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Advice for Speakers to mate with McCormack DNA .5

I’m new to this forum but have been “lurking” for a while, trying to learn. I’d greatly appreciate some guidance on choosing speakers for a system I’m trying to build over several years. Finances are limited, I’m focused on used gear, and I could use as much advice as possible.

My Info is as follows:
  • General Sound Objective:  a natural, accurate response with a big, full sound; midrange weight; airy highs; slightly forward profile; deep and wide soundstage, good sound off axis; and most importantly a strong and solid bass.
  • Types of Music:  about 55% jazz (Miles, Coltrane, etc.), 25% rock, blues, folk, & pop, 10% classical, and 10% other.
  • Listening Space:  12’ x 15’ x 9’ with speakers along long wall, 1.5’ from front wall, and 5’-8’ from listening area. As room and placement options are limited, flexibility with placement is critical.
  • Current System: I’d like to mate speakers to my newly acquired amp, a stock McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe (100-125 watts/8 ohms, 200 watts/4 ohms). Sources (may eventually be upgraded) include Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC and B&O table/MMC2 cartridge. Using the Stealth as a preamp but hope to get a dedicated one later (thinking of a tube).
  • Other Considerations:  Full Range (preference is 2 full range cabs), Good Efficiency (I like great sound at low, medium, and high listening levels), and Future Proof (looking for keepers so longevity and maintenance are important).
  • Potential budget: current estimate is about $900 - $1300.

Some models I’m considering with pros and cons for my goals based on what I have read so far:

  1. Hales Revelation 3: lively and bold sound, beautiful appearance and build quality but low sensitivity and some say hard to drive.
  2. Von Schweikert Research VR-3: good dynamics, solid bass, and good detail but low sensitivity and some reviews of poor construction.
  3. Vandersteen 3 series: mate well with the McCormack and accurate response but maybe too polite, lack of oomph for rock, and low sensitivity.

I’d love to hear about both these and other options.  I realize I’ll have to make compromises, but I’m hoping with proper research, patience, and your help, I can discern what may be the best fit. Thank you in advance for any and all advice!!


swingfingers
yakbob
468 posts
 
I had a DNA 0.5 for a period of time and it was a fantastic match (also fitting all your requirements) with the Gemme Audio Tanto V2.  I no longer have that pair of speakers but really wish I had kept them. Super wide sound stage, excellent frequency range including bass, and very efficient. I'm a low level listener too and appreciated their full range sound even at lower volumes. I sold my pair for a little over a grand, so if you can find a pair, they should be in your price range. While Gemme has disbanded, the drivers are off the shelf units and available from Madisound. There is no crossover, so there's really nothing to worry about regarding future service needs.

highly recommended.






mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Hands down a pair of Totem Acoustic Model One Signature Edition, on some great stands. The McCormack will drive them beautifully! If you want to pay more then look at a pair of Dynaudio Special twenty fives or Contour 1.3 would be awesome as well. 

Matt M
irish_tim
55 posts
 
I have the Vandy 3's and had the .5 Mccormack but I felt that it was it was a little under powered. I listen to 75% hard rock and heavy metal and these speakers do not inadequately reproduce that music in any way.  The sound of jazz is also outstanding.  I'm using Bel Canto ref 500m's and a CJ preamp.  I don't much like the look of the Vandy's but the sound is sublime.  
adg101
1,062 posts
 
ProAc Studio 200's and there's a set on here for sale right now. Great musical speaker and easy to drive.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Let me start by saying that I am a firm believer that one should start by choosing speakers first and working back from there. Your room is too small for true full range sound. The McCormack amp is a natural with Vandersteen's, but your room placement restrictions all but eliminate them, with maybe(?) the one series being a possibility, but they don't meet your "forward presentation" requirements. The McCormacks have already have a  forward presentation, tread carefully. A c-j  pre is a good consideration moving forward, and will give you a bit of that full lower midrange sound. It's good that you have been able to actually identify what your looking for but, tough to make a recommendation to fit all your criterion. Good luck.
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