ProAc D30RS - is a small floorstander that might just fit the bill.
Warm, Lush Laid-Back Smaller Floor Standers?
Hello to all Audiogon Forum members -
Long time lurker and first time poster here. I'd really appreciate advice from members here on my current quest to up-level my audio system. About a year ago, after not having any real nice audio gear for roughly 20 years, decided it was time to invest in a proper set-up. We were coming out of Covid and I think, like many of us, I was feeling a little stir crazy and probably made some impetuous decisions...
The Room
A large rectangular room (30 feet wide x 90 feet long) with high ceilings (12 feet). The room is made up of a dining area, kitchen and living room. The audio set-up is against the wall in the living room. We listen to music in the living room on the coach and/or sitting chairs. That said, because of the room layout, we listen while we are cooking or dining, as well.
The Problem
While on some days, while listening to classical, jazz or acoustic music - anything airy - I'm absolutely overjoyed with my system. On other days, especially when i want to listen to some indie rock or electronica, my speakers and preamp/amp just don't cut it. The speakers feel too small for the space (they are - I get it). And I wonder if the tubes I'm using are really a great match for the speakers. Things sound "smeared" when playing more complex rock/electronica.
As for the Dynaudio Heritage Specials, the higher frequencies can be wonderful, but can sometimes feel bright. And while the bass is good for a bookshelf speaker, I feel like I'm missing the deeper frequencies. It's like having a half a meal. The part you get is fantastic, but you leave the restaurant still feeling hungry.
I'd consider purchasing a subwoofer, but I'm rather more interested in looking for alternate speakers or possibly tweaking my amp/preamp.
The System
Dynaudio Heritage Special Speakers
Innuous Zenith Music Server
Merason DAC1
Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp
Qualiton/Audio Hungary 100 Watt Power Amp
Cardas Clear Interconnect and Cardas Cygnus Speaker Cables
**I've got a Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamp on the way. I'm looking forward to hear if it can be an improvement on my existing preamp.
My Question for Forum Members
Speaker suggestions: I'm looking for a smaller floorstanding speakers with a warm, laid-back and relaxing sound signature. I'm considering the QLN Prestige Three and/or the new Mission 770 Speakers (not a floor stander, but bigger than Dynaudio Heritage Specials) Again, I'd prefer a smaller floorstanding speaker. I've listened to Proacs in the past and they also seemed to have the qualities I'm looking for.
What advice do you have for me on speakers?
Amp/Preamp suggestions:
Are tube amps just not ideal for rock and/or electronic music? Should I just call it a day and get PassLab Class A amp to cover my needs?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
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- 53 posts total
+1 on Joseph Audio and Verity. The T+A Talis S 300 are another pair that flies under the radar, but might be above your budget at a retail of $17,850. That said, it is a compact floor stander whose cabinet is machined from aluminum, so cabinet resonances are kept to a minimum and the airflow enables it to perform much larger than its size. Think of what Borresen or Raidho do with their cabinets, but in this case the T+A is warmer and more lush. You could also look into Legacy Audio. They can let out a big warm sound, even with their “smaller” Floorstanders like the Classic HD (air quotes on smaller as Legacy never prioritizes footprint really). I agree with others that you will need some subs to charge the space. You’ve got a big area to fill! |
Your room is definitely too large. If possible, try near field listening at 2-3 meters. Yes, you will need 2 subs given the room size. Tubes will make the system more lush, which can be compensated in the bass by some SVS or REL subs in the bass region. If you want additional lushness in the mids, point the speakers straight ahead with minimal toe end. The best combination from my experiences is a tube preamp with a solid state amp. Speaker wise, go for the Magnepan 1.7i speaker. The room power response is greater, given the dipole configuration ( sound from front and back) |
There’s seems to be a Dynaudio/Harbeth/Devore cross appreciation school. The Dynaudio monitors are awesome -I had the confidence 3 for years. Lots of juice make them sing and there’s a good synergy known with Plinius - provides lots of current and ‘lush’ enough to tame the Danes. SS amp and tube pre is a duyaudio sweet spot. I’m using a ss amp/tube pre (my sweet spot, too!) with a pair of Daedalus Athenas and am in love every day. A serious and sublime musical experience. 8k will be plenty for a used pair. I paid half that. If you get a chance to hear them, you should do it. If you’re near the Hudson Valley, come on over. Verity Parsifal Ovations might be a nice choice too
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https://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/philharmonic-bmr I own a pair of BMR Philharmonitors, as well as some big boys (JBL 4350 & DD 67000), and Dynaudio Heritage Specials, so I have some common experience. I was looking for something similar to the OP for a smaller room. I settled on the BMR Tower about three months ago. My only complaint is that it is just slightly too robust on the bottom end, but given the much larger size of OPs room, I think they should be great in his situation. |
- 53 posts total