High End Speakers

[9050Michael]

Ok, I am going to try the YPAO again tonight. If this doesn't work for me, I may go ahead and upgrade my speaker system from the Polks. However, I have been using Polk for years and years. What brands are out there now that are of a higher end than Polk. Aside of B&W as I am not a millionaire. Any suggestions?

 

[markw]

just go listen to whatever you can find.

Be less concerned with status as opposed to sound that you like.

Don't expect YPAO to perform miracles. Many don't rely on it as the end all and be all for setting up their system.

The built in test tones,, a good setup disc, an SPL meter from RatShack and some time, effort, and patience can produce miracles.

 

[9050Michael]

I like a smooth bass response from all of my speakers as apposed to just the sub. I am an old two channel stereo guy who has recently delved into the world of surround sound. It's a whole different arena.

 

[j_garcia]

We need to start with budget...since that will determine how high is high.

 

[9050Michael]

Which budget? The real one or the lie that I tell my wife? Let's say a budget of 3k to 5k.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Ok, I am going to try the YPAO again tonight. If this doesn't work for me, I may go ahead and upgrade my speaker system from the Polks. However, I have been using Polk for years and years. What brands are out there now that are of a higher end than Polk. Aside of B&W as I am not a millionaire. Any suggestions?

Which Polks are you currently using?

YPAO generally does an excellent job setting channel levels, but you will need to make a few adjustments manually. IE.... setting to the preferred crossover, LFE-out to sub-only or both, and speaker preference to large or small.

 

[9050Michael]

I am running the Monitor 50 as mains, the Monitor 30 as presense, the CS2 Center and Monitor 40's for surrounds. Also a Velodyne DPS 12 sub.

 

[jake5717]

Which budget? The real one or the lie that I tell my wife? Let's say a budget of 3k to 5k.

"Yeah sold the old receiver online. Got $800 buck for it!"

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

PS..... Also be aware issues you're having can be caused by room acoustics......and have nothing to do with your speakers.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You just have to go audition all the speakers you can find and see what sounds best to you.

Here are my favorite picks for mains

Paradigm studio series
Warefedale Evo series
PSB Image series
KEF IQ series
Monitor Audio RS series
Ascend CMT-340
AV123 Rockets
Aperion Intimus 633

I would start by trying to get the most out of what you have now. It still sounds like your sub isnt blended in to the rest of your system. The sub should just be an extension of your speakers and should not stand out. The only time I notice my sub with music is when I turn it off.

 

[9050Michael]

What makes the Paradigm and Kef speakers stand out to you? I have never had the oppertunity to listen to either.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I dont really know what makes them "stand out" they just had a sound that was right for me. I found them to be smooth and a little laid back yet other people will tell you that paradigms seem bright. It's all in what sounds good to you in your listening area.

What makes the Paradigm and Kef speakers stand out to you? I have never had the oppertunity to listen to either.

 

[Davemcc]

A little patience can go a long way right now as you learn the ins and outs of your settings. Try the Radio Shack analog SPL meter first before you go run out and drop $3-5k on new speakers. It's not a wasted investment, since you'll probably want the SPL meter with any new speakers anyway.

I get the feeling that your eagerness to jump into a speaker upgrade before you're even done the setup process indicates a subconscious desire for some new toys.

The doctor is out.

 

[9050Michael]

Yep, the meter worked perfectly. The sound is improved 100%. Thanks for all the advise.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

See, we saved you 3,000 bucks...

Yep, the meter worked perfectly. The sound is improved 100%. Thanks for all the advise.