.
--Bill
Mdhoover 01-20-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I will also like to state that Mdhoover is a very dedicated and committed audio nut (like we all) who is passionate about sharing his experience which he believes could be also experienced by others too. Isn't that what this whole community is about ? Sharing , experimenting , and cobbling together a system that given one's taste, budget, proclivities, likes/dislikes, will transport us to aural enjoyment ? Ain't audio gran'.:-)
nap45@juno.com 01-20-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Richmon,

You said:
"My apologies for jumping to conclusions and butchering the Kings english....Mdhoover -I'm sorry"

WOW! THAT is real class!! Apology NOT necessary, but accepted! By the way, please accept my apology as well! I'M the "cut & paste" culprit, as I mentioned above, but it was an honest (albeit stupid) mistake. The correct speaker is the Intuitive Design Summit. I've never even heard the Ohm Walsh F. For future reference, I've ALSO cut & pasted the review to Audioasylum, but on THAT site I managed to get it under the right speaker name. (Audiogon did say that it was okay to cut and paste as long as it was MY review, not someone else's.)

Tvad, Raytheprinter, Duane, and Nap45@juno.com: Thanks for the votes of confidence! It's great to have cool friends. Richmon, with the internet, skepticism is NOT always a bad thing, as we all know. It's actually a tribute to your thoroughness that you even found the "misplaced" copy on Audioreview. If you get a chance, and if you are interested in purchasing phenomenal speakers that do almost everything right, then (in my opinion) it would be wise to at least listen to the Summits.

Thanks again to everybody. Sorry about the "oops". Oh well....

Bill
Mdhoover 01-21-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
In case anyone's interested, I was ticked off to see that the misplaced review still sits untouched on Audioreview. I sent them yet another email request to remove it under the "report this review" link. I may have been too subtle, but hopefully the point will come across if they read between the lines. Here's a "cut and paste" of the text:

"I've written your site MULTIPLE emails begging you to remove this review. I wrote this review and placed it in the WRONG SPOT ON YOUR SITE!!! IT'S NOT ABOUT THE OHM WALSH F!!! It's about an entirely different speaker, called the Intuitive Design Summit. Please, please, PLEASE remove it! NOW! It makes me look like an idiot to have this thing sitting around in cyberspace. One person already spotted it and pointed it out. It made him suspicious of me and I DON'T BLAME HIM!!!!

Here's my request: PLEASE REMOVE THIS REVIEW WHICH IS PLACED UNDER THE WRONG SPEAKER!

Thanks."

I'm not holding my breath. One would think that they'd nix it, but nothing at all so far. (The above is probably around the TENTH (or so) email I've sent them.)

=====>>>>>DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY OTHER IDEAS?????<<<<<=====
Mdhoover 01-22-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
The misplaced review has finally been deleted from the Audioreview website. Better late than never....
Mdhoover 01-23-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I have a new pair of Intuitive Design Summits with stands that I am selling only because I have ordered a pair of Pingoras, the bigger brother to the Summits, and they are finished. The Summits are in beautiful Blue-eye granite. I can potentially deliver them if you are in a line from Central Wisconsin to Denver Co. I am making this drive next week, Feb 5th.
By way of comment, I have the Dale Pitcher designed electronics, the tubed Pre-amp (Jasper) and Emerald power amps as well the Summit speakers. I echo the accolades given these products in the prior posts. One thing I will say about all the Intuitive Design products that stands out is how non-fatiguing they are to listen to over the long haul. The speakers require careful placement, but once set-up there is very little out there in audioland that will one-up them. A stunning product.
Lubachl 01-29-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Ok,

As much as I probably should not post this, I can't resist.

First of all, take everything I say and disregard it. I am tainted and biased. I am a new dealer for Intuitive Design, any comments I make must be taken with a grain of salt. That being said, I wanted to share a few things that I have noticed about these speakers.

I have had my Summits for a little over two months now. They are still breaking in. I added two sets of still points, below the stands and below the speakers. This is a must and makes a huge improvement in the bass.

First comments: These are by far the best speakers I have ever owned, but I have not owned very many "high end speakers" if any at all. I started with the Essence Super Gems and have owned many speakers from Triad, RBH and Monitor Audio and a few other brands.

Other Brands that I have heard and liked: ProAcs, Aerial Acoustics, MBL, Wilson Maxx, Vandersteen, Maggies, Vienna Acoustics,

Not real excited about: B&W, Klipsch, Def tech, martin logan,

I only put my past experiences up there, so you can get a feel for my tastes. Some people like chocolate ice cream, some like vanilla! Accurate imaging has always been the thing that makes me happy.

Today's experience is really what I wanted to share. Today I went by a local shop and had an opportunity to hear some un-believable equipment. I listened to the Wilson System 7s with the Ayre mono blocks and the top Ayre preamp, The Wilson Maxx with the same Ayre equipment and the Vandersteen 5As with Audio Research Mono blocks, preamp and a Wadia CD player. We used the same CD and tracks for all three speakers. I listened to the same three songs on all three speaker rigs.

First of all the comparisons I'm about to share vs the Summits are very flawed for several reasons listed:

Different listen room, different equipment-(although much better and many times more expensive than mine), different source music that I'm used to, not enough listening time- I only heard three songs on each speaker, this is probably not enough to make a judgement and finally my mind is rationalizing that my $3,500 speakers sound as good so I feel happy with what I have and not want more.

Of all the speakers mentioned- Wilson Maxx, Wilson 7's, V -5A and the Summits. I liked the Maxxs the best-I think. The low end detail and imaging was pretty astonishing, very cool speaker, but I was not blown away, by how much better it was and how much I was missing by not owning a pair.

Here's suprising thing #1-

Over all I think the Summits image better than all of the above speakers. There seemed to be more depth to the sound stadge and more space around the instruments with the Summits. The don't have the low end of any of the above speakers and the bass imaging of the Maxx was a good as the Summits, but had even more low level information- so the Maxxs seemed better than the Summits on the low end.

