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Confused!

Slowly piecing together a respectable yet reasonably (for me) priced system. Right now, it's about the speakers. Was looking for a budget yet legit bookshelf, and landed on the Polk Rti-a3's and Elac Debut B6's. 

The Polks have a great clean sound, more than enough low end, and sizzle on the top. In fact, too much sizzle. I like things crisp, but not burnt. Where's the midrange?

Enter the Elacs. Andrew Jones, rave reviews, should be a sure thing. Great low end, fantastic middle, but missing some crispy goodness. After the Polks, sounds like someone threw a wet blanket over them. A day with them on their own though, I'm beginning to like them more. A lot more. Although, still finding that I'm twisting the evil treble knob that I shouldn't have (new amp day comes later) clockwise.

Finally, a question. Is there a more Polk-like B6, or a more B6-like Polk out there for less than $700? Should I stick with the Elacs and fiddle with placement? They will be forced to be close to a wall, about 1 foot give or take. I'm about ready to return the Polks, there's just not enough in the middle to handle riffage.

Room is about 12 x 13. Front end is a 10+ year old Yamaha HTR-5560 run in stereo mode and an Onkyo C-7030 CD player. No 'table in my future, I sunk my early retirement funds into CDs starting 30 years ago, can't comprehend investing in vinyl. Music tastes are mostly rock, punk, indie rock, blues, metal and its several subgenres, and a good sprinkle of jazz and polka. Speakers will be on stands.

Help!
iron57
iron57 OP
81 posts
 
Interesting things happened tonight.  I went from pulling out some CDs to test the speakers analytically, complete with mucking around with incremental changes to volume and placement. And then it turned into something else entirely.  I started putting in albums that I wanted to hear...

...because I was digging the listening experience. 

Went through a good few classics (to me) with a good few 2017 Celebration Ales.  Hell, even the kids came up and connected with this modest system.  The six year old told me that "Shine on you Crazy Diamond" was CREEPY, but to keep playing it.  So I did.

Ugh, I'm up too late for a school night. 

Aww f-it, I'm calling out tomorrow!

The Elacs are on the road to being fantastic. Keeping these damn things, thanks to you all for the advice.
contuzzi
413 posts
 
I’m confused — why not just get the Elac UB5? 
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,190 posts
 
Entertaining post Iron57. This is what it's all about. 
iron57 OP
81 posts
 
You are correct noromance, this is what it's all about.

FYI, I did take the day off. Spent a few alubum's time in the space, and still continuing to grin. 
clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2
201 posts
 
I completely agree with your B6 findings. With all respect, they are boomy and bloated in the midbass and sound rolled of and closed in. We compared them side by side with a pair of Gallo CL-2’s I bought on closeout for $390 and it was not even close. The Gallos were MILES better. Because of that I ended up selling the Gallos for what I paid and buying the CL3 on closeout for $650. Very happy.

Back to your question. If you want nice monitors in that range, I would look at Dali, Gallo (if you can find them), Sonus Faber Chameleon B. I also like the Martin Logan Motion series - if you can find B-stock or used Motion 35xt they would also be a great option.

If you want to go B6 cheap, I would look at the even cheaper Affordable Accuracy Monitor from Philharmonic. Many prefer them to the Elacs and say they are more open sounding, neutral and detailed with very good bass for the size. They are a whopping $210.
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