Which Speaker in the <1500 price range

[Dezoris]

I just got done with the EMP EF30T floor standing speakers.
I really like the sonic clarity and imaging, but the speakers don't pack enough bass for my liking.

Now this is where I will get flamed, as much as I love the clarity of them, I prefer listening to music on the Def Tech BP10s because the bass actually has some depth for electronic and other music that is going below 80hz.

So I want to order and demo the Axiom M80s.

What other floor standing speakers in this range should be considered?

 

[Adam]

Have you considered using a sub to augment the bass?

As for tower speakers, I'd consider the :

1. SVS MTS-01 floor standers: http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-mts01.cfm

2. Aperion Audio Intimus 6T: http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/NEW-Intimus-6T-Tower-Speaker,110,28,254.aspx

 

[mazersteven]

Now this is where I will get flamed

Why do you think your going to get "Flamed"? Just because you like a certain speaker? That's what this hobby is all about. It's not what system you have. It's as long as you have a system, and enjoy it.

 

[mazersteven]

As for tower speakers, I'd consider the :

1. SVS MTS-01 floor standers:

From what I am understanding. The SVS MTS tower doesn't put out much more then the MBS bookshelf. So IMO I would get the MBS bookshelf and invest in a killer subwoofer with the funds saved.

 

[mazersteven]

What other floor standing speakers in this range should be considered?

Polk Audio
RTi A9
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/individual/floorstanding/rtia9/

AV123
Rocket RS850
http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=27&category_id=19&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

Pushing the limits

AV123
Strata Mini
http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=16&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=271&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

 

[Dezoris]

Have you considered using a sub to augment the bass?

As for tower speakers, I'd consider the :

1. SVS MTS-01 floor standers: http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-mts01.cfm

2. Aperion Audio Intimus 6T: http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/NEW-Intimus-6T-Tower-Speaker,110,28,254.aspx

The SVS does not look like full range enough for my tastes. I will add the Aperion to the list though.

For music I want something more full range without the need for bass management.

Why do you think your going to get "Flamed"? Just because you like a certain speaker? That's what this hobby is all about. It's not what system you have. It's as long as you have a system, and enjoy it.

Because I realize how people either love the Def Techs or think they are Bose. Compared to the RBH/EMP for two channel audio they don't touch the clarity, but they seriously lack in reproducing deep clear bass.

Polk Audio
RTi A9
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/individual/floorstanding/rtia9/

AV123
Rocket RS850
http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=27&category_id=19&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

Pushing the limits

AV123
Strata Mini
http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=16&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=271&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

I really like the looks of the AV123 but without an option for black that may be hard.

 

[jostenmeat]

.For music I want something more full range without the need for bass management.

Why not? Seriously. Some of the best systems I have ever heard were towers coupled with a sub. $1,500 will buy you a very nice sub, or a couple of pretty good subs. You hopefully should have more placement options for best audio. Also, what speakers out there are truly full range? just checking.

 

[cutter]

I just got done with the EMP EF30T floor standing speakers.
I really like the sonic clarity and imaging, but the speakers don't pack enough bass for my liking.

Now this is where I will get flamed, as much as I love the clarity of them, I prefer listening to music on the Def Tech BP10s because the bass actually has some depth for electronic and other music that is going below 80hz.

So I want to order and demo the Axiom M80s.

What other floor standing speakers in this range should be considered?

As someone who owns both the EMP EF30's and the Axiom M80's, the EMP's have better bass, IMO. The EMP's are a great full range speaker, and if you're left wanting more bass, you should add a dedicated sub, as opposed to buying another full range tower. Just my .02. Good luck!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I prefer listening to music on the Def Tech BP10s because the bass actually has some depth for electronic and other music that is going below 80hz.

I don't blame you for liking that full-range sound.

I understand completely why you don't want bass management.

For one thing, if you listen to SACD's DSD, you can't use any kind of bass management unless you want the sound to be converted to regular CD sound.

It's a personal preference and you should get EXACTLY what you want, not what others want.

 

[jostenmeat]

I understand completely why you don't want bass management.

For one thing, if you listen to SACD's DSD, you can't use any kind of bass management unless you want the sound to be converted to regular CD sound.

I've never owned SACD. How many of the titles are "electronic music"?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've never owned SACD. How many of the titles are "electronic music"?

What is Electronic Music?

 

[jostenmeat]

What is Electronic Music?

Not entirely sure, but its playback for low bass output seems to be a key point in his search:

I prefer listening to music on the Def Tech BP10s because the bass actually has some depth for electronic and other music that is going below 80hz.

maybe the OP will expound. cheers

 

[MDS]

What is Electronic Music?

I'd say anything that utilizes a lot of synthesizers or beats created in the studio as opposed to with real instruments. Dance, Disco, Freestyle, and 'Old School' genres have many examples that could be called electronic music.