Suprising thing #2- High frequency detail seemed to be better with the Summits than all of the above. Now this could be from the room acoustics or maybe because of the source music being played (but the source cd did have acoustic guitar in it and I have listened to a ton of acoustic guitar cds the last month with the Summits)- believe it or not, I think the Summits had more high frequency detail than any of the other three speakers. I'm not sure why I feel this way. I have never felt that the Summits are a real "bright" speaker. But when you hear guitar strings, fingers snaping, cymbols etc, I'm used to hearing more detail from the the Summits, than I heard with the other top notch speakers. Hopefully someone else has experienced this so I don't feel so crazy?

I did really enjoy all of the rigs and would be more than happy to have any of them in my house if I could ever afford them. But, if the Summits I have sound that good with Musical Design equipment ($3,500 worth) running them, how good could they sound with the $50,000 in equipment running the Wilsons? That is what I wish I could find out.

I'm ready for anyone to tell me I'm nuts, I'm just giving you what my honest impressions were today.

*******
Side note: I forgot, I also listend to a pair of $5,000 Maggies with the Ayre stereo amp and less expensive Ayre preamp. The maggies had similiar high frequency detail of the Summits, if not maybe even a touch better. This was on the same CD and same songs. I have not heard maggies much, but for those that have, I thought I would throw that comparison with the Summits in as well.
Eandj2000 08-30-06


 What a difference a year has NOT made.
Now that over a year has passed since posting the original review, my initial enthusiasm for these speakers might be expected to have waned. It hasn’t. Although these speakers are not perfect, they are phenomenal. I’ve had extensive private email discussions with other hard core audiophiles who have come to the same conclusion I did.

The most phenomenal aspects of these are:

1. The spectacular imaging, which is all achieved in my system in spite of the presence of
the huge entertainment center (“Gladys”) and

2. The phenomenal combination of high end detail and smoothness. I’ve heard one person say that they sounded “bright” or “harsh” or something like that, whereas another person described them as “cloyingly sweet.” It’s difficult for me to see how they could be BOTH of those things! In my opinion, and in the opinion of several others, they’re neither overly bright nor overly sweet. I think that they’re just phenomenally accurate and detailed, lightning fast, yet wonderfully smooth and non-fatiguing.

There are a few things to keep in mind about the Summits:

1. Although they aren't hugely difficult to drive, they DO LIKE POWER AND CURRENT from the amplifier, and they do reflect the upstream equipment in terms of sound quality. Having said that, I STILL have never heard them sound "bad." However, they sound increasingly phenomenal with increasing better upstream components. For example, mine sound much better with the Dodson DAC in the signal chain. Without the Dodson in the signal chain, the system still sounds excellent, but with the Dodson, the sound is phenomenal as described above.

2. They sound very good, but not phenomenal, right out of the box. As they burn in their sound improves by the day, sometimes seemingly by the hour.

2. The Stillpoints with granite stands underneath and granite platforms under those are the way to go for maximum bass and imaging. They DO benefit a LOT from the addition of a great subwoofer that’s carefully set up, but they are not bass shy at all. The Rel I’m using has the crossover set at 27 hertz.

3. During any given listening session, they sound better after ~20 minutes, which I've been told is how long it takes the voice coils to warm up.

At this time there are no plans to replace these and I haven’t felt inclined to listen to any other high end speakers that I can think of since buying these over a year ago. It is very doubtful that they’ll leave the house any time soon (think years to decades here), unless it’s to buy the “Delta” Summits. I MAY upgrade some other parts of the system, and do plan to change out some cabling, but that’s not to correct any perceived significant performance problem. Instead, it’s just a giddy attempt to push the envelope still further.
Mdhoover 12-10-06


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
In the November issue of the Pacific Northwest Audio Society's newsletter, the Intuitive Design Summits were designated "Best of Show," at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. The newsletter is a 19 page pdf file that can be downloaded. The RMAF show report begins on page 11, and the "Best of Show" section of the report is on pages 14 and 15. The author is Dick Mueller.

Looking at some of the speakers mentioned in the report, earning Mr. Mueller's designation of "Best of Show" would appear to be no small accomplishment!
Mdhoover 01-01-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
I think it was raising the blood sugar by providing a much needed sandwich at the room entrance that influenced this selection :>)
If the U.S. high end is to compete with the Chinese onslaught of well-priced gear, it will be by providing the type of innovation on display with this speaker and its accompanying amp.
I wonder if there can ever be a market for time share listening to such superlative equipment at an audio dealer? Many might appreciate hearing this for the cost of concert attendance, even if actual purchase is not practical.
I get to hear live music, but still love to hear how well fine equipment can reproduce favorite recordings.

Listener57 01-02-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Listener57,

If you are ever in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area let me know and I would be happy to let you have a listen.

Sincerely,

Eandj2000
Eandj2000 01-07-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
Eandj2000,
Thanks for your very kind offer.
By way of reciprocation, if you have an opportunity to visit the New York City/Connecticut region then let me know - you can have a guide for our local audio scene.
Plus, the live music choices are varied and wonderful.


Listener57 01-08-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Thank you Listener57. My wife and I have friends in New York City, if we get back there soon, I may take you up on that offer!

Cheers!
Eandj2000 01-14-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
What are Delta Summits ? Any information available ?
nap45@juno.com 03-15-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
As far as I know, the Delta Summit is an upgraded version of the original Summit. Last time I checked, these sold for 5,000 dollars for the speakers as opposed to 3,500 dollars for the original version. Both use the Path Stand System, which is highly recommended but not absolutely necessary. The Path Stand System sells for ~1,400 dollars, if the price is still the same.*

It is the Delta Summit that was selected Best of Show at the 2006 RMAF by Dick Mueller of the Pacific Northwest Audio Society.

*FOOTNOTE: It is ALSO possible to buy the Path Stands with dedicated monoblock amplifiers mounted inside of them, vertically, and in such a manner as to be completely uncoupled from the stand itself, or "free floating" as I understand it. There are apparently three grades available for these amplified stands as well. The stands with the amps built in are called Coordinate Stands (I think).

The amplifiers are said to be extremely high end, and are made in partnership with Musical Design (John Hillig).

