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low volume, microdynamics,body,presence, 10k used.

Looking for speaker options for a mid sized room, preferred listening levels at 70 to 90db, ss amps only (Ncore or Hegel)

60hz to 15khz is sufficient for me, but the midbass must have proper weight, and the clarity must remain clear with demanding music ie orchestra or big band.(So no 2-way speakers?). Rock solid timing (microdynamics, impulse response, transients, prat),body, presence and inner detail is essential to me.

Equally important is that the bass driver matches the exact speed of the mid driver to get good coherence in timing. No mtm configurations as they don't get the imaging right imo.

I liked the Wilson Sophia for its dynamics & bass but it could be a bit faster, I liked the ATC scm 50 asl for the definition and wide dispersion of the mid, but the bass is a bit thin and the speaker only comes to life at higher levels. Didn't like gallo 3.1 for its tweeter and driver integration, don't like ringradiator tweeters,don't like panels. Didn't like Ceramic driver based speakers - even with tubes (no weight, no inner detail)

So I am looking for a wide dispersion speaker with great midbass and speed that comes to life at low levels and delivers fullness, texture and presence with the limitation of ss amps only. A Wilson Sophia mini would be great. What would you recommend?
128x128zuio
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Zuio,

With Vandersteen, theres no question that a sweet spot will definitely be a factor. Not only off axis, but height, as well (thats why you set the back tilt). They don't sound bad if you are not in your listening chair, but you may want to consider something else if you will not always be in a listening chair.

Also, your comment about Ncore being a good match for warm speakers is relevant. If you do consider Vandersteen, that probably would not be a very good match. Its not a warm speaker. I find them to be fairly neutral and revealing.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
One of the characteristics of Vienna speakers is that they have great dispersion.... listening placement is very forgiving... Rather than a narrow sweet spot, they tend to yield a wide "sweet band".
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Zuio, It is not likely you will assemble a system with dynamics, body, presents and the lively sound you are looking for at low volume. All systems have a volume level where they excel, however, it is not at low volume.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Zd542, Soundstage height is not the reason for tilting Vandersteens back. It's for aligning the drivers to your listening height and distance. I find electronics and system set up have a lot more to do with soundstage height. The same goes for the sweet spot and how critical it is for listening pleasure. Also, I have owned several generations of Vandersteens and I find them to be on the warm side of neutral. As with all speakers it is very important to get the right match with your electronics.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
For what you are looking for, I think it probably makes sense to look into higher sensitivity speakers. Those have worked better at low SPLs in my experience.
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