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Speakers with warm treble and good bass

I've been on the hunt now for a several years, attempting to find speakers that match the criteria of having good bass and soft, warm treble output.  A good liquid midrange with good texture and timbre separation is another top priority.  The speakers I have owned and tried:

Paradigm Studio 60 v3
LSA 1 Standard Edition Monitors
Totem Staff
Golden Ear Triton 3
Vandersteen 2ce Sig ii
Tekton Pendragon
Acoustic Zen Adagio
Spatial Audio Hologram M3 Turbo S

Out of all of those, the most enjoyable due to warmest sound signature was the LSA 1 monitors.  Of course those were the most deficient in bass out of that entire list.  Contrary to that, the Golden Ear Triton 3 had the best bass (obviously, due to the built-in powered subs).  The Adagios had the best detail and least distortion, but were a bit too analytical in the end for my tastes.

So far, surprisingly, the speakers that seem to get the best blend of everything for my tastes have been the Paradigm Studio 60 v3.  These are not "reference level" speakers by any means, but they achieve a nice balance of detail, dynamics, bass, and have a surprisingly good midrange.  Unfortunately, the pesky metal dome tweeter has gotten on my last nerve during many listening sessions.  

I am trying to stay in the price range of the aforementioned speakers.  What suggestions do you all have for speakers that can meet this criteria for a smooth, dynamic, and warm sound?

Thanks
jwglista
psickerson
97 posts
 
Listen to some Aerial Acoustic speakers.

They make music. 
You are not going to say wow listen to that high hat or listen to that great sounding piano.  Do you say that at a concert?  I dont think so. Because the music fits together as a whole not as highlighted parts.  

They are every bit as detailed and deep but they blend it together 

Other manufactures seemly try to overpower the music by enhancing treble and adding resonating bass.  They sound good for a short time. They you are looking for. Something else.


thuhaile
105 posts
 
Dynaudio
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
Monitor Audio may be an option, but I do recall hearing them at an audio show once, and they seemed to be more detail-oriented rather than musical.

I wasn't able to get good bass out of the Vandersteens for some reason.  They also sounded a tad bright to me, contrary to everyone telling me they should sound smooth.  Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

The Aerial Acoustics looks very nice, but looks like they are a bit out of my price range at the moment.

soix
9,591 posts
 
I'm very surprised at your impression of the Vandys.  I'd seriously question the setup and associated equipment if it was at a dealer.  Not what I associatiate with the Vandy 2s at all, although I'm sure you heard what you heard.  I'd give them another chance. 

BTW, I strongly agree with Erik's recommendation above about British monitors.  I just didn't think of them dammit.  Go hear some Harbeths or Spendors, although you'd probably have to buy used and they probably won't be the last word in bass at your price point.  But what they do right may far outweigh that for you.  Also like the Dynaudio recommendation.  You've got lots of good recommendations here.  Hope you can go out and hear a bunch of them.  

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
+1 soix, I am also a bit surprised at the OP's take on the Vandy’s. They have always sounded warm and punchy when I have heard them.

Dynaudio is a good recommendation. Also, if looking used, look for a pair of Soliloquy speakers. Vienna Acoustics and Sonus Faber may also be worth listening to.
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