Mdhoover 03-15-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Nap45,

One other thing: Apparently the only difference between the original Summits and the Delta Summits is the crossover. In the Delta Summits, the crossover is even better, and uses technology based on that in the MUCH more expensive Denali (which retails for something like 64 or 65 thousand dollars, if I'm not mistaken). Apparently at least some of the same components are also used.

Having said all that, I have no complaints whatsoever about the original version Summits that I still own. I just can't say that I'm pining for any sort of upgrade. Maybe I'll consider it some day, and maybe I won't. Their sound is already FAR beyond my elusive threshold of "satisfaction." For me, that's saying a lot. It took about 15 years or so or intermittent searching and listening to find speakers that completely satisfied me (just ask Duane!!!), which means I'm in no hurry to fix what ain't broken.
Mdhoover 03-16-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
"What are Delta Summits ? Any information available ?"
-nap45@juno.com
nap45@juno.com,

Here’s some additional information about the Delta Summits. With the author's permission, here's a verbatim cut and paste of an email I got from another Audiogon member after he got his pair of Delta Summits:

"HI Bill,

I got them yesterday!! I have them set up on the Path
stands but I don't have any Stillpoints yet and drive
them with ASL Hurricane tube amps.

They are stunning. I stayed up til 2:30 am listening
to them. Their resolution and lack of self-noise is
unbelievable. They replace Magnepan 3.6/r's. The
only thing the Maggies do better is soundstage height.
Everything else is better on the Summit. The way
they resolve soundstage cues and dynamic contrasts is
magical. They have detail and resolution a la Martin
Logan but they are much more musical. I am a happy
camper. The speakers are beyond wonderful. Thank you
for your insights and review.

Please stay in touch.

Eung Kim"

My take on his email is that he likes them... :))
Mdhoover 06-19-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I have been another very satisfied Intuitive Design Summit owner for the past year. When I get around to it I'll post an informal mini-review about the Summits vs the Essence Gems they replaced after 15 yrs and the Osborn & Harbeth speakers I auditioned prior to purchasing the Summits. Bill, thanks for your thoughtful & enthusiastic review which helped inform my decision! dwh
Dwh 07-11-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Mdhoover's review of the Intuitive Design Summits warrants a resounding "amen." It may come across as hyperbole to the hardened and cynical audiophile mind, but it is essentially the truth. I recently purchased a pair of Delta Summits after many happy years with Merlin VSMs (including a recent MX/magic mod), and can already attest to the sonic attributes described above. The term "holographic" is the closest (but not completely adequate) adjective I can find to describe the Summit's imaging capabilities. Performers are not only palpable and "right there," but they are also accurately arrayed spatially. Furthermore, there is no real sweetspot in my room which seems ridiculous. I have always been fond of electrostatic speakers since they appeared to create a window to the sound, with outstanding transparency, detail and transients, but I was turned off by the relatively small sweetspot. The Summits somehow possess electrostatic characteristics with box speaker benefits. Wow. Dale Pitcher wizardry at work.

Anyway, all that being said, I am still awaiting my Intuitive Design Coordinate monoblock amps and associated cables and will thus hold off on a formal review. I also purchased a Granite Audio 657 tube CD player which I am running directly to my loaner amp, and that appears to be a marriage made in heaven. I will also review that fine peice of equipment in the future as well.
Agear 08-20-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
A friend of mine plays double bass in the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra. I wanted to have a real professional musician listen to my system to assess its timbral accuracy. He came over with a CD of a double bass piece which he had practiced and played. He was thoroughly familiar with every little intricacy. He commented that it sounded like the bass was in the room. He asked to listen to several musical genres and commented that the Summits sounded good on all types of program material. I figured that was the end of it, but was happy to get some validation of my own perceptions from a non-audiophile musician with a great musical ear.

The next day I get a call at work from my wife who says that he's planning to purchase and build a stereo system around the Summits! He said that he didn't know that speakers could sound like that and that he was now "hooked." This is highly significant because he was a non-audiophile and therefore NOT used to high end audio prices. However, he IS an audiophile now and has ordered a pair of Summits with amplified stands. I had no idea he would pick up the audiophile hobby (disease?) from just one listen, but he was totally blown away. Pretty cool.
Mdhoover 10-31-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
MdHoover, Congrats on your good works in bringing another music lover into the hi-end fold...of course, it helps when you have Intuitive Design or Essence gear to seduce them! Still loving my Summits. dwh
Dwh 11-10-07


 Dale Pitcher Essence/Intutitve Audio
Thanks for the great review.

I have a pair of Essence Gems that Dale Pitcher designed in the late 80's. Back then Dale said they were a "gift" because of the price: $995/pair. I wouldn't rate them as reference quality but they are great speakers that give a very satisfying listening experience. FYI the Gems are almost the same size as the Summits. I wonder if the Summits are loosely based on the Gems.

I'm glad to know that Dale still designs speakers & I'm anxious to find a dealer so I can hear the Summits.
Klooker 11-23-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Hi, In June 06 I replaced the Essence Gems I owned and loved for 15 years with the Intuitive Design Summits and Path stands (mandatory). I would say that the Summits are entirely another creature than the Gems other than also being very musical sounding and ever so slightly tending towards a warm vs analytic sound. IMHO the Summits are much more refined in the treble and have much deeper, tighter bass than the Summits. Some may prefer the slightly warmer midrange and greater bloom of the Gems but everywhere else the Summits are markedly superior (and more accurate). Good luck in your hunt for a pair of Summits. dwh
Dwh 11-25-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Well, I've finally heard a pair of loudspeakers that I believe are clearly superior to the Intuitive Design Summits. These are almost certainly the best speakers I've ever heard. I went to a friend's house and listened to his system for several hours. There are several points upon which these other speakers (in his system, at least) surpass the excellence of the Summits:

1) Detail: The Summits are astonishingly detailed and yet incredibly smooth. So much so that I've already sold a Stax system that consisted of the SRM T1 tube energizer (amplifier) and two sets of earspeakers (headphones), the Lambda Pro Signature originals and Lambda Pro Signatures modified into 404s. Why? The Stax system didn't sound good enough to me.

