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Need feedback on loudspeakers

Hello All,
I have been researching a lot about loudspeakers lately - their measurements including sensitivity, impedance, phase, etc to make sure that they match in my system. Also had a chance to listen to a couple, but yet undecided, since I am not able to listen to all of the ones I have shortlisted below. I have a very short list of criteria for the speakers:

Sensitivity more than 88db
Nominal impedance 8 ohms and minimum not dipping below 3.5 ohms
Go down to about 27-30Hz
Price range is about $7k new/used

The loudspeakers that I have short listed are:
Spendor D7
PSB Imagine T3
ProAc D30
PMC Twenty 24
Tannoy Definition DC10T
Revel F208
Focal 1038 (used)

Could also consider the following, but not sure if they would match in my system because of their nominal 4 ohms impedance:
Sonus Faber Olympica III (used)
ProAc D40R (used)
Audio Physic Scorpio 25 (used)
PMC Twenty 26 (used, but has low sensitivity)

I love speakers that have the sound image starting about 2-3 feet behind the speaker front face, throw a wide image and disappear completely. That is what my current speakers do. My room is 15 X 18 X 8 and the speakers are placed very precisely (5feet from back wall and 3 feet from side walls) to achieve this imaging. I have a few panels to tame the sound in the room. My amp is Parasound A21 and I have an excellent Promitheus TVC. Current sources are able to effectively drive the amp and the speakers, without any issues.
I have listened to PSB Imagine T3 and Audio Physic Classic 20, and found that they image per my liking.
I know I have listed too many speakers. But would love to hear from owners of these brands on the "vocal characteristic" of the loudspeakers, now that I have provided a brief explanation of my preferences. There is no denying that the best way to seek a set of speakers is to audition in person. But sometimes this is not possible. Please provide your feedback, as much as you can. Thank You in advance!
milpai
cmach
198 posts
 
Milpai,

Not sure where your located, but Audio Revelation is located in Carlsbad CA and they carry the Proac and Tannoy line. Jay is a good guy will give you his honest opinion on both lines. I purchased my D-30R's from him and have been very pleased with them.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Your feedback on PSB vs Spendor is much appreciated. I am surprised that the Spendor sounded more full bodied than the PSB, since the PSBs have more drivers
.The electronics used and my own music that I brought with me for the demo will make a difference.  You may arrive at an entirely different conclusion.  Good luck and keep us posted with your findings.

carmenc
293 posts
 
@cmach . Totally agree with you.  Jay at Audio Revelation is an honest guy that helps you get the most out of your equipment.  He certainly doesn't try to sell you the most expensive piece, but rather the one he honestly thinks will create the best synergy with what you already have.  Great guy and a great lineup of brands.  No, I've no affiliation with him other than I sure wish I lived in Carlsbad, Ca. 

Milpai, I'd strongly recommend you give him a call.  As previously stated, he has both ProAc and Tannoy.  Regards.............
milpai's avatar
milpai OP
2,446 posts
 
Paraneer,
When I purchased the Parasound A21 locally, I found that one's room makes a HUGE difference. I was comparing the amp section of my then NAD C352 to the A21 at the dealers, and the "upgrade" in sound was alright. But when I got the amp home, it was a HUGE difference. There was no comparison.

cmach,
Can you please elaborate the extremes frequencies of the ProAc D30R? How low does that speaker go? They are listed at 20Hz, but I have doubts with just a single driver doing the mid/woofer duties. What other loudspeakers (brands) did you compare the D30R with, while auditioning? I am near Cleveland OH. So shipping from CA would be a kind of expensive. But nevertheless I will reach out to Jay and discuss with him, since he has ProAc, Tannoy and KEF. BTW, I moved from Laguna Beach, years back to my current location.

carmenc,
Thank You for the suggestion. What loudspeakers do you have?
carmenc
293 posts
 
@milpai ; you're welcome.  I have Tannoy dc8 monitors.  Love them.  Just got done placing them on their new Skylan stands.  I had Proac d20r, but sold them as my room is rather small.  I had Tannoy Precision 6.2 previously, but these Definition series are in a whole new league.  Warm midrange yet lively and rhythmic.  I don't detect the slight midrange glare that I did with the Precision.  Now I'm on a journey for cables.  I'm having good results with solid core and the Tannoys.  I do have to say that the Proac midrange is quite magical and emotional as I like to call it.  Best of luck to you!  Regards........

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