The relatively new US brand DeVore Fidelity is now available in the UK
DeVore Fidelity, an American company, was established in the early part of this century. John DeVore, its proprietor, is a relatively young hi-fi professional and brings a refreshing breath of air to our industry.
He may also have a fascination with apes. Three of the four models currently in DeVore’s portfolio are the Gibbon series, while the top model is the Silverback. The company’s proprietary crossover design method is also known as ‘gibbon ‘.
Despite being very entertaining, the website was lacking in hard facts. The website’s four-line description and any additional information are very limited. They don’t explain how the 3XL differs from other Gibbon 3s or give any useful and real information.
The Gibbon 3XL, the smallest model in this range, is also the only standmount. The price is also quite high for a compact standmount. However, the price includes a pair of attractive wooden stands.
This speaker has to be one of our favorite speakers in a while.
OUR VERDICT
The speaker is a great speaker, but it comes at a high price. While the midband’s excellent projection adds charm and appeal to voice reproduction, its top end lacks warmth and airiness.
- Nice voice reproduction
- Projection of midband well
- Airy, openness at the top of the end
- It also lacks warmth
DeVore Fidelity, an American company, was established in the early part of this century. John DeVore, its proprietor, is a relatively young hi-fi professional and brings a refreshing breath of air to the industry.
He may also have a fascination with apes. Three of the four models currently in DeVore’s portfolio are the Gibbon series, while the top model, a Silverback, is the Gibbon. The company’s proprietary crossover design method, ‘gibbon’ also appears to be his name.
Despite being very entertaining, the website was lacking in hard facts. The website’s four-line description and any additional information are very limited. They don’t explain how the 3XL differs from other Gibbon 3s or give any useful and real information.
The Gibbon 3XL, the smallest model in this range, is also the only standmount. The price is also quite high for a compact standmount. However, the price includes a pair of attractive wooden stands.
We decided to replace our 600-millimeter Kudos S100s with Blu-Tac coupling between speakers. This was due to the accumulation of many display stands over time. This is without doubt one of our favorite speakers.
The wrap is made from a high-gloss, polished, real-wood veneer that has been exquisitely figured. It also features nicely rounded edges at the front and back. Hidden magnets hold in place a mini-grille and the inset panels at the front and back. The carcass is made of bamboo ply, which makes it feel extremely solid.
Both drivers are well recessed and secured by shiny screws. This main driver has a cast frame with a 100-millimeter doped cone of paper. The tweeter, which is identical to the Silverback’s top-of-the line model, has a dome diaphragm of 19 millimeters.
Sound quality
The sound quality of the Gibbon 3XL is mixed. The Gibbon 3XL has a lot of charm and good vocal expression. However, the sound quality is not as great as it should be.
The Gibbon 3XL’s emphasis on a high sensitivity upper middle band is reminiscent of a speaker system built on one full-range driver.
It is well-coordinated with great timing and dynamic expression. However, the top end can be a little dull and restricted, which means that the soundstage and sound are lacking in airiness and openness.
The bass is driven by purpose, with low box coloration, a fine dynamic range and a good bass drive. However, the ultimate weight of the bass is limited and there is a lack of warmth or harmonic richness through its lower mid band and upper bass.
When the speaker is quiet, it sounds very informative. However, if the volume is raised, the voice can become too loud and forceful. Frequency imbalances can also be a problem – cymbals or other percussion tends to jump out.
The Gibbon 3XL is sure to win many friends but it lacks strict neutrality.