And yet these other speakers offer noticeably MORE detail still, and are every bit as smooth, if not more so.

2) Top to bottom tonality and timbre: These are very highly excellent in the Summits, even more so when one considers that they are "just" a two way design. In the above anecdote, I describe having invited a real musician to listen to the Summits' tonality and timbre as a reality check for me. It never crossed my mind that he'd be interested in ever purchasing a pair, especially since he's not (or wasn't anyway) an audiophile. But he was totally blown away, and is about to take delivery on a pair. Yes, they're THAT good.

These other speakers are even BETTER, and as I listened the thought went through mind that these are perfect, just PERFECT. I know that that isn't realistic to say, but geez! OK, they can't be perfect, but they're the closest I've heard. It's almost ineffable. It's difficult to imagine wanting much more in a speaker.

3. Soundstaging: I wouldn't say that these are superior to the Summits in terms of soundstaging, although they may be. They seemed to be at least as good, and that's an accomplishment in and of itself. All the more so because they're significantly larger than the Summits, yet they disappear just as magically. At FIRST, it seemed like some of the sound at the lateral edges of the soundstage was localizing to the speakers. THEN I realized that the speakers were actually throwing those side images BEHIND themselves. In other words, I could stare at the baffle and the music would seem to emanate from BEHIND the speaker by one or two feet, and that was with looking at them straight on, KNOWING that it was an illusion. But WOWZA, what an illusion!

4. Bass: The bass on these is clearly deeper than that of the Summits when the Summits are used alone. Even with the Rel Storm 3 added (as it is in my system), the bass from these other speakers is probably more "accurate." Also, something I don't remember EVER hearing before--in ANY speaker--is imaging of DEEP bass. These speakers seem to do that, however, and to do it rather well. The Rel pretty much throws all the deep bass to the center. Also, there MAY be more boominess to the Rel (I'm not sure about this boominess thing and will have to listen more). Having said that, I STILL love the bass that the Rel adds to my system. But it can't image. How could it?

The system I'm talking about consists of the following:

FRONT END: Wadia 861SE CD player (no preamp necessary) modified by Great Northern Sound Company (GNSC Statement Upgrade).
AMPLIFIER: Essence solid state stereo amp, one of the last made by Dale Pitcher under the Essence brand.

===>>SPEAKERS: Denalis, by Intuitive Design.<<===

I'm still keeping the fabulous Summits (yes, I'm willing to suffer--LOL), but man, the Denalis are amazing. Just AMAZING.
Mdhoover 12-13-07


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Mdhoover, I should be receiving my Delta Summits and Coordinate amps in a week or so. I hope to submit a formal review in May....
Agear 03-24-08


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Agear,

Since you were already thrilled with the Delta Summits WITHOUT the matching Coordinate amplified stands, I'll be very interested to hear what you think of them WITH the Coordinate amplified stands.

I'll probably cave some day and get the Deltas and Coordinate amplified stands. But for me it's not a huge hurry, because after over two years, I'm still smitten. Plus, the very first order of business is to get rid of the massive entertainment center I call Gladys, which is currently parked between the Summits (they still sound great even with that thing in between them, though). My wife has given that the green light. Woohoo! That will happen when our finances allow. THEN I'll think about getting the Delta Summits, and the Coordinate amplified stands. But as I said, the REGULAR Summits sound SO good to me that I'm not itching for an upgrade*.

*FOOTNOTE:
That's a good thing too, because when I told my wife I wanted to buy the Summits, she was appalled. We had just gotten new speakers about a year prior to that. She told me that she pretty much expected the Summits to be my last new speakers for 10 years. So, since the Deltas are still technically "Summits," it could be argued that getting them doesn't "count" as getting new speakers, especially since I'd just be having my current Summits upgraded to the Delta version. :)) But I'm STILL not in any hurry to make changes (except for Gladys). "If it ain't broke....." Well, you know that aphorism ends.

Mdhoover 03-25-08


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
Bill, I am excited to hear that Gladys will finally be exorcised from your listening room. Congrats. I am honestly a little surprised your wife capitulated on that one....it always seemed as if Gladys represented a subconscious protest against your audiophilia nervosa...

Anyway, my gear theoretically left the Intuitive Design shop Friday and is on route. It will be interesting to hear the interplay between the Coordinates and Deltas. According to one fortunate ID customer who already owns this combination, there is a synergy that takes place where the whole becomes greater than the individual parts...which is a little scary.

As far as your "upgrade," I feel that is completely legitimate....you just have to couch it in the appropriate language when presenting the idea to the misses...I would use words like "maintenance" or "overhaul"....it has to sound like a necessity....which of course it is....
Agear 03-29-08


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
hello andrew, just wondering if you received the deltas yet with the coordinate amps. any feedback?
Speedylube 07-08-08


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I have to agree with those that say these are a special speaker. I purchased a pair about 4 months ago and never cease to be amazed at what I am hearing. Although these sound very good when placed by rough guidelines, they simply amaze when care is taken to set them up properly. I found it mandatory to utilize Stillpoints both above and below the Path stand to get the most out of these. Small changes in setup position can make a big impact on how these sound. Several owners I contacted were very helpful in providing tips for getting the most out of these great speakers.
The imaging and soundstaging capabilities of these are as good as I have heard anywhere. They retrieve a ton of detail without being harsh and provide the most enjoyable listening I've ever experienced. As Bill mentions above it is very easy to have a 30 minute listening session turn into 3 or 4 hours. They are that involving. Normally I can only get my wife to listen to 1 or 2 songs in a row on my system. About a month ago she sat and listened to 3 songs in a row that I picked out and then she went and picked out a couple more of her own. That is the first time that has happened in the 14 years we have been married.
I really cannot recommend these highly enough, especially considering what they sell for. If you are in the market for speakers in their price range, you owe it to yourself to find a way to audition a pair of Summits before you buy anything else.
Csmgolf 06-20-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I've been lurking about Bill's review for a couple years and felt it's about time to chime in, since I will soon become an "Intuitive Family Member"

I never once doubted his remarks nor Dave, Andrew, James or Duane for that matter !

