Listening
Contents
In the live stream, it was already noticeable that in “Three Good Things” by Mammal Hands, the balance between saxophone, piano and percussion is nowhere as finely balanced as with the Audio Physic speakers. Not only that, the rich reproduction, neutrality and the fact that the speakers don’t show any weakness is impressive. It is no different with the Naim amplifier.
The Step is sized for smaller rooms, despite filling a large room with sound with ease. This is especially evident in how the stereo image is projected and the clearly audible but not perceptible bass. The stereo image is between the speakers and extends in front and behind them. This makes for relaxed listening. The sound doesn’t force itself on you, which is nice in a smaller room. Know that the speaker does involve you in the music.
The lack of a bass foundation is noticeable with “Decks Dark” by Radiohead. Usually more weight and punch is audible, but what the Steps do with the detail in the mids and highs is amazing. In the chorus, which sings in the background on the song, you can hear the individual voices of the singers, but the chorus still continues to embrace the band’s sound like a ghost. Every detail in every instrument is audible, but it stays together as a whole.
That measured precision in the reproduction is perhaps most flavorful. It sounds so all-powerfully balanced and correct that you sometimes long for a fiery-sounding guitar in Led Zeppelin or a warm, sonorous and slightly wet sound in the baritone saxophone on Morphine’s “The Night.” On the other hand, “The Night” has never sounded better. It is a recording with little tinkering done in the studio, and it also sounds like it was recorded in the middle of the night. A sense of desolation and intimacy rises from the track that makes these speakers not only have an extremely precise and correct reproduction, but also make the intention behind the recording palpable.
The percussion on Rain Tree Crow sounds clear but not sharp. There is plenty of tone in the dry taps on the cymbals, which are recorded at close range and prominently placed in the mix. The wild dynamics of this track are reproduced without any problem, David Sylvian’s voice sounding in proportion and set just right in the stereo image, as if he were singing right in front of you.
With Underworld or Metalica, don’t expect stomach-churning beats, but rather crisp sequences and a tight-sounding wall of guitar sound. The physical size of the speakers is limiting in what is possible to reproduce a deep bass.
“Rubycon” by Tangerine Dream shows very well the character of these speakers. It is the layering of sounds that is very easy to follow. The sounds of a harp, filtered with a battery of analog electronics, can still be identified as a harp. The album can sound oppressive and dark, as if dark gray clouds are continuously drifting by. On the Steps, it sounds open, without violating the character of the music.
Audio Physic Step 35 – Measurements
https://alpha-audio.net/review/multitest-bookshelf-speakers-2500-euro-deel-2/3/
If you click on the tab ‘specs’ at the top of the review (above the image), you will see the measurements as well.