Troels Gravesen Faital 3-WC-10

Thanks Karl, that's very kind. Yours are also beautiful, it's just a different style and can be very subjective. I love the retro, 3 way classic look!

The Ektas are unlikely to ever be made like that for a customer - they were a unique build for me and I was very self indulgent! I like to really push the limits on my own builds, since it's very unlikely anyone would pay for a build of that complexity. My builds let me practice new skills and techniques too.

That build took over 200 hrs - at £20/hr those speakers would cost around £7000! They'll easily perform at that level, but I doubt anyone would pay that for an Ekta mkII build.

I am looking forward to my next personal speaker build - another chance to go crazy.

It was remarkable, I agree (but I would 😂).

The main problem for a potential customer is hearing before they buy. This will improve as the network of Troels builds grows. I can't wait to build some more and let me people hear them!

Anyway, back to Karl's speakers.....I must say, they are growing on me visually....there is a retro look but the finish is very smooth.

Beautiful stuff.

I'm looking forward to building a pair one day.  I think they are likely to be one of the sweet spots in the Troels range - they seem great VFM and there is a Beryllium tweeter option too.

I'd be very keen to hear how the PA drivers are in comparison to some of the prestige 'audiophile' brands.  The likes of SEAS and Scanspeak certainly attract a premium price for their reputation.  

Troels says this about the Faital 3WC-10: "I know this is big words, but I'll stick my neck out for any comparison on transparency and 3-dimensionality.".  That it quite some claim!  I wonder how they'd compare to the Ekta mkIIs.  My feeling is that it won't be a clear cut thing - I think it'll come down to personal preference, music tastes, room and system.  The Faitals 3WC-10s have twice the membrane area of the Ektas in mid and Bass so will move a fair bit more air.  It is hard to cheat physics, so this should bring some advantages: bass reproduction and a general sense of scale.  The Ektas, on the other hand, have the phenomenal Illuminator drivers (used in some very expensive speakers), these provide breath-taking resolution and clarity - can this be matched by the Faital drivers?  I think the Ektas may edge it here - only one way to find out!  

Another key difference is sensitivity - the Ektas are 87dB and Faitals 91dB.  I found that the Ektas required an amp with some serious grunt to really sing - a 686 does a sterling job!  Many amps struggled to get a real grip on the bass.  The Faitals should be much more suited to lower powered class A and Valve amplification - good for those that prefer that sound.

Finally, there is cost... The Faital 3WC-10s (with a fabric dome tweeter) are a fair bit cheaper than the Ekta mkIIs, so that'll be a key factor is some people's choice.

I am looking forward to hearing the difference one day!

As with many things in hifi (and other areas of life) it can be very subjective. I know a few people that would choose valves /class A over a 686. Not everyone wants utter resolution, neutrality and perfection. I think I want it all 😂

It'll be the same with Troels speakers... Some will love the CNOs, some the Faitals and some the Ektas.

Edit: Also, we only know what we know. It's a learning curve for us all and some have been moving along the curve for long time.

It's just his opinion I guess. We all try to get the best our (reasonable) money can buy. We all make different choices - not sure there is an absolute right answer.

Mondayitis!!

Another very positive builders response on Troels page

www.troelsgravesen.dk/Faital-3WC-10_Thomas.htm