The Chesky Audio LC1 speakers, priced at a hefty $996 per pair, promise a high-fidelity listening experience backed by impressive specifications including a tessellated tweeter and dual subwoofers. This review delves into a comprehensive evaluation of these speakers, examining both their build quality and sonic performance. We explore whether the LC1s live up to their price tag and the manufacturer's claims, analyzing both subjective listening tests and objective measurements.Our assessment encompasses a detailed examination of the speaker's construction, including an internal inspection of the crossover network. Subjective listening tests across diverse musical genres were conducted, focusing on vocal clarity, bass response, and soundstage imaging. Furthermore, objective measurements utilizing a Clipple nearfield scanner provide quantifiable data on frequency response, distortion, and other crucial audio parameters. The results reveal a nuanced picture of the LC1's strengths and, more significantly, its shortcomings.
Pros And Cons
- Overall build quality is good
- Horizontal width and radiation are good
- Easy to drive (low impedance)
- Gap around the tweeter cutout
- Sound is dull and hollow in the mid-range with both male and female vocals
- Lack of bass
- Center focus is off
- Hum or feedback sound is too recessed
- Background vocals sound grainy and forward
- No air or room reverberation in higher frequencies
- Sound is flat overall
- Rolloff below 100Hz is very sharp
- Inconsistent frequency response between the two speakers in a pair, affecting soundstage focus.
- Some resonances present at around 300Hz, 700Hz, and 1kHz (impedance measurements)
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Specifications and Initial Impressions
The Chesky Audio LC1 speakers retail for approximately $996 per pair, purchased directly from the manufacturer. The manufacturer's website boasts features such as a wide dispersion 1-inch dome tweeter with tessellation diffraction control technology, a high-resolution 6 1/2-inch bass mid-range driver, and dual inertially balanced 8-inch fluid-coupled subwoofers. The stated frequency response is 50 Hz to 20 kHz.
Upon initial inspection, I noted a noticeable gap around the tweeter cutout, a detail that detracted from the overall perceived build quality. While this might not affect sound quality significantly, it suggests a potential oversight in quality control.
Build Quality and Internal Components
Despite the tweeter issue, the overall build quality of the LC1 speakers impressed me. I removed one of the passive radiators to inspect the internal components, revealing a well-constructed crossover network and high-quality components. The crossover appears to utilize first-order slopes and a Zobel circuit.
The internal image shows the passive radiators, mid-range driver, and tweeter, showcasing the speaker's internal design. The crossover network's quality is visible, suggesting careful consideration in its construction.
Listening Experience and Sound Quality
My listening tests involved various musical genres, focusing on vocal presence and bass response. With tracks like Michael Jackson's 'Wanna Be Startin' Something,' I found the vocals lacked punch and presence, while the shaker was overly prominent. The sound was generally described as dull and hollow, particularly in the mid-range.
Similar issues persisted with Norah Jones' 'Chasing Pirates,' where the center image was not well-defined. Background vocals sounded grainy and forward, while the bass was almost non-existent. Even after adjusting speaker placement, these shortcomings remained consistent.
Measurement Data and Analysis
Objective measurements using the Clipple nearfield scanner revealed several issues. The on-axis frequency response showed a significant roll-off below 100 Hz, confirming the lack of bass response. There were also noticeable peaks and dips in the mid-range, which likely contributed to the perceived dullness and lack of vocal clarity.
The early reflections and sound power data further support the subjective listening experience. Comparisons between the two speaker samples showed inconsistencies, possibly explaining the inconsistent center imaging. The vertical contour plot revealed a cancellation issue likely caused by the first-order crossover filters.
Distortion and Overall Assessment
Distortion measurements showed good separation between second and third-order distortion but also revealed a cone edge surround resonance issue. Instantaneous compression analysis highlighted limited dynamic range, especially in the lower mid-range. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers confirmed variations between the two speaker samples.
Overall, the Chesky Audio LC1 speakers fell short of expectations. The lack of bass response, inconsistent center imaging, and recessed mid-range significantly impacted the listening experience. While the horizontal dispersion was good, other significant flaws outweigh this single positive attribute.
Conclusion
Despite the manufacturer's claims and positive press, my review of the Chesky Audio LC1 speakers reveals several significant shortcomings. The lack of low-frequency extension, inconsistent imaging, and recessed mid-range severely hamper their overall performance. While the build quality and certain design aspects are commendable, these flaws outweigh the positives.
Therefore, at a price point of $996 per pair, I cannot recommend the Chesky Audio LC1 speakers. There are other speakers available that offer a more balanced and engaging listening experience for a comparable or even lower price.