Change to Horns or stay Dynamic

by their very nature, deep bass notes can be somewhat 'fat' and slower sounding.

Jaybo may be on to something. Masking is an important issue in what you hear. More plundering of the bass depths can be the pleasureable result of ported designs/bass extended designs and some boomy room modes that they excite. There is probably nothing more impressive than plundering the depths in the bass.

However more bass and higher group delay can actually mask some of the midrange detail when listening. Take out the thunderous bass and boom from room modes and you may hear things you never heard before.

Could Jaybo/Dave be on to something - speaker setup?

Yeah, those speakers are too far into the room. I suspect that they were pulled out there to remove midrange coloration caused by bass nodes interferring with the mids. They need to go back closer to the wall, but the nodes need to be avoided. Dealers trained to do the Sumiko Master Set know how to avoid those nodes and integrate mids and bass. It's hard for the untrained to do, so I'd suggest finding a Sumiko dealer that'll do it for your system.

Dave

I'll give you my personal(non sonic)take on this.....

After years in this hobby,I finaly have a system that I have no desire to upgrade anymore(for a month or two,at least)since I feel I have the "sonic signature" I've been after......Yet...

My friends' set-ups,my own set-up,and the super set-ups I constantly hear at shows/dealers/acquaintances just seem to be getting far to complex.

This surely will invite inevitable downtime,due to the nature of "these" configurations.Yes,they do sound superb...but...

I have heard some horn set-ups which do quite a nice job,and if chosen carefully,require far less complexity in the partnering equipment.I've thought alot about this,and would think seriously about a "simple" horn set-up in the future.

Take a look at the circuitry in the latest "First Watt Amp"(perfect for horns).The F-5 model.
This amp will most likely last a lifetime,with NO relibility issues(very simple/beautifully carried out circuitry)but does not have the kind of power for speakers like my friend's power hungry Magico Minis.AHorn" though?Fabulous!!!
After years of occassional reliability issues,which we all have,or will experience(mine have had very happy endings)it becomes a pain in the tush to even "think" about repacking stuff up.Waiting for lengthly service.Worrying about multi tube heat/reliability,and....

just too many component boxes inviting more "mess-around" time,with less listening time.Some folks like this.I used to be one of them.

Now, I just want a superb/simple set-up,which does what my years in the hobby has earned me(I think).

Simple "set amp","pre" and non complex ancillaries(not the rediculous multi box/multi tubed/multi bucks monsters some reviewers pitch,which will also require a "refridgerated listening room")and you're good to go!

Just my two cents!

Dcstep,

Have you listened to horns? I think you need to understand some of the physics related to horns to understand that there is a limitation to what a dynamic speaker can do compared to a horn. The mass of the driver is so much smaller than any dynamic driver This will allow a compression driver to be so much faster than any dynamic driver, allowing for the increased detail & resolution with less distortion. It is just not possible for a dynamic driver to equal a horn in those aspects.

On to your advocating improved setup of my speakers. I used what Wilson terms the WASP system. All Wilson speakers have adjustable pivot points for the tweeter. Indeed the speakers are out into the room due to freeing up the speaker from the resonance of the rooom. This is done by voicing the room while having someone at the seating position. It is also done w. 1/4 inch precision.

Dgad, of course I've listened to horns.

You seem sold, so go ahead. I still doubt that your Wilsons are in their optimal positions.

I thought your were asking for advice and now that I re-read you OP I see that you may have already made up your mind. Sorry if I disturbed your euphoria.

Dave