Hi guys,
I have the TOnes and they are very nice speakers. I understand the TRefs are a step (or more?) above the TOnes. Problem is- I strongly prefer the sock appearance and don’t like glossy stuff, especially when projecting movies in a dark room. The TOnes absolutely disappear in the dark which is perfect in a HT.
Furthermore, I prefer an optimal product in terms of value and since the TOnes are not made to impress anyone with their looks, only their sound, I find them a better value that the TRefs.
So, for guys like me who prefer their money being spent purely on sound, not appearance and looking for future upgrade paths, I think a new product level is missing - A Triton One+. Take all the sound related attributes of the TRefs (better drivers, bigger amp, better cabinet) and just cover it with the same sock as in the TOnes. Then sell it in a lower price for those who only wants the best sound and don’t try to impress anyone with a glossy speakers.
What do you think?

Hi drumace. Please take my feedback in kind. First, I think that what you are categorizing as a problem is merely a preference. And you certainly are entitled to have a preference. You mentioned a few attributes of the T Ref cabinet, one of which is "better". This is true. It is also true it is "larger". IMO, the larger the cabinet, the less practical a sock covering becomes. Practical in a sense that it is more susceptible to tearing, stretching and so forth. From a value perspective, both the T1 and T Ref are terrific value (comparatively to other manufacturers). Also, you mention that the T1s are not made to impress anyone given their looks. I'd have to disagree. There was/is a thread herein the forum that had numerous one word accolades for the T1, and that included words such as "statuesque" and "monolithic" . Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If your goal is to get better sound, I'd recommend the upgrade to the T Ref. Not all of the cabinet is glossy. A significant portion of the sides have the passive radiator panels, and the front is cloth. Best.

Hi Drumace and GDHAL,
I agree with the statement, idea, that the TOnes disappear in a darkened home theater. Mine, do and that is one thing I love about them. IMHO that is one area where they may have the advantage over the TRefs, but I have not had the pleasure of meeting them.
I think Drumace you have a valid point and suggestion, but hear where you are coming from too GDHAL, you have the TRefs and obviously you are happy with them, why wouldn't you be??? Who wouldn't be?????
Happy listening guys, I have the TOnes and it is a case of love the one yer with!!!!!
God Bless,
Wayne

Hi GDHAL,
Please don’t get me wrong. I personally think the TOnes look classy and pretty. They are the most elegant speakers I’ve seen in my life. I’d never buy an equipment that I dislike its appearance. I just think that there is a market for audiophiles like myself, who do not want to pay money for something that its whole purpose is to make an “expensive” impression, like a shiny glossy (and expensive to make) finish. Furthermore, as I mentioned, glossy finish can be a major issue in a HT room with a projector. Also, it is very hard to keep clean. The TRefs are not that larger than the TOnes so if the sock is good for the TOnes, it can certainly be good for something like a TOnes+.
BTW, providing a solution for protecting the sock when the speakers are not in use is another product suggestion:-) I created covers made of a tough water-resistant fabric and they keep the TOnes out of reach from the kids and the cat. If GE could manufacture such a cover which is in a perfect fit on the speakers and can be easily removed and put back, it could be great.

Hi drumace. The protective cover is an interesting suggestion. Perhaps then you should consider the Triton Reference upgrade path, and then use your own dark and non reflective covering to drape the sides (minus the passive radiator panels) when using your home theater. While it is true that some of the upgrade cost for the T Ref relative to T1 is can be considered cosmetic (cabinet), as a former owner of T1 and current owner of the T Ref I can say with certainty that the upgrade cost is well spent even if you were to discount the cosmetics and consider just the sonic improvement. Of course that is merely my opinion. Best.

All of this... just... no. GEt doesn’t intend the sock to be removed/reapplied at will because the sock effects the sound quality. If you don’t want shiny, buy the T1’s. There isn’t a good business reason to segment the product lines further than they already are. These are the best sounding speakers at their respective price point (& significantly higher), and GEt got here by making careful choices in what to include/exclude.