Home Speaker Asylum

General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

Opinions, advice needed for new speakers (long, sorry/thank you)

Perhaps you recall me complaining about brightness in my system. Well, I appreciate the suggestions I got, and tried most of them. In the end, they didn't get me there, so I am now looking to consider alternative speakers. Therefore, I would like your input.

This is what I got now:
Fisher 500C, restored, NOS tubes
Totem model 1 sigs
linn/aro/dynvector 10x5
Audio note 3.1x cdp
marigo 8.8 ints and spk cbl


I need someting that will work with what I got. I am intrigued by SETs. I do not know when I would be able to go down that road, and as such, I am not sure if I should try and get something efficient now and have that out of the way, or cross that bridge when I get there.

I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly rootsy-bluesy-twangy 'pop/rock', some acoustic, some not -- not much classical/jazz. Room is 12x18x10. Speakers on long wall. 20's apt building w/wood floor. Very solid construction. Don't listen too loudly (neighbors).

I would welcome more bass, but what I have will do. I must have smooth/warm/lush. I am (perhaps because of the Totems) very sensitive to harsh/bright/edgy. I am not worried about audiophile tricks, musical is key. I am after PRaT, dynamics, decay, tonal accuracy, transients etc.. Not too hung up on 'neutral' or 'accurate', as I am not sure I believe in such things. I do not need anything mercilessly revealing of my less than good sounding discs. I am after a speaker that is not fatiguing.

I like 'moniters' for apt/space/WAF. I am open to suggestions. I am open to used. Budget up to $5K new, although I am hoping to find something I love for closer to $3K

This is my current 'short list': opinions, descriptions of sonic character, other pro/cons appreciated to save time/trouble auditioning the wrong things (or even finding them). I am not looking for you to tell me what speakers to buy, but which you think I should track down and drag home for a listen. I have not heard these, comments below based on reviews/archives.

Higher efficiency options:

Ref 3A De Capo i: This seams my best option. Good efficiency, allows
flexibility for amps, good size, good bass for size. Is this a smooth
speaker? Is this overly revealing? etc. I have seen in the archives this
listed as bright sometimes, and smooth others.

Audio note K/spe: I can't put them in the corners, probably need to have them 2 feet off
wall too. Too crisp for my tastes? Not good for my placement limits?

Spendor 2/3: 1/2 too big, 2/3 is pushing it. I know these are lower efficiency, but
they are easy as far as impedance, no? All I have seen says musical,
warm, non fatiguing, true? SET friendly?

Galante Rhapsody: Out of production, should I be concerned about buying used? Wife
likes the looks a lot.

ZU Druid IV: I know these are floor standers, but they have a small foot print, the
wife likes the simple Mod look. Everyone who has actually heard
them seems to love them, people here seem to be irritated by them.

Omega: I find the model #s more confusing than Spendor. Which model? why?

Less efficient options:

Focus FS 688: This seems perfect apart from 85db efficiency. Perfect size, bass is
good for size, reported as smooth sounding, forgiving of poor
recordings, etc. Are these so good I should forget SETs? Some Asian
mag has them as best small speaker of all time!

JMR Trentes: Reported as musical, warm, lush. Stereophile lab test reports the 500C
does not like 4ohm speakers. any other drawbacks?

Dynaudio 25: Awesome bass for size, some say can get bright? same for 1.3SE?


As always, thank you for your help


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Topic - Opinions, advice needed for new speakers (long, sorry/thank you) - Lemonbishop 20:43:51 10/14/05 (3)


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