ISO - grit, texture, decay, life from snares and bass drums


Hi all,

Interested to hear some theories on what I'm looking for in a speaker (or new amp).  My system features the Rega Aethos driving a pair of Wharfedale EVO 4.4 (bi-wired).  

Don't get me wrong - it sounds great. Clear, precise, involving.  Great tone, imaging, and separation.

But I'm missing a little bit of grit and texture.  Sometimes I wish these speakers partied better.  Snares don't *snap* crackle pop.

Off axis listening - especially standing in the room, rather than sitting - changes tonality significantly.

What am I looking for?  More bass? More musicality? More Life?  I don't want bright or fatigue.

 

Some speakers I'm considering in no particular order based on descriptions/reviews:

- Sourcepoint 8

- Revival Audio Atalante 3

- PMC prodigy5

 

Thanks!

leemaze

Horns and high sensitivity may be a direction to pursue. Sourcepoint 10 have some snap. I think your current speakers use an AMT which can often roll off smoothly up top, and take away some bite. 

I'm a drummer and love Triangle speakers for the way they present drums, however that may be more related to toms and cymbals rather than snare. A speaker with very open, forward, and clear midrange is where you get that fast attack of a snare. Might want to look at studio monitor/HiFi brands like ATC, PMC, or even Revel Be for that type of presentation. 

 

Sometimes I wish these speakers partied better.  Snares don't *snap* crackle pop.

Sounds like you’re missing some dynamics and resolution.  I’d recommend taking a look at ATC speakers as they excel in those areas.  Best of luck. 

I am also a drummer. I’ve been playing for the last 40 years or so. I’m getting fantastic drum sounds with both my Magnepan .7’s and ATC SCM19 v2’s. Running both with a Belles Aria Sig pre and monos. Just amazing mid range with both speakers. 

your listed front runners appear to be stand mount speakers, yet you have pricing approaching $3k.  

have you considered https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/full-towers/double-impact/ ? 

* amazing midrange

* nearly 99dB sensitivity

* better off axis since their original version

* no stands needed

I have the Impact monitors (the "top half" of this speaker) and it's the best imaging and soundstage I've ever heard in my home.  (they sit on a pair of HSU ULS 15" subs) and with the towers linked above, you get 30hz-30khz without a sub.