My recent trip to Daves (Interlochen) only confirmed my beliefs, that's for sure, these speakers are so sonically invisible that once you hear them, you can't listen to much else !

NOTHING stands out, they are so seamless and smooth beyond belief that they literally vaporize before your eyes.

I'm a long time advocate and owner / listener of Avalons, Alons, Apogees, Aerials, Dahlquists, Magnepans, Vandersteens, Veritys etc.

The reason for the delay was of course financial, due to my townhouse purchase and wife's surgery.

Fast forward to present, things are sorting out finally and I fell into a great deal for a pair of like-new Summits.

Thank God and to all the other great "Family Members" I talk to on a weekly basis, I owe you all a HUGE thankyou for helping me hop off the merry-go-round and arrive at sonic nirvana !!

Everything said about these fabulous speakers is true, Dale Pitcher is truly off-the-map with his genius engineering.
Rx8man 07-05-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Pat is an extremely gracious guest -- a very productive meeting. I'm glad you gathered the data you needed Pat.
Dave
Interlochen 07-05-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
Congrats Pat. I am glad you finally got to hear these speakers and realize that Mdhoover incorporated were/are not hallucinating. I am looking forward to hearing your formal impressions and in particular who they synergize with your NuForce amps.
Agear 07-26-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Greetings,

I trust you are still enjoying your system.....congrats! I too have an REL Storm III and I'm considering the Signal Cable Speakon upgrade. Would you recommend it?

Thanks!

Rick
Rmohler 07-28-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Hi Rick,

I bought the Signal Cable upgraded Speakon cable and I've never regretted purchasing it. I can't say that I've done any back and forth A-B testing versus the stock cable; instead I just put it in and never took it out to check for the improvement. Kind of lazy on my part, but when you see how huge the massive entertainment center, Gladys, is, it becomes more obvious why I dread going behind to mess with the cables. I will say that the sound certainly doesn't seem to be any worse with it--the Rel sounds great and adds measurably to the sound when turned on, which it almost always is.

What I can say is that it's certainly a very nice looking cable, and much thicker than the stock version. Also, the terminations at the amplifier end are custom made to fit into my amplifiers' binding posts, rather than having to thread the skinny wires that come with the stock cable. So, even without having done A/B testing of relative sound quality, I still like this cable better than the stock version due to its apparent higher build quality and greater ease of use (although I might have ordered it longer if I had it to do over again). Given the low price (at least in audiophile dollars, that is.....) of the Signal Cable upgrade, I think it's tough to go wrong.
Mdhoover 07-30-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Bill, please excuse this sidetrack.

Guys, I want to say it's a pleasure having met you all and conversing on a regular basis,
I enjoy the heck out of it !

It would really be nice if we were all neighbors in the same block area (imagine that)
our wives would sure know where to find us !

Thanks again everyone,

Pat
Rx8man 08-02-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit


Hey Pat,

When you get these good looking speakers, I will place you on the mantel along with all others who live with speakers that disappear and more importantly "draw" you in with passion for listening.

Thanks to Mdhoover's passionate review, he poetically place words that everyday I have come to appreciate with my own uniquely different speakers.

Cheers
Luis
La45 08-04-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Well said Luis....Mdhoover has contributed to the audio vernacular....
Agear 08-19-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I finally received my Summits, long wait but well worth it.

They are completely measured in room, set-up on the granite surface plates, Stillpoints properly adjusted, bottom path stands filled with the appropriate amount of fine sand (25lbs equated to approx. 1/4 to 1/3 full per side dictated by my room size) and hooked up with a new set of Alpha-Core Goertz MI-3 Divinity cables.

The music is sublime, eminating from an invisible back-drop, the Summits disappear from the room and get better everyday.

I'm very grateful to have these wonderful transducers in my possesion and want to thank all the fine gentlemen above for introducing me to these,
I'm a happy camper.

In my 20+ years of auditioning experience, the Summits in no way have any short-comings or deficiencies to my ears what-so-ever, that's quite a feat for this picky guy.

I don't come away hankering or wanting for more after a session, they are very engaging and satisfying (sounds like something else we're familiar with, better half maybe) ?

This is a small report after 2 short days, more will follow as break-in and settling occurs.

Bill, thanks for letting me take some of your space here, I needed it !
Rx8man 09-13-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Good post Pat. They are extra special indeed. Dave
Interlochen 09-13-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
Strong work Pat. Keep us posted. I am always excited to hear about the sonic fruit of different equipment with these speakers, which in your case includes NuForce digital amps.
Agear 09-13-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit

Hi Pat,

I will see you at the "Summit" sharing that Chock full of Nuts Can..Ha!

Enjoy
La45 09-14-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Luis, I prefer Italian dark roast in my favorite mug, so BYOC
(bring your own cup) no sharing, me drinks separate !
Rx8man 09-17-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker

Wondering about the difference between Gamma Summit and regular Summit.

Intuitive Designs net site is not very helpful and could definitely use some work.

Also, could someone address the weight of these speakers?
Thanks!
Rja 09-17-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Dimensions and weights, etc. (Rounded off): Speakers: 19 ½ x 13½ x 11 inches, GROSS shipping weight = 84 lbs (each) (i.e. this includes the boxes)
Path Stands: 18 x 13 x 11¼ inches, GROSS shipping weight = 92 lbs (each) (i.e. this includes the boxes). The path stands are partially hollow and designed to have sand added. The 92 pound gross shipping weight does not include the sand. The amount of sand poured in varies depending on the room and other factors.
There is another thing that is optional but recommended, and several other owners concur with this: Placing granite surface plates under the whole setup (underneath the stands, which are underneath the speakers). Mine and Rx8man's are 18 x 12 x 3 inches each and weigh 75 pounds each.

With respect to the difference between the regular and Gamma Summits, others such as Agear and Interlochen might be able to comment more accurately than I could.
Mdhoover 09-20-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
As Bill said, the granite surface plates under the stands really help, but you will also need another set of Stillpoints and inverted risers between the stands and the surface plates to get the most out of the setup. I too would be interested in the difference between regular, delta and gamma Summits.
Csmgolf 09-20-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit
The Deltas are not currently in production so that is a moot point. In terms of Gammas vs regular Summit, the Gammas have a stricter degree of driver matching, higher grade caps in the x-over, a higher level of filtering capacity in the x-over (nanotubes, near room temperature superconductors), a more tricked out wiring harness, etc. I have heard both. Both are outstanding speakers that would get you off the merry-go-round. The Gammas has slightly better bass response and are a little more see through and transparent.

