BSI Model 4 Full range loudspeakers. Now shipping

Two BSI Model 4 full range loudspeakers at a bargin proce.  If these speakers were sold through the normal audio chains they would retail for around $30,000-$40,000 (see below). I purchased them directly from BSI as a “home dealer” and have been pampering and enjoying them for the last 4 years.  They are in excellent condition.

I will ship the speakers to anywhere in the US (see below) and I am willing to demo the speakers in my home in Dallas to serious buyers only.

The speakers were manufactured for BSI by Peter Noerbaek of PBN Audio, the master speaker-builder who has manufactured hundreds of speakers not only for BSI, but for Quintessence (check out the $50K “Stealth” model} and for his own company PBN (including of the famous “Montana” loudspeakers). Mr. Noerbaek has an enviable reputation in the audio industry and is the subject of an article in the current issue of Stereophile magazine.

There are many features of the BSI model 4 which include the following:

DRIVERS:

Each loudspeaker includes the following top-of-the line Scanspeak drivers.

Tweeters (1):  Scanspeak D3004/6640 (Beryllium)

Midbass (2):   Scanspeak 18WU/8741T

Woofer (2):     Scanspeak 26W/8861T

Scanspeak is very highly respected in the industry and has been used on major audio brands such as Vandersteen (Model 7) and Rockport (Altair).

The Beryllium tweeter is highly acclaimed and enjoys cult status. The midbass and the tweeters are arranged in a D’Appolio array in the same manner as Wilson and YG. The drivers, including the woofers, are matched up in pairs that are within .2 db of each other.

CABINET: 

Manufactured by PBN Audio/Peter Noerbeck using 3-D modeling and precision-cut by PBN using CNC machines. The cabinets are 2 inches thick (actually two 1 in. layers of MDF) and include sophisticated and extensive internal bracing.  They are finished in automotive-grade paint, in this case BMW metallic grey and are as attractive, if not more so, than the Magico speakers.  Check the video on the PBN website for insight on their cabinet-making and finishing capability.

BUILT-IN POWER AMPS

Each speaker contains a Hypex model DS 8.0 built-in power amp outputting 800 watts. The advantages of having a built-in power amp to drive the woofers cannot be understated. In addition to eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer, the built-in amp for the woofers permits a fairly modest  power amp (75 to 100 watts) to power the midranges and tweeter.  The drivers and the Hypex power amps are available through Madisound.  

I used a BAT REX stereo amp which more than adequately powered the midranges and tweeters, and I am now currently using a PS Audio BHK signature. The speakers sound great with both amps.

CROSSOVER

The crossover was designed, manufactured and implemented by Peter Noerbaek in conjunction with Madisound.  The point-to-point wired crossovers feature extra-large Mundorf “Supreme Silver/Oil” 10 uf capacitors made in Germany that cost over $200 each.

OTHER FEATURES AND BRIEF SPECS

The mid bass chamber is a sealed box with a Qtc of .71, and the woofers are housed in a QB3 aligned ported enclosure tuned to 24hz and, in a reasonably sized listening room, can play down to 20hz with ease.

High-power magnets are mounted on the inside of the baffles to permit the attachment and removal of the grill and spikes are provided on the bottoms of the speakers.

Each Hypex amp has an adjustable low pass filter with gain and a parametric equalizer permitting all basic adjustments (level, equalization, phase, etc.).

Each crossover network is housed in the upper rear portion of its speaker and is visible through an acrylic window which displays the Mundorf capacitors.

WBT Topline are used for the speaker terminals

Dimensions: 57” in. H; 28” D and 17” W

Weight: Each speaker weighs over 300 pounds (shipping crates available). 

The BSI model 4 is similar to Montana”s $30,000 “Sammy” model with respect to the general cabinet shape and number and configuration of drivers (2 woofers, 2 mid-ranges and 1 tweeter) but differ in the sense that the Sammys do not have built-in amps. 

BSI tried to sell the speakers through the internet which didn’t work (BSI is now defunct). As stated above, if sold through the standard dealer network, the speakers would retail for around $32000-$40,000 based on their manufacturing costs.  They sound as good, if not better, than most speakers in the $20,000-$40,000 price range.  The BSI advertising literature states that the BSIs sound better than a pair of $60k Magicos, a $50k Vandersteens and a $70 Wilsons. I cannot confirm this but another Model 4 owner told me that they sound better than his Magicos. I did confirm by personal listening that the BSIs sound far superior to the Wilson Sabrinas (3 drivers per side) that retail for $22000 and hold their own with the new $22000 Bowers and Wilkins 802 D3s.

Gary Lea, a senior editor at Positive Feedback Online had the opportunity to listen to a pair of the Model 4s in California and had the following comments:

“Cabinetry was first rate as was all the fit and finish. The  drivers and crossovers were top notch and the speakers sound splendid.  At the price BSI was trying to sell them they were a phenomenal bargain!”

Gary’s email address is  [email protected] 

and has graciously volunteered to share his further thoughts on the Model 4 to interested buyers.

The reason I am selling them for such a low price is that I must  downsize my system before I move to a smaller residence.

The speakers will be shipped via freight in crates custom built for the speakers by PBN audio who ships their very large speakers all over the world. Buyer should add $200 to help defer the freight costs (the costs will be much more than this).

Finally, please check my 100% feedback on Audiogon!