Here is an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RcVjArINpA [Planet Patrol - Play at your own risk]
Here is another (my favorite Planet Patrol song): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32JwPLvTQyM [Planet Patrol - Cheap Thrills]

You wanna test the bass response of speakers? Those tracks should be on your demo list. It's purely synthesized and it goes very low but poor speakers will muddy the vocals that are overlaid on top of the bass line. That is an example of what I call 'skating music' because it is the type that was played at the rink when I was growing up.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Okay, I see now. No, I don't think there are any Electronic Music in SACDs.

 

[MDS]

I don't mean to derail the thread but here is another example of electronic or 'freestyle' music that I personally think is a good test for auditioning speakers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr_O4iNPBx8&feature=related [Quadrant Six - Body Mechanic]

This song is impossible to find on CD. I have one compilation disc that has it, so I don't think you will ever find it or anything like it on SACD (we're talking '80s after all).

 

[fredk]

I have the M80s and they go low enough for a lot of music, but they will not cover really deep bass.

The only CD I have at the moment that goes low is ELPs debut album. The pipe organ has much more rumble on the deep notes with a sub. Its not a huge difference, but quite noticable.

From what I understand, Deftechs are basically speakers with a powered sub. It all just happens to be in one cabinet. Six of one and a half dozen of the other...

 

[gus6464]

If you want very low extension @ $1500 I think the Def Techs are going to be your best bet. Now if you can double or every triple your budget then we get into the realm of these beasts:

VMPS RM2 - ~$3000
Specifications
Bass: - 30cm (12") woven carbon fiber, 30cm (12") Passive Radiator
Mid: - two rectangular 10 x 20 cm (4 x 8") Neo ribbons, 280 Hz - 6.9 kHz
Treble: - FST, 6.9kHz - 30kHz
Impedance & Sensitivity: - 4 Ohm (3.6 min.) 91 dB/1W/1m
Power handling: - 300 W rms / 4 Ohms, 20 W min.
<strong>Frequency response: - 22 Hz - 25 kHz +0/-3dB</strong>
Dimensions & Weight: - 114H x 38W x 41Dcm, 55kg (45"H x 15"W x 16"D, 120 lbs)
Output levels and distortion: - max. 1% THD fullrange/1 W, max. 112+ dB SPL / 1 m
Finishes: - standard lite oak, dark oak

RM40 - ~$4500
Specifications
Bass: - 25 cm (10") WCF Megawoofer bass, 25 cm (10") WCF midbass, 25cm (10") Passive Radiator
Mid: - four rectangular 10 x 20 cm (4 x 8") Neo ribbons, 280 Hz - 6.9 kHz
Treble: - FST, 6.9 kHz - 30 kHz
Impedance & Sensitivity: - 4 Ohm (3.6 min.) 90 dB/1W/1m
Power handling: - 500 W rms / 4 Ohms, 20 W min.
<strong>Frequency response: - 24 Hz - 25 kHz +0/-3 dB</strong>
Dimensions & Weight: - 168H x 32W x 43D cm, 109 kg (66"H x 13"W x 17"D cm, 240 lbs)
Output levels and distortion: - max. 1% THD fullrange / 1W, max. 115+ dB SPL / 1m
Finishes: - standard lite oak, dark oak. Optional MLS african ebony, maple, birch, rosewood, walnut

 

[armaraas]

I've had both the Aperion 6T's and Axiom M80's in my house for 3 weeks now. As far as bass, both sets will do equally well down to about 40hz. Below that point, I found the Axiom's extended a little lower with a bit more authority. I think some of it may depend on your listening habits and how loud you play them. The bass dropps off pretty quickly around 35hz, but if you intend to play them pretty loud (90db+) you may get satisfactory bass out of the M80's, I was pretty impressed with them at around 100db, but I never listen to anything that loud for more than a minute or so.

Of course, my definition of satisfactory bass may not be the same as yours...

 

[jcPanny]

Full range speakers.

The powered woofers on the Onix Strata Minis allow them to play down to the 20 Hz range. If you want true full range then get these or a similar design with powered woofers.

Here is a b-stock pair for $1600. I have seen lightly used pairs sell for around $1200.
http://av123.com/b-stock/out-of-box/strata-mini-loudspeaker-rosewood-b-stock.html

 

[Dezoris]

I don't blame you for liking that full-range sound.

I understand completely why you don't want bass management.

For one thing, if you listen to SACD's DSD, you can't use any kind of bass management unless you want the sound to be converted to regular CD sound.

It's a personal preference and you should get EXACTLY what you want, not what others want.

96/24 2 channel music like new NIN.
All of Depeche Mode remasters have SACD options.
Bjork Surrounded

On top of that I prefer the sound in my room of 2 channel mode direct without bass management, it sounds cleaner.

Music like this that uses 80hz and lower tones very often.