Dale told me recently that he is making Gammas only for the next three months. He does have two sets of Summits made and there are dealers out there who have basic Summits available I believe. Either way, its a win win situation.
Agear 09-22-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
A small update on my listening.

The Summit speakers will most certainly remain my reference for many years to come.

They ultimately provide a most musical presentation (clear view through the open window) with ALL genres of music, you name it, no sissy stuff here.

During a recent audition, I decided to run a couple of what I call very demanding torture CD's, expecting the usual cringing or running to turn the volume control down.

These puppies sailed right straight through without any problems at all.

Best thing is, I never grow tired or bored listening to them, ever.
Rx8man 10-08-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Rx8man,

That's great news! It's been my perception as well as that of quite a few others that they are musical yet detailed and smooth without being rolled off on the high end (at least to my ears). That means that they're also non-fatiguing but not boring either, so you can listen to them totally mesmerized for long periods of time.

When I first posted the above review in 2005, I was rather concerned that the claims made would be disbelieved. But one Audiogon member encouraged me by saying words to the effect that "You can only report what you hear." That person, is Tvad, whom I respect very much. Duane, the dealer who sold them to me, said essentially the same thing, i.e. something like "You can only report what you hear." So I submitted the review.

I will say that these speakers are not perfect, but they've blown away quite a few VERY persnickety people in a lot of situations. They are special, and it's gratifying to get feedback from satisfied end users like you.
Mdhoover 10-10-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I am in debt to Bill for hooking me up with Pat(Rx8man), who is located a reasonable drive from my home. I just spent a fun afternoon checking out Pat's set up. The contrast between his Summit set up and mine was interesting in that Pat has his in a small room and set up near field. He also uses a sweet tube preamp. My set up is mid/far field and uses all solid state. What really shines thru in both set ups is how incredible these speakers are. His system has a slightly warmer sound and the near field set up makes the music very immediate. Truly a great sounding system.
I found it very interesting that when I got home, I listened to several of the same tracks and moved my listening position to near field just for kicks. The level to which it sounded like Pat's was amazing. Just another testament to the integrity of Dale's design.
Pat was a very gracious host who's musical taste parallels mine almost exactly. Next time he gets to come here and make his own mental notes as to how the two systems compare.
Csmgolf 11-22-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Thanks Chris (and Bill) Intuitive Summit speakers really make music come alive.

It was great having you over to listen and compare notes.

Not only are our musical tastes on a parallel universe, we even cherry-picked the same cuts off every CD !

On a side note, later that evening when I commenced listening, the preamp decided to go into its first stage of break-in without warning, and what a break-in it was !
Rx8man 11-22-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Thanks for the good report Pat (and Chris). Its nice to have the ID witness corroborated so we don't look like some lunatic fringe. I have farted around with nearfield listening simply due to my room size (the wife always managed to shoehorn me into some crappy little room....that is going to change soon...more to come) and the Summits excel. They are a fairly flexible speaker, although small changes or variations in setup are almost always noticable. Pat, keep us posted. I am especially interested to hear how the Dude synergizes with the Summits and how the burn-in goes.
Agear 11-23-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
The Summits also work very well at wider than average spacing. I've had them 11' apart, 9.5' listener distance.

The trick is to roughly maintain the off axis angular relationship found in Dale's 7/11 (spacing/ears) rule of thumb, which is about 18 degrees. 12 degrees of toe-in will do it.

A different perspective than near-field, which I also like and use at my main computer station. Worth a try if you have the room and the courage to move all app. 300 lbs a side. That includes your manly 3" thick Granite slab.

The Summits are extraordinary. They have a sumptuous magic that would be hard to replace.

I'm using Dale's Pingora's now, but drive the Summits with a Clayton S100 amp and John Hillig's 6H30pi pre. The incredibly Zardoz Model 1 (basic) spoon feeds the magical musical electrons.
Interlochen 11-23-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
The Summits also work very well at wider than average spacing. I've had them 11' apart, 9.5' listener distance.

The trick is to roughly maintain the off axis angular relationship found in Dale's 7/11 (spacing/ears) rule of thumb, which is about 18 degrees. 12 degrees of toe-in will do it.

A different perspective than near-field, which I also like and use at my main computer station. Worth a try if you have the room and the courage to move all app. 300 lbs a side. That includes your manly 3" thick Granite slab.

The Summits are extraordinary. They have a sumptuous magic that would be hard to replace.

I'm using Dale's Pingora's now, but drive the Summits with a Clayton S100 amp and John Hillig's 6H30pi pre. The incredibly Zardoz Model 1 (basic) spoon feeds the magical musical electrons.
Interlochen 11-23-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
what dealers carry the speakers?
Sufur 12-08-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Are they still in business? Their phone number is a fax machine and no response from e-mails.
Cdc 12-18-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I know that he is swamped with orders, so yes, Intuitive Design is definitely still open for business.

Is it possible that Dale actually took a vacation?
Brianw 12-21-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Champagne Audio is a dealer. Best strategy is to email Duane for more info.
Mdhoover 12-21-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I'm a dealer in CT have 3 pairs of Summits and Pinnacle Center available for sale
Naturalav 12-26-09


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker

First I would like to thank Bill for bringing to light these remarkable speakers to the audio community. I have followed this enjoyable thread from the beginning and now I am a happy owner of a pair of Gamma Summits. Having been in this hobby for about 40 years and having owned all types of equipment over that span, solid state, tubes, you name it I have either heard it or owned it. The Gammas are a highly refined speaker that will reveal every component in your system. If you have any weak links it will reveal them, this can be a blessing or a curse however that is part of the fun putting together a system.
My next step is replacing my Ayon CD3 player. I have always liked this fine cdp but the gammas have revealed that this is my weakest link. I can happily live the this cdp for the long term but the exciting part is that I know with a digital upgrade the speakers will simply reveal more of the music. I am also going to buy a record player (I have over 500 albums) because the Gammas has brought back the fun of listening to music.

