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Author Topic: Speakers suggestions Needed  (Read 5834 times)

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prtuc2

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Speakers suggestions Needed
« on: June 11, 2013, 11:28:23 PM »
Hi fellow Pirates,

I am in the market for a pair of bookshelf speakers under $2500.

My room is approximately 22 X 17 with a 9 foot ceiling.  Going to use the bookshelf speakers as a computer speakers so it will be near-field setup about 18 inches away from the wall.

I listen mostly acoustic and vocal types of music for reference (in case someone asked).  Need some suggestions from some of the more knowledgeable and experiences users here.

I don't really care about the aesthetic. However, would like to keep it reasonable size under 18" in height.

Thanks for everyone in advance.
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DaveBSC

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2013, 01:16:05 AM »
The KEF LS50 seems very well suited to nearfield use. I would also definitely look into the Fritz Rev 5. ProAC, Spendor, and PMC all play in this league. Of the trio, the PMC DB1i is IMO the best overall. The ProAC Tablette is a little hot up top, and the Spendor SA1 is the opposite, a little too mellow for its own good.

In my experience smaller cabinets, both in width and height, work better than larger ones in the nearfield, at least as far as imaging is concerned. I would suggest setting a height restriction closer to maybe 14" rather than 18". That will mean 5" and 6" bass drivers instead of 7" and 8", but you'll get much better bass adding a subwoofer than you will with an extra 5Hz or so of extension that the extra inch will buy you anyway.
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prtuc2

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2013, 02:10:48 AM »
Thanks Dave for your suggestions.

I was looking at the Kef LS50 and the Fritz as well.  I guess I will make an audition for the both speakers.

The PMC, Spendor, and ProAc does not seems to have good availability inside the US.   
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Marvey

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2013, 02:11:33 AM »
I second the Fritz bookshelf speakers. (I did not like the floor standing speaker at THE SHOW. Something was wrong with that floorstander speaker, source, recording, pre-amp, or combination. I think it was a floorstanding speaker Fritz made for THE SHOW at the as minute or something - he typically does small box two ways.)
  • Fritz REV 5 (going to have some amazing low low bass for a small 5.5" paper cone. I've used that driver before.) $2100/pr (meets your size requirements)
  • Fritz Excel 7 (very articulate sound / fast decay with the Excel 7 woofer - don't get the ribbon tweeter option) $2300/pr (probably slightly too big for your requirements)
  • Also check out http://www.taylorspeakers.com/index.html or the Madisound kits. I've had Lee Taylor make a cabinet for me before. Top notch stuff and he knows what he's talking about.
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prtuc2

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2013, 02:19:34 AM »
Thanks Marv, will give Fritz a pm see what he suggest.

Did you hear the KEF LS50 at THE SHOW recently?  Looking at the frequency response (79hz-28khz) the bass does not extend that low just from the specification of course hearing it make the distinction better.

Thanks once again for taking your time to reply.
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DaveBSC

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2013, 05:42:15 AM »
Quote from: prtuc2 on June 12, 2013, 02:10:48 AM
Thanks Dave for your suggestions.

I was looking at the Kef LS50 and the Fritz as well.  I guess I will make an audition for the both speakers.

The PMC, Spendor, and ProAc does not seems to have good availability inside the US.

Sure. Fritz sells direct, so you'll have to have them sent to you. You may have an easier time finding the Totem Model 1 Signature than the Brits, and it's worth a listen. DALI's Mentor Menuet is another. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of DALI speakers, but this is one of their better efforts.
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sheya

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #6 on: June 12, 2013, 05:56:08 AM »
Active pro monitors are perfect for your requirements.

I switched over to active pro monitors a few years ago, and haven't looked back.  In your price range, you could get some excellent pro monitors that are designed to be used on shelves, close to the wall, and near field.  They also will fit your size requirements, and allow you to use a DAC with a volume control directly into the speaker, saving you a good deal of space.  The price structure in the pro market is much better than in the consumer market, and I think that the sound is better too.

You also should only consider speakers that are sealed (my preference), or that have a front facing port.  You are putting them a bit close to the wall for a rear ported speaker.

I have a pair of Adam A7's that are great for the price, and a pair of Klein and Hummel O300's that are great period.  Sennheiser bought Klein and Hummel, and now sells their speakers under the Neumann moniker.  They just released an updated version of my speakers, the Neumann KH 310a.   A bit out of your price range, unless you were going to spend a lot on your amplifier. 

Look at Adam, Neumann, Dynaudio, Focal, and Genelec, for starters.

If you have your heart set on passives, I would seriously consider the Magnepan Mini for your setup.  Available for a trial period, and well under your budget.

(edit - Added information about port)

« Last Edit: June 12, 2013, 06:30:14 PM by sheya »
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anetode

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2013, 11:19:26 AM »
Quote from: prtuc2 on June 12, 2013, 02:19:34 AM
Did you hear the KEF LS50 at THE SHOW recently?  Looking at the frequency response (79hz-28khz) the bass does not extend that low just from the specification of course hearing it make the distinction better.

They reach lower than the specs imply, the 40 range is no problem. The optimal solution would still be to get a sub and cross them over at 80, or even a bit higher if you like to listen loud. For nearfield use in a room that large they'd be perfect.

Still there are a lot of great monitors to be had for under 2500$, including the active pro products.
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burnspbesq

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #8 on: June 12, 2013, 09:52:51 PM »
If you're going to use them with a sub, don't overlook the PSB Imagine Mini.  They roll off fast below about 70 Hz, but above that they are pretty wonderful.  And they're $800/pair, leaving plenty of money left for a sub, cables, etc.

If you're in SoCal, I'm happy to arrange for you to hear them in my office.

I haven't measured them, but my subjective impression of the LS50 at T.H.E. Show was that they were close to flat down into the 40s.

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prtuc2

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Re: Speakers suggestions Needed
« Reply #9 on: June 12, 2013, 10:33:55 PM »
Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far.  Getting a subwoofer is out of the question, since living in an apartment in NYC.  I will check my local audio stores see if they carries those models.
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