Playback
Contents
We always get a general idea of the sound within minutes but this reviewer believes that you should always live with a speaker for a while. The same goes for an amplifier or a source. That way you really get to know the product and your brain can kick off from previous experiences. But first impressions are important of course. After two tracks, a huge sound of relief is heard throughout the room. The T66’s bass does not overpower our room. It is tight, detailed and with a nice flow. It’s certainly not only about the bass with this speaker but the fact that you can feel it in your stomach and at the same time fine-tune the bass is a very neat trick.
The mids and treble are very inconspicuous. But we mean that in a positive way. Neutral without drawing attention to anything. Furthermore we notice quite a high soundstage. Everything is positioned slightly higher compared to our Revels. The T66’s are of course high speakers so that makes sense. The speaker disappears nicely, because they are so slim we believe, and there is also real depth in the soundstage. Not easy to achieve in our space. This emphasizes the feeling of a 3D picture even more.
Listening
We start off with some electronic music from IDM pioneer Arovane. His concept album “Tides” is full of atmospheric soundscapes based on the sea. The rustling of what appears to be waves lingers from left to right on the track “Seaside” and can be followed beautifully through the T66. This music sounds even better through headphones, but the T66 offer a lot of detail as well. Especially when the rest of your system is up to scratch.
We often use Eefje de Visser to test the intelligibility of a speaker, and on “Pixels” we understand every word she says. The low rumble in the song comes through full force as do the menacing sounds later in the song. On ‘Parade,’ the GoldenEar T66 treats us to a giant wall of sound where everything can be easily followed. The layers in the music are easy to track down.
Next, we move on to Joni Mitchell. Some people are not huge fans but we always suggest starting with the album “Turbulent Indigo”. Because the production of the album is excellent and it’s full of great popsongs. Furthermore, Mitchell’s voice is less prominent and pronounced so there is lots to enjoy. Especially through the GoldenEar T66. It is striking how pure voices are reproduced. Very natural and open. Unexpectedly good as a matter of fact.
Male vocals also sound excellent on the GoldenEar T66, as Loverman shows with his amazing album “Lovesongs”. On other speakers this album doesn’t always click but now the songs sound great without any distance between the listener. “Tinderly” begins quietly and builds steadily to a pounding rhythm. You are really sucked in the song and it becomes difficult to sit still. The rhythm is reminiscent of that of a steam train. Lead singer James de Graef sings with conviction and is backed by a great band. The GoldenEar T66 performs this music with great feeling and ‘grinta’.