2. speakers
  3. 126320-87441

Advice for Speakers to mate with McCormack DNA .5

I’m new to this forum but have been “lurking” for a while, trying to learn. I’d greatly appreciate some guidance on choosing speakers for a system I’m trying to build over several years. Finances are limited, I’m focused on used gear, and I could use as much advice as possible.

My Info is as follows:
  • General Sound Objective:  a natural, accurate response with a big, full sound; midrange weight; airy highs; slightly forward profile; deep and wide soundstage, good sound off axis; and most importantly a strong and solid bass.
  • Types of Music:  about 55% jazz (Miles, Coltrane, etc.), 25% rock, blues, folk, & pop, 10% classical, and 10% other.
  • Listening Space:  12’ x 15’ x 9’ with speakers along long wall, 1.5’ from front wall, and 5’-8’ from listening area. As room and placement options are limited, flexibility with placement is critical.
  • Current System: I’d like to mate speakers to my newly acquired amp, a stock McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe (100-125 watts/8 ohms, 200 watts/4 ohms). Sources (may eventually be upgraded) include Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC and B&O table/MMC2 cartridge. Using the Stealth as a preamp but hope to get a dedicated one later (thinking of a tube).
  • Other Considerations:  Full Range (preference is 2 full range cabs), Good Efficiency (I like great sound at low, medium, and high listening levels), and Future Proof (looking for keepers so longevity and maintenance are important).
  • Potential budget: current estimate is about $900 - $1300.

Some models I’m considering with pros and cons for my goals based on what I have read so far:

  1. Hales Revelation 3: lively and bold sound, beautiful appearance and build quality but low sensitivity and some say hard to drive.
  2. Von Schweikert Research VR-3: good dynamics, solid bass, and good detail but low sensitivity and some reviews of poor construction.
  3. Vandersteen 3 series: mate well with the McCormack and accurate response but maybe too polite, lack of oomph for rock, and low sensitivity.

I’d love to hear about both these and other options.  I realize I’ll have to make compromises, but I’m hoping with proper research, patience, and your help, I can discern what may be the best fit. Thank you in advance for any and all advice!!


swingfingers
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Swingfingers, 30-35 Hz might be a tad ambitious. If you could open that 7' triangle to 8' it might avail you to more options, and good ones at that. I too would prefer smaller towers to stand mounts.
swingfingers OP
48 posts
 
Unsound, thanks very much for the response. I can probably get close to 8’ as 7’ is an estimate and will depend on the footprint of the speakers, as well as their final placement (biggest issue is proximity to back wall). On the other hand, I’d prefer not to be locked in to too tiny a sweet spot. (I’ve always wondered, for example, how to listen together with a friend or spouse to speakers that only sound good if your head is motionless in a precise location).  Do you have any specific models of smaller towers you could recommend?

 

I could really use the help as this is probably the most important decision for the system. Perhaps I should have changed the subject to small towers with strong bass and big sound for a smallish room? Any more ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!


swingfingers OP
48 posts
 
Just writing to update and wind up this (now older) thread:

I finally bought a new set of speakers - a set of Gemme Audio Tanto v1’s.  The speakers sound great, and although I still have a long way to go to complete my system, I am very happy with the choice.  Thanks to the audiogon community for all the great information and suggestions!

Special thanks to Yakbob for suggesting the Tantos.  I may never have checked them out if were not for Yakbob’s suggestion.  And it really helped to know that they worked well with the McCormack - as well as all the other details.  They really do check off all my boxes!

Big thanks also to Nitewolf from whom I purchased the speakers.  Nitewolf was very patient when I came to listen to them and carefully helped me load them into my car.  Thanks for everything!

Finally, I want to give a big “shout out” and thanks to Robert Gaboury the designer. I communicated with Mr. Gaboury by email numerous times before and after my purchase.  He was very responsive and answered all my questions with some detail, even offering information I hadn’t asked about. It was a tremendous support which is all the more impressive as I was buying the speakers used and Gemme Audio (unfortunately) is no longer in business.

Next up for my system is a preamp, possibly some room “treatment”, and cables (not necessarily in that order)….
More to discover