Floorstanding speakers $3,500 - 4,500 ADVICE PLEASE

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hi everybody. I've hunted and pecked on these forums for a few months now, but this is my first post. I'm in a similar situation to the OP, and was hoping I could get some advise.

I'm currently looking for a 2.0 system, with eventual expansion to 5.1. While I'm comfortable exploring ID brands for subs, I'd prefer to stick to local B&M stores where I can hear the products. Especially if I'm looking to spend $3-4k.

My original plan was to get a pair of Paradigm Studio 60s, and at the outside the 100s. However, I figured it best to listen to other brands. I'm certainly glad I did, because after going back and listening to the Paradigms I feel like the sound, while full, is muddied.

To date, here's what I've listen to and my impressions - looking for some feedback. For now, unless an amp is absolutely necessary, I would be driving these with a Marantz SR6006.

Paradigm 60 - Good, but lacking clarity and low end.
Paradigm 100 - Much more rounded sound than 60, but dull.
PSB Imagine T - Preferred this to both the Paradigm 60 or 100. More clear sound.
Dynaudio Focus 220 MK II (Used) - Good clear sound, but sounded small and lacking on the low end.
Dynaudio Confidence C1 - Nice full sound for a bookshelf for sure. However something was off.
Vandersteen 2CE - Interesting concept for sure. A full sound, but I think the sound stage was too high and therefore wasn't as detailed.
Linn Majik 140s - I actually enjoyed the sound of these a lot. The lows were precise and the highs clear. I felt like the mid-range came through and wasn't drowned out.
Focal 806/826V - I enjoyed these a lot. I thought the highs were crystal clear, and great mid range. My biggest drawbacks were the lows. While clear, I felt like they didn't reach that low.

I would be interested in the Focal W line, but there were none in stock to listen to. I'm hoping that the improved materials will help with the low end.

It's also my plan to listen to some Monitor Audio GX's, but the 200s quickly hit the upper end of what I'd want to spend. In comparison to the GX300s, I'm worried they won't hit that low.

Mods -- If I need to move this and create a new thread please let me know!

I would not even worry about the bass from the speakers. I would just care about the midrange & treble. Funk 18.0 unpowered sub for $1900 delivered will fix that.

I would look at the Focal 1027S for $3300 ( MSRP $5500). Call them and negotiate for $3000 delivered. I paid $1691 for the TAD 2201 which are listed as $1900.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-38930-focal-electra-1027-s-tower-speakers-pr.aspx

 

[Superman07]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I don't want to come across as a massive bass seeker, but I do want the speaker to have a nice full rounded sound that can fill a good portion of the low spectrum. Obviously if I want something that can hit really low, I'd pick up at least 1 sub to take care of that.

Another limiting factor is I'm in a townhouse, so I don't have the luxury of playing anything ridiculously loud (not that I'm aiming for reference levels).

Also, once I narrow down to 2 or 3 I'm seriously interested in it has been my intention to arrange for an in-home trial. There are so many variables with store equipment, environments, etc. that differ from my own surroundings.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, it's about "compromises". There's always compromises somewhere. For example, the Infinity P363 can play lower than the Focal Electra 1027s; but I bet the 1027s is better in the midrange & treble, even though the 1027s is only 42Hz @ -3dB.

You're going to need a great sub or 2 subs anyway.

 

[Superman07]

Had an opportunity to listen to the Focal W range as well as the Monitor GX 200s. The W' s were not in the best circumstances, but they sounded more refined than the V line. I did feel like both the V and W struggled with clarity in the lower mid-range.

I enjoyed the GX 200s as well. I felt the sound, while not as broad (think this was due to cabinet volume), blended much better from top to bottom. I felt the highs were clear, but didn't jump out as much as the Focal - in a good way though! Now if they just didn't cost as much...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Also consider the Focal Electra 1027S.

FOCAL ELECTRA 1027 S TOWER SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct

Asking price is $3300, but can negotiate for $3000 delivered. MSRP is $5500.

 

[Superman07]

Also consider the Focal Electra 1027S.

Asking price is $3300, but can negotiate for $3000 delivered. MSRP is $5500.

