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

[Dennis Murphy]

box as well, mind you

Jim is working on a replacement driver. I have everything here ready to go when that woofer arrives. But I gotta wonder--given what I heard at Audio Karma from the new SoundScape 8--maybe you should see if you could scrounge up a few extra bucks for that.

 

[GranteedEV]

Jim is working on a replacement driver. I have everything here ready to go when that woofer arrives. But I gotta wonder--given what I heard at Audio Karma from the new SoundScape 8--maybe you should see if you could scrounge up a few extra bucks for that.

My thoughts as well. Power handling spread over two woofers instead of one (and higher overall sensitivity), wider dispersion from the accuton midrange, deeper extension, and I think they look better too

 

[Warpdrv]

Jim is working on a replacement driver. I have everything here ready to go when that woofer arrives. But I gotta wonder--given what I heard at Audio Karma from the new SoundScape 8--maybe you should see if you could scrounge up a few extra bucks for that.

My thoughts as well. Power handling spread over two woofers instead of one (and higher overall sensitivity), wider dispersion from the accuton midrange, deeper extension, and I think they look better too

+1, but I gotta say that looking at the Used HT3 AVAIL NOW, he could save some money and grab an already phenomenal speaker and not have to wait...

Or, another alternative, which I went with is Salk SoundScape M7 bookshelves crossed over to those subs... at 1/2 the price of the SS8's your in the same league SQ, without the open back mids which I feel is completely room dependent... If you don't have a good room for that, they aren't worth getting or will go unused...

 

[Nuance AH]

My thoughts as well. Power handling spread over two woofers instead of one (and higher overall sensitivity), wider dispersion from the accuton midrange, deeper extension, and I think they look better too

Boom - exactly. Four 8's offer more surface area than two 10's, and you can actually feel it when they slam (I've been fortunate to hear both).

Dennis, are you "cleared" to share which woofer will be used?

 

[83benz240]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! This is getting out of control........... I'm so far over budget it's crazy.

Denis, you work with Salk correct? Do you know if he would even allow this upgrade IF I was interested?

Can someone post a link to the reviews for the Soundscape 8 or give any opinions on why I should upgrade from the HT-3?

..............crazy that I'm even considering this.

 

[Dennis Murphy]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! This is getting out of control........... I'm so far over budget it's crazy.

Denis, you work with Salk correct? Do you know if he would even allow this upgrade IF I was interested?

Can someone post a link to the reviews for the Soundscape 8 or give any opinions on why I should upgrade from the HT-3?

..............crazy that I'm even considering this.

I dunno whether Jim would. It depends on how far along on the cabinets he is. If they're basically done, then I think you'll have yourselves a pair of HT3's when the woof issue is taken care of, which isn't too shabby. I honestly don't recall which woofer road Jim has taken. Maybe the one less traveled.

 

[83benz240]

If parts are this difficult to get now, what is it going to be like 10+ years from now if something happens?

Is this beautiful speaker going to turn into a really expensive wooden box with circular holes in it because I can't find a speaker to go in it?

 

[Nuance AH]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! This is getting out of control........... I'm so far over budget it's crazy.

Denis, you work with Salk correct? Do you know if he would even allow this upgrade IF I was interested?

Can someone post a link to the reviews for the Soundscape 8 or give any opinions on why I should upgrade from the HT-3?

..............crazy that I'm even considering this.

The SS8's are better in every way to my ears, but I'll let these guys answer your question with more precision:

Revive the system change thread?
SS8 first impression
HT2-TL vs. HT3 vs. SS8 (SS8 it is!)

 

[GranteedEV]

If parts are this difficult to get now, what is it going to be like 10+ years from now if something happens?

Is this beautiful speaker going to turn into a really expensive wooden box with circular holes in it because I can't find a speaker to go in it?

This is true of any company - custom or even the big huge brick and mortar ones. If you look at the harman parts store for some of their 10 year old models IE Infinity Cascade, they no longer stock them. And Harman is like the biggest speaker company in the world. If you look at Pioneer's parts store, you could buy whole speakers for the prices they charge owners for replacement midrange/coax! If you look at B&W, their speakers just suck.

The nice thing about custom companies is, if x driver is no longer available, they will adapt the design to one that is. It might require some modifications to the crossover, but no need to start from scratch. And the nice thing about custom drivers is, they're custom. They can be retrofitted into a different box. The build quality is much higher, too.

Either way, the Seas mid and the Aurum Cantus tweeter in the HT3 should not be hard to replace. Only the woofer would be a problem, so unless you manage to blow a 10" long throw with kilowatt power handling, I wouldn't be too concerned.

I mean, I still think you should have gone with a 90+ db efficient design from the get-go, which was my suggestion.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you look at B&W, their speakers just suck.

**hee**hee. LOL.

But......but........but............

But some people think they sound great........like PENG.

But some people think they sound great with 800wpc amps....like TLS Guy.

And some people just love the way they look.........like me.

 

[mtrot]

Surprised no one mentioned checking out some Legacy Audio towers, such as the Signature SE or Focus HD, which could be had for what you ended up spending. Considering you stated you listen to all types of music, the Legacys might be a good choice, because they sound good on a wide range of genres. They will rock, as well as sound good on Jazz or Classical.

As was suggested, high sensitivity would be desired, and the Legacys come in at 94dB or higher, and would be easy to drive to rocking levels with a XPA-2. They also use ribbon tweeters, which I love the sound of. I have had a pair of the old Signature II for years, and every time I listen to other speakers, I have a hard time contemplating how much money I would have to spend to obtain significantly better all around performance.

 

[ua100k]

Merrill Audio Hypex NC1200

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

Just done, tested and listened to. They are amazing with punch and clarity at low levels to low. And they can play very loud without seeming deafening. These are now in production with charter members getting a good price till Dec. take a look at merrill audio . net.

