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small room big sound

I currently have Parasound Halo c2 processor and Halo a-52 Amplifier, source is usually from my server where all my music has been stored.
My problem is the speakers. I started out with Energy RC10s but moved them into the library and replaced them with a pair of Focal 806Vs. I like the 806s very much but the highs can lead to a bit of listening fatigue so am looking replace them with something with less highs but still accurate and smooth. I have now gone to Dali Ikon6 floorstanders and the highe end fatigue is gone and I like the ribbon tweeter. However the Ikon is a bit slow and thick in the bottom, lost of bass but fuzzy. So I am now considering a handful of new speakers to replace the Ikons.
Of course the biggest problem is finding a place to listen to anything above the Best Buy lines. I did go to BB and listened to ML40s, did not like them at all, listened to the B&W CM8 AND CM9 DIDNT CARE FOR THEM EITHER. tHE LAST PAIR WAS ML ESL and I was quits impressed. The problem is room size, I am stuck with 9 x 12 x 8. I can do what I want for acoustic treatments so that's not a problem.
I am considering several speakers that I would like to get some real life impressions rather than the proverbial GREATEST SPEAKERS AT TWICE THE PRICE that seem to be the normal from the reviewers.
Speakers being considered
Floorstanders
SF Luito,Grand Piano Home or Veneer.
Dynaudio Focus 220
Revel F206
ML ESL

Monitors
SF venere Cremona auditor
Dynaudio C1.3
Revel m22
I live in Las Vegas and not much to hear here.
might possibly take a road trip to AZ or so.cal
or wait til January and go to The Show when CES is here in vegas. But I have no idea how I would get in. Ive heard that I need to be in the business or a member of the Audiophile Association (non in Vegas).
So maybe someone here can help and or advise.
I have been looking for someone in Vegas to have discussions and maybe listening sessions with but nothing so far any body knows someone let me know. I could use help in several areas.

Thanks all for any help you can provide.
Rick
goulsonc
goulsonc OP
10 posts
 
Thanks All for the comments. I have to say that I agree about the comment about going to a better monitors. I have considered the DeCapos but know very little about them. Im mostly wanting a very good soundstage like my Focals have but mellower in the highs. I'm only thinking about SF, Dynaudio and Revel because of reputation and reviews, not a really good basis to choose speakers but if you can't hear em what choice is there? Any one have any comments on DIY using 2 ScanSpeak Revelators and a Revelator soft dome tweeter in a MTM configuration about 22 inches tall and stands. I have a full woodshop, was an engineer for many years and use hand rubbed French polish finishing. I would probably have Meniscus design the crossovers using top grade components. Price for those would be about $1500.
Rick
mrmb's avatar
mrmb
299 posts
 
I went to the RMAF in Denver last year to audition speakers. The show this year, occurs next month. It's obviously, a 12-14 hr. drive from Vegas, but as we found last year, when we went from Denver to Vegas, it sure is a beautiful drive -- especially with our coming from the midwest.
nick_sr
263 posts
 
I have a small room and two things made a huge difference for me, acoustic treatments and gear placement.

I think it is of no use trying to correct room issues by trying different speakers. Each speaker will present its own problems as a result of the room. As you seemed to have experienced.

Your fuzzy or lost bass can be addressed with absorption panels strategically located. Also be sure to keep sufficient free space between the speakers.
spinaker01
491 posts
 
I am using the exact Parasound combination as you in a slightly larger room with Revel F32's and I am very pleased. I would at least give a listen to the newer Revel offerings as I've heard good things about them- neither particularly bright or flat. I have also always been a fan of Sonus Faber's stuff- smoooooth and very addictive. One of these speakers should fit your bill, but as always its about matching to the room and overall system synergy.
coli
291 posts
 
With small rooms, you want small speakers, otherwise the imaging will be all screwed up. You want fewer point sources. KEF's LS50 is perfect in this regard.

The LS50 however, do require lots of empty space around them, otherwise they don't sound good, check the manual, it's around 50x100cm space... I have them half plugged. Fully plugged just kills the dynamics.
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