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Rethinking my system: Your ideas are appreciated

Hi all,

I have a pair of Dynaudio Focus 110s and a Rythmik Audio F12SE sub driven by a Rotel RSX-1055. My room size is 27x24. I listen mostly to rock, blues, funk, guitar/vocal instrumental and classical. I also use the system for movies.

While I really like the Dyns, I'm looking for something a bit stronger in both fullness and presence. Something where the sound doesn't seem to be coming from 'over there,' but rather it envelopes you and makes you feel like you're at the event. Not so much 'louder' as 'bigger.' This could certainly be due to poor speaker placement / imaging on my part. Still, I can't help feeling like I wish the sound was fuller, and at the same time I would rather not rely on the sub as much in order to get that fullness.

Not sure if this means going to floorstanders or possibly upsizing my monitors. Or maybe it means rethinking the Rotel, or at least adding monoblocks. Budget for speakers is around $1500 or so.

I apologize if my audio vocabulary is lacking or if I'm not clearly expressing my thoughts. I realize that everyone's tastes are different and that I'm working with a small budget, but maybe I could get general ideas and suggestions from those of you who have 'been there/done that.'

Thanks!
alderash
alderash OP
5 posts
 
Johnnyb53,

The Rotel is from a home theater setup that I had several years ago. I recently moved into a different house, so I don't run surrounds anymore - just mains and a sub.

Interesting that you recommended the RX8s - I briefly auditioned the RX6s a few months ago, and decided to stick with the Dyns. I didn't think the RX6s added anything that I wasn't already getting. That said, I have not heard the RX8s, but since you feel there is a substantial difference between those and the RX6s, I may have to give them a try.

I will also probably trade in the Rotel in favor of an integrated amp with more power.

Thanks for your helpful suggestions!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
^^^

Thanks for the info Alderash. Sitting next to each other in the audition room and driven by the same source and amplification, the RX6 sounded like what it was, a compact floorstander. With the addition of one more woofer and a couple inches bigger in each direction, the RX8 somehow sounded like a huge floorstander by comparison.

A powerful 2-channel integrated is certainly the Anthem 225. You can use it with your sub and everything. Another integrated I like *a lot* is the Marantz PM8004. Although it's in their regular product lineup, it is built at Marantz's Reference line facility in Japan. It shares similar component quality and is the only mid-level Marantz amp to use their HDAM gain module, which they use throughout the Reference line. The PM8004 doesn't have the brute power of the Anthem, but at 100w into 4 ohms (the Monitor Audio RX8 is 4 ohms) it sounds like it's much more powerful. Its grip on multi-woofered ported speakers is exemplary. It has the speed and low level detail of a boutique amp. It reproduces all the recording venue ambience and draws the listener (me) into the performance. I heard this $999 integrated power a $12K pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Ms as though it was born to the task.

The Anthem is a great amp with lots of power at $1500, but the Marantz is kind of special. Here's the TAS review.
mike60
275 posts
 
If you like the dynaudio sound, and from what I have heard of them they are great speakers, consider moving up their range to suit your room size. To get a full sound, big rooms need big speakers and powerful amps. You will need a new amp. I dont think you will get there with standmounts.
naggots
115 posts
 
Zu omen may be good. I listen to similar music and Zu speakers are full of tone and dynamics that project into the room. Guitar/vocals are especially good as most Marshall/Fender stacks use Eminance speakers upon which Zu is based. They're designed to work with HT amps. ........ Just a thought
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