2. speakers
  3. 118944-6720

A little help please

My room is 13' x 21' x 8.5' ceiling. Speakers are located along the short wall about 12-18" off the wall. They can't come out as they'll block an entrance way.  They are about 4' from the side walls. 

Currently I have a Prima Luna Classic Integrated with their standard tubes. Source is Rega Apollo R, MMF-5/Clear Audio Nano V2, or Proton DAC. Speakers are Totem Arro (no mass laoding).

I realize that my placement isn't ideal and my wife's need for decorating balance with furnishings,etc require some trade-offs but I just don't think these speakers are up for the job in some cases. Some songs, like acoustic blues, female vocals, even piano sound great but I'm sometimes finding other recordings seem to sound muddy and there's no real pop and umf on some drums; like I'm hearing music but not feeling it some times.

The totems are not mass loaded. I have heard that mass loading them will tighten up the bass. I could also try some different tubes, but overall I'm not sure either or both will make that big a difference. Which leads me to a discussion of a sub or some new speakers.

I lean towards new speakers.

Possibilities (depending on what I can get my wife to agree to in price and size) are:

PSB Imagine T2, Quad 25L, Revel F206 - As noted above there are decorating issues. A sofa is located about 2.5 feet in front of the right side. As it is now imaging is good, my concern with these is they all have some low driver positions that will be an issue unless I can relocate. Relocating to the long wall is an issue because I'd have to straddle a working fireplace as well as other considerations. 

A larger Totem Forest - leaves me wondering if I'll have similar issues with bass.

Audio Physic Tempo 25 (NOT the plus version) - demo from my local store.

Vandersteen 3A - Signature - also demo from my local store. These are likely too big for my wife's taste; and quite possibly my amp.

  One thing I didn't note so far was the possibility of a sub-woofer.  I'm not thrilled with the idea but I haven't given it an ear so I can't say.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks for reading and taking the time to respond, Jetson.
jetson
jetson OP
140 posts
 
I did a back to back with my amp and ended up with a new Rotel 1570 integrated to pair with new 2CE Signature II speakers.

John loaned me some older, used V-2s to use before mine came in. I just set up the new speakers today and I’m thrilled. They sound better than the loaners - even before breaking in.
It could be that I’ve got "buyer’s ears", but either way, I’m really pleased.

PS I couldn’t say enough positive things about John and Audio Connection. Phenomenal customer service.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
It's not buyers ear, it's getting a great speaker.  Wait until they break in...you'll probably be floored.  Johnny really is a great guy.  Like Tom said, the VAndy dealers are cut from a similar cloth.  
jetson OP
140 posts
 
Yeah, John's so different from the guy I was dealing with in Summit.
The main difference - John wants to educate, inform and help someone without knowledge so they can make their own decision that is best for them.  The guys in Summit, I feel, took advantage of my ignorance (and good nature), by "giving advice" that was, ultimately, in their own best interest. In the end I felt like Flipper in Animal House. I fucked up - I listened to them.

John
1.) Got me in UNDER budget

2.) Loaned me used Vandy-2s

3.) Travelled 1/2 hour each way to my house to properly set up the loaners, after I didn't do it correctly (no tilt) and had lousy sound.

4.) Loaned me some type-4 bi-wires to compare to my Kimber 8PR wires

5.) Didn't push me towards double bi-wire instead of the single when I ordered it. I later changed to true doubles on my own volition. He had no complaint about the post-order change, but said, and I quote "I'm thrilled you're doing this, it will make a big difference, but I didn't want to push you to spend the extra money." 

6.) Has followed up by phone a couple of times to make sure all is good

Is he doing all of this knowing a satisfied customer may buy more in the future? To some extent I would have to think so. But I believe he really is a  nice guy, and wouldn't take advantage of anyone. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,940 posts
 
vanderslipperyslope..one bite of the Apple...

Nice to hear you are happy..

BTW ( yes I know it is THE weak link) i am running 7 MK 2's with Type 6 shotgun biwires....


jond's avatar
jond
5,856 posts
 
That's fantastic customer service by Audio Connection and very glad to hear you're happy with your new system! Until of course that nagging feeling sets in that things could be better if I just had, new speaker cables? A tube amp that has more power? Don't worry neurosis will set in soon enough! ;) Until then have fun and happy listening!
More to discover