I won't go into details about how this speaker sounds because I don't feel I could add anything to what has already been posted. However if you are looking for that last quality speaker the Gammas will perform with any speaker I have heard up to $20,000 which makes them somewhat a bargin.
Bobheinatz 04-02-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Bob, I was wondering what happened with the Gammas since I did not hear back from you after your initial battery of questions.

Did your 300Bs work or did you find more powerful amps?
Agear 04-02-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker

Andrew,

As good as the 300b sounded I knew the Gammas needed more power so my hunt was on. My search lead me to a french company and believe or not I bought a solid state integrated. Being a hardcore tube man I can't believe a solid state amp could sound this good. I bought the Neodio NR600 Signature, and it will out perform most of the elite seperate brands on the market. It has a great tube sound without the trouble associated with tube maintance. I know this sounds over the top but the Neodio is a rare find just like the Gammas.
Bobheinatz 04-03-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Outstanding and interesting. Well implemented SS is hard to find. I know Bill has had success with the Odysseys. I had both Dale's Coordinate Monoblocks and TRL Samsons and they both did well. The Gammas can be tricky to voice correctly and are finicky about what's upstream including cables. No cheap stuff.

Again. congrats.
Agear 04-03-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I looked at their website. Very elegant looking amp. What type of amp is it? Class A, digital, AB? I could not figure that out from the site. What TRL SS piece did you own in the past?
Agear 04-03-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
The Neodio is a 100 watt Class AB, but the designer implemented a very clever circuit which sounds like the best class A ss available. You are right solid state can be done right but it is very rare. I have heard some of the top upper end ss like Gryphon, Vitus, Solution & FM Accoustic all class A, these products start around $40,000 & exceed $100,000 for their top amps. I first heard about Neodio thru a French heart surgeon who owned top of the line Swiss FM Accoustics and bought a Neodio Integrated for a second system. It sounded so good that he inserted it into his reference system and felt that the Neodio held its own against the FM Accoustics and in some ways was better. That was a good enough endorsement for me to look at the Neodio since I had heard two incredible FM Accoustic systems in the last couple of years. Believe me when I tell you I had no idea that SS could sound that good & alive. The build quality of the Neodio is just as expectional as the sound. I owned TRL's Samson's which I think were the first pair Paul ever made. Shortly after he renamed them the Samson's, mine were labeled 225's mono blocks. I believe Paul added some updates from my model. The Neodio has put to shame any SS I have ever owned. That includes a few really nice sounding amps. The Neodio also has improved on my Air tight 300b/Joule Electra 300ME combo in every conceievable way. Yes it sounds like a over the top enthusiasm for and audio product but if you heard the Neodio on the Gammas you would fully understand.
Bobheinatz 04-03-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
That's great Bob. The fit and finish is spectacular. I wonder if they will be at Axpona? Despite their sensitivity rating, the Gammas are "hard to drive." They need a lot of current to open up and sing, and I am a little surprised the Neo is able to do so. Very interesting. This young French designer seems very clever and is obviously up to something.

The TRL amps have evolved enormously over time and it is hard to know how the current generation, which I own, relates to the 225s. I also own a Dude which is another ripple in discerning what is what sonically.

In a few years, I will be adding a second system upstairs and have been sleuthing for good integrated units. One that has come to mind is the LSA statement amp. I will obviously add this to the list. Very kool....
Agear 04-04-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
It has been almost a full year since I bought the Gammas and I am still blown away by these speakers. I have made some very nice upgrades to my system the last year which has taken my system to a new level of enjoyment. First I replaced my Ayon CD3 with Rega's Isis CDP. This is Rega's assult on SOTA and is the most analog sounding CDP I have heard. The Isis outperformed much more expensive CDP's from Esoteric, DCS, EMM Labs & Audio Reseach CD8 in my system. Next I switched to balanced cables. I am using Jade hybrid cables. Outstanding! Last but certainly not least I added a pair of Foundation Labs LC10's line conditioners to my Rega & Neodio amp. All of these changes simply have added quite a nice level of refined sound that gets closer to the real thing. With the Gammas and Neodio 600NR Sig. as the foundation of my system these new additions have turned my system from an exceptional one into possibly a true world class performer. I have heard numerous systems costing many times what I have invested and to my ears this Gamma based system would embarassed most of them.
Bobheinatz 11-28-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Good news Bob. The Gammas are very good speakers that reveal the quality of what's upstream. A friend of mine has the Neodio DAC/CDP and is very taken with it. Lot of $$$ though....Happy listening....
Agear 11-29-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
More people need to hear these speakers.

Heard them and Sonus Faber as the dealer, absolutely NO comparision.
Cdc 12-07-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
What is their website?
Branislav 12-09-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I should have looked harder... www.intuitiveaudio.com, not a whole lot there though.
Branislav 12-09-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Dale's website is a skeletal PDF. You can always call him with questions...
Agear 12-10-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Wonder if there's anybody in Texas who has these speakers...
Branislav 12-10-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Branislav, there used to be an owner in Dallas. That was the only dude I knew about.
Agear 12-11-11


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I have a pair of the Gamma Summits. Wonderful speakers. I'd like some advice on filling the Path stands with sand. I've heard different thoughts on this: fill one-third, one-half, two-thirds... What is your experience, and how does it affect the sound?
Glaucon 04-29-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I know from experience that when you overfill a speaker stand you can suck the life right out of the speaker being supported. With sand I would start with a third or even a quarter. If you started out small and kept adding by volume you should hear a tipping point where fine detail and and acoustic air are removed from the listening space. Tom
Theaudiotweak 04-30-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Glaucon, I had the amps in stands so no experience with sand. I would try and call Dale Pitcher.
Agear 04-30-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Mine aren't the GAMMA Summits, but with the ORIGINAL Summits, in MY room (see Synopsis above) they're filled something like 2/3 to 3/4 full, I'd guess. Make sure to use DRY sand (think dessicated silica, for example, here), unless you enjoy the scent of mildew.....
Mdhoover 05-01-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Thanks for the advice, guys. I have the stands filled half-way with silica sand, and the sound certainly tightened up, and the silences became deeper, blacker, more palpable. Also the upper transients (triangle, celesta) are pristine and delicate. I may go ahead a follow Mdhoover's 2/3's suggestion.