Disclaimer. I built this so am biased.

 

[GranteedEV]

Just done, tested and listened to. They are amazing with punch and clarity at low levels to low. And they can play very loud without seeming deafening. These are now in production with charter members getting a good price till Dec. take a look at merrill audio . net.

Disclaimer. I built this so am biased.

it's nice to see a website selling NC1200s. Pity that they're mixing in so much snake oil, and the price seems a bit steep at $6400.

 

[83benz240]

HT-3 Amp Advice

nnever mind my previous post either. an xpa2 isnt stable into 4 ohms bridged. You'd need to step up to a crown xls 2500 or Xpa-1s to get that kind of current.

Soooooo........

I finally got the HT3's in and they are awesome however the XPA-2 isn't going to be enough for what I need. The 2 x Rythmik 15" subs are overpowering the HT3's and the XPA-2 amp is clipping out.

Is there a way to just add another XPA-2 amp and use one amp for each HT3?
I see from the quote above that the XPA-2 can't be bridged but is there a way to run each speaker Bi-amped from each XPA-2?

If using 2 x XPA-2 bi-amped is an option would I need use the bottom posts as a "subwoofer" from my SC-57? Right now both subwoofer outs are already being used.

If adding another XPA-2 isn't an option does anyone have any recommendations on how to power the HT3's to match the 2 x Rythmik 15" subs?

 

[JerryLove]

Soooooo........

I finally got the HT3's in and they are awesome however the XPA-2 isn't going to be enough for what I need. The 2 x Rythmik 15" subs are overpowering the HT3's and the XPA-2 amp is clipping out.

My concern is that the speakers are recommended to 500w and your XPA-2 is 500w into 4ohm; so you may be approaching the limits of the speakers.

If you are happy with the volume and worried about peak clipping, ok (maybe); but if you want to add more db, I'm thinking you may need to consider more efficient or more powerful speakers.

Is there a way to just add another XPA-2 amp and use one amp for each HT3?
I see from the quote above that the XPA-2 can't be bridged but is there a way to run each speaker Bi-amped from each XPA-2?

Would not be likely to do any good.

If using 2 x XPA-2 bi-amped is an option would I need use the bottom posts as a "subwoofer" from my SC-57? Right now both subwoofer outs are already being used.

No, you'd use a splitter on your pre-outs. SW outs is a whole different set of frequencies

(BTW: you have set your HT3's to "small" in your AVR, right? If not, change that and see what happens.)

If adding another XPA-2 isn't an option does anyone have any recommendations on how to power the HT3's to match the 2 x Rythmik 15" subs?

XPA-1 (cost will be high, as you need 2), Crown XLS (ugly and manual on), Yamaha P7500S (manual on).

After that we start using words like "Krell" and "McIntosh".

 

[GranteedEV]

Is there a way to just add another XPA-2 amp and use one amp for each HT3?

I wouldn't bother. Perhaps run your HT3s as "small" though".

If using 2 x XPA-2 bi-amped is an option would I need use the bottom posts as a "subwoofer" from my SC-57? Right now both subwoofer outs are already being used.

No, because the woofer on teh Ht3 runs up to 300hz or higher with a passive crossover. You want to send the passive filter a flat, full range signal at least up to around 2khz or higher so that it can operate with the correct phase and frequency response.

If adding another XPA-2 isn't an option does anyone have any recommendations on how to power the HT3's to match the 2 x Rythmik 15" subs?

Crown XLS 2500 which should give you almost a kW into each channel 2 ohm.

... and if that's not enough power, then it really boils down to, essentially, what i had been saying since the beginning of the thread.

 

[Superman07]

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!

 

[psbfan9]

Hi Superman07,

Welcome to the forum!

I have a friend that just purchased these and they're amazing.

Atlantic Technology - AT-1 with H-PAS Technology

If you enter your zip code, you can find a dealer.

Atlantic Technology - United States Consumers

Good luck!

 

[JerryLove]

In Paradigm I much prefer an S2 with sub over a Studio 100.

If auditioning is the concern: in addition to many of the smaller designers having a return policy for in-home auditioning; several will help you arrange to listen at an owner's home.

My favorite speakers in this price range are the Salk SCST paired with a good sub. (You could get the HT2-TL at this price if you already had a sub; I've not heard the HT2-TL personally, but I've heard the speakers on both sides of it in the line)

 

[mtrot]

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!

Well, you seem to be concerned about bass extension and impact, but if you will be using a sub, that might mean some of the models about which you expressed concern could be good choices, especially the Dynaudio Focus 220 Mk II.

I found a used but mint condition set of Dynaudio Audience 82, and they are all kinds of dynamic and will give you some slam. They are also rated down to 26Hz. The 82s were the largest tower in the Audience line.

Regarding Focal, if you look at the specs for the 800V series vs the 800W series, you will see that they are rated the same for bass extension. So, I don't think the W will give you more bass extension, but might improve articulation. One good thing about Focal is that I don't think they are trying to get more bass out of them than the cabinet volume allows. This could explain why you didn't feel they went very low. You might have to go to the 836V/W to get the extension you are looking for, but those are pricey. Also, if you want to drive them with only your receiver, the Focal are nice in that they are 8 ohm impedance and more sensitive than some of the others on your list.

Used Revels are also an option, if you want some serious bass extension. Revel are serious high quality speakers with good design and drivers. The outgoing Performa Series F32 will dig down to ~33Hz and the F52 down to ~31Hz. There is actually a set of each now on Audiogon, unused in boxes:

Revel F-32 Tower Speaker | Full range | Nashville, Tennessee 37211 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

Revel F52 Full Range Tower Speaker | Full range | Nashville, Tennessee 37211 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community