Speakers suggestions for my setup and room please


Hello:

I have to ask the experts here on your thoughts....

Room: @18 X 18 X 8 ft ceiling, on the cozy side

Output System: AI Mod 3A preamp, Atma-Sphere M60 Mk2, B&W CDM-1 monitor speakers

Musical tastes: symphonic, solo, chamber classical music; folk/acoustic; pop/electronic; Tom Waits (yep he's his own category)

My main reason for considering new speakers is that I've realized through listening to the various speakers out there and my own that my current B&W CDM-1 is just by nature not the last word on large-scale symphonic music. It should come as no surprise, but perhaps now I am going to finally get a system I can really enjoy for all my musical tastes, not just the non-symphonic stuff.

I am looking for full-range speakers, not towering ones since my room is not that huge. I know my room itself will present a limit to how much it will sound "large scale," but I am hoping to find ones that will maximize that potential.

I have classical music training, have played in and listened to hundred and hundreds of symphony concerts in the finest halls by the finest orchestras (NY Phil, LA Phil in Disney Hall, Saint Louis Symphony, Cleveland in Severance Hall, Seattle in Benaroya...) so I would really value the symphonic experience, perhaps more than any other genre of music. (yes, I know....a bigger listening room?)

I am game for electrostatics if you think my system will match those well.

Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thank you.
jimhsu

Showing 1 response by dorkwad

You have the uneviable square room dimensions which is a tough hurdle to overcome. Look to highly adjustable speakers like VMPS which allow you to tailor the sound via tweeter, midrange, and bass adjusting to get the best sound in YOUR room, not just the store. Whatever you decide, if you're having a hard time getting the sound from your system you'd like, try having your system oriented so it's shooting diagonally from one corner towards the opposite corner. Jim Smith, the sound guru who sets up systems for shows and people's own home systems, has that tip especially for near square rooms. Specifically, the VMPS RM30, 626R, or the RM-2 would give you tremendous dynamics, clarity and transparency throughout all frequencies, bass that will massage your colon, and ADJUSTABILITY to get the best sound in your room. Good luck, Bob