Thanks again for that suggestion. I'm sure those are a great pair of speakers, but I'd prefer to hear a set before buying. Also, pretty confident my Marantz SR6006 won't drive those. Apparently the GX200s would be pushing the limits of my unit.

 

[mtrot]

Thanks again for that suggestion. I'm sure those are a great pair of speakers, but I'd prefer to hear a set before buying. Also, pretty confident my Marantz SR6006 won't drive those. Apparently the GX200s would be pushing the limits of my unit.

Specs for the 1027S:

Type: 3-way bass-reflex floor standing speaker
Drivers:
Two 6-1/2" (16.5cm) "W" woofers.
6-1/2" (16.5cm) "W" midrange.
1" (25mm) Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter.
Frequency response (+or-3dB): 42Hz - 30kHz
Low frequency point: 34Hz
Sensitivity (2,83 V/1 m): 91dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
Minimum impedance: 3.5 Ohms
Crossover frequency: 300Hz / 2 500Hz
Recommended amplifier power: 40 - 300W
Dimensions (HxWxD): 41-3/8 x 10-3/8 x 13-3/4
Net weight: 68.2 lbs
Shipping weight: 87 lbs.
Warranty: 5 years

At 91dB sensitivity, and 8 ohms impedance, that is a fairly receiver-friendly speaker. I do see there is a 3.5 Ohm minimum impedance, but since you will be employing a subwoofer, you might be OK with the Marantz.

 

[manwithnocape]

good choice on the focals, but they get muddy in the mid and they are a little too bright for my liking. their cone/surround construction kinda falls in that direction. everyone knows that i like funk audio, but i would also lean on the PSB or KEF. but then again, i got rid of all my gear for Funk.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Probably a safe idea to buy from dealers with a good 30-day return policy.

Everyone may feel differently about the way some speakers sound. That's just the way it is.

 

[ski2xblack]

np-new format had me replying to a year old post!

 

[manwithnocape]

this is true. everyone's ears work a bit different, and room acoustics are a HUGE factor. im itching to try the Salon2's.
one thing i've noticed is that if i've had the same issue with all sorts of speakers, it has usually been problems with the acoustic characteristics of the room. a little tweaking, and bam! things will get surprisingly better for ya

 

[Miguel Casellas]

He meannt ;;not to bridge;; the xpa-2s into monoblocks. Xpa-1s are fine.

On a whole high wattage amps are pretty ridiculous and audiophiles like huge class A mono blocks but that doesn't mean they're necessary either.

Few AC lines can even provide the power for high end mono amps. Class A should be out of the question even at 40wpc.

Parasound class AB stuff is pretty stable. If you can score something rated for around 500wpc into 8 ohms it should do the trick.

A crown XLS-2500 for example is not a mono amp but will be perfect for your goals without costing much. This is thanks to its highly efficient class D circuitry.

If you can figure out a way to acquire some Hypex NC1200 modules they would be amazing.

Walter Duque is our resident ultra high power amps expert. He can probably give you some nice suggestions.

On a whole low impedance and low sensitivity are a tough place to begin for a system that you stated is meant to "get loud". My main hope is that your definition of loud isn't all that loud.

Hello GranteedEV,

Happy new year!

I want to ask you about the experience you have had with the Crown XLS amp, i just got mine to work with my Anthem MRX 700 receiver but i found that issue with the "GAIN" stuff between Pro and consumer amps. It called my attention the Hypex NC1200 module...does it help that issue or what is its porpoise?

I f you please could give me any possible suggestion to work the best way with the Crown amp, it will help me a lot....ahhh my crown is a XLS 2000

Thanks and regards

Miguel

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would just set the Crown amp GAIN to 100%. Then use the AVR's Speaker Channel Level Setup to set the levels you want for all the speakers.

Theoretically, higher gains increase the noise floor (decreased the SNR). But I do not hear any difference in the noise floor.

On the Parasound Amps, they recommend setting their GAIN to 100% as well.

 

[cpp]

speaking of speakers, I waiting on a review of the Revel® Performa™3 Series

 

[Audio_Karma]

What about the Spendor A9 speakers?

Spendor A9 (Hi-Fi+ 77) | AVguide

 

[chirag1165]

do not buy before you audition the KEF R900.its in your price range.you may be impressed

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