BTW, I have the older Stillpoints dampers screwed into the bottoms of the Gammas pointing into the Stillpoints Mini-Risers, and into the bottoms of the Path stands pointing into the Stillpoints Inverse Risers. Much better in my application than granite slabs. The Inverse Risers are directly on medium-shag carpet.

Truly awesome sound.
Glaucon 05-01-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Dale is a wizard. Enjoy.
Agear 05-04-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
What Theaudotweak said is so true. You can also overdo room treatments to the point of killing your sound. He has it right, fill the stands or do a room with traps and diffusors til you hear the life go out of the music, then back it off a bit til the sound becomes vibrant but not ringy or echo-ridden .
Mrmitch 05-05-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
If anyone is interested I have my Delta Summits listed now on Audiogon. I live in Oregon for anyone wanting to listen.
Bobheinatz 05-11-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Theaudiotweak and Mrmitch are absolutely correct. Dale has told people not to overfill the stands for similar reasons.
Agear 05-12-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Bob,

Why sell the speakers/amp if they are world class?
Glory 06-13-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Bob, did you sell them as I am interested. Let me know and thanks. Bill
Grannyring 06-15-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Agear, how good are the plain Summit speakers as I know you used to own them. How do they compare to other speakers you have owned and why did you decide to sell them?

I will be auditioning a set of Summits this weekend for possible purchase.

Nice review Bill! First rate effort of a review.
Grannyring 06-15-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Hi Bill. That's good news you are finally getting a chance to hear them. They are incredible speakers for the money. I originally demoed the base level Summit and my wife and I both thought they were substantially better than the Merlins VSMs I had at the time (the level below the Mx s/p mod). I ended up with the Gammas due to audio greed. I sold them due to chase that audio itch and in retrospect, that was a mistake. I am actually looking to buy one of Dale's big new speakers in the future (the Curve) when it finally appears. Time will tell. I still own Dale's current SOTA conditioner (Suspension Bridge) and his cabling.
Agear 06-16-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Bill (aka Grannyring),

Thank you for your kind words. You'll be able to make up your own mind this weekend. With respect to the review, it may (or may not...) be useful for you to look at the following update added above (in 2006) after over a year of listening:

Now that over a year has passed...

Dale's cables are also a great addition, but the above 2005 review was written prior to using ANY of his cables. A link to my review of his cables (which are now out of date; i.e., I believe he's come up with something even better since this was posted), is here:

Mosaic Chimera Speaker Cables
Mdhoover 06-16-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I can attest that Dale's newest interconnect line is magnificent. I have the mid-level Intuitive Design Mosaic Delta and it shamed the Audioquest Sky and Audience Au24 I compared it with. I had the top-of-the-line Mosaic Nu for a brief time, and it was superb. Dale's stuff always amazes me. At first I don't expect much, but then I listen to it and I can't believe how good it sounds - I have to have it.
Glaucon 06-16-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Bill, can you please tell me where you purchased those granite slabs. I cannot seem to find where to purchase them.
Grannyring 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Grannyring, u live in granite country. You can have them made locally and fairly cheaply
Agear 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Dale's designs are always musical and beautiful in their look and construction. I for one, would consider grounding these speakers with something other than granite and Stillpoints. Either by design or by an accident of nature these materials and or their geometry slow and impede the eventual from happening. Energy will always seek ground thru the path of least resistance. Having owned a couple of Essence amps and a pair of Model 30's I have some real world experience with the improvements made by mechanical coupling to ground with these particular models. Tom
Theaudiotweak 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Theaudiotweak, you seem to be a fan of Audio Points and Sistrum. I use those on more conventional speakers and gear. Seems owners of the Summit speaker have had better success with Stillpoints and granite.

Even Dale the builder suggests Stillspoints and granite. I would think he knows as he is quite accomplished in this field of knowledge.
Grannyring 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Yes I am a fan of those products and have developed some new ones for acoustic instruments that rest on the floor. I sold Essence products back in the early 80's and have always been a fan of Dale's. The original amps with the Corian chassis and floating transformer and amp module were intended to be lifted off the floor of the unit with 3 Audio Points. The installation of those 3 items were my turn on to that material and geometry. From then on I never looked back. Happy Fathers Day everyone. Tom
Theaudiotweak 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Duane, who is one of Dale's top sales reps, says in his ad for the Summits that "These speakers double in sound quality if paired with Stillpoints". Can you explain what you mean by trying something other than granite and Stillpoints? What exactly did you have in mind?
Glaucon 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Granny,

Get Andrew's speakers that Duane has for sale and go pick them up.
Glory 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
"Bill, can you please tell me where you purchased those granite slabs. I cannot seem to find where to purchase them."
Grannyring 06-17-12
Grannyring (aka Bill),
I'm pretty sure that THIS is where I got the plates.
Mdhoover 06-17-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Theaudiotweak brings up a great point: until fairly recently, very few manufacturers have understood the power of mechanical grounding. Dale and Starsound are part of that very small club. The Gammas are good speakers without the stands (I tried them that way as an experiment). With the stands, they go beyond normal speakers. People have made fun of mechanical grounding in these forums, and called it snake oil and witchcraft, but it most certainly is not.....
Agear 06-18-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
If interested, I have a set of Gamma Summits, (2 sets of NU interconnects) and a set of Cassis speaker cables that I no longer use!
Powder 06-20-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
Grannyring, let us know your early impressions of the Gammas....
Agear 06-23-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
A member here has just re-joined the family, I bet his rig is smokin good.
Rx8man 08-21-12


 Review: Intuitive Design/Pitcher Sound Labs Summit PSL 624 Speaker
I did indeed rejoin the club. Good to be back. Grannyring, start saving those pennies....
Agear 09-18-12


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