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Recommendatios?

Currently have Wilson Sophia IIs driven by AR Dsi200 with PS direct stream DAC.  Sound is good but looking to replace speakers for better sound for under 20 K.  Would consider replacing amp as well.  Any recommendactions appreciated?
poodledog
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 

"Large room (20 × 40 x 10). Audio at one end with speakers facing side wall."

I’m envisioning speakers along the 40 foot wall but at one end of the room. So when you sit in the "sweet spot", it sounds to me like there’s a wall to one side, but a whole lot of open space (the rest of the forty foot width of the room) to the other side. Is this correct?

If so, how is the imaging in the sweet spot? I would think having fairly early reflections on one side but not on the other could cause problems.

Is a different configuration feasible?

How important is the sound quality outside of the "sweet spot", like throughout the rest of the room?

"...looking to replace speakers for better sound."

What needs to be improved the most?

Thanks!

Duke


mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
Revel F228Be, or maybe something from Salk if you want custom finishes (long wait times). 
 
For new amplification, maybe something from Bryston.  
  

erik_squires
16,061 posts
 
Class D has improved quite a bit over the last 10 years. Consider a newer integrated in either Class D or linear ranges.

I'd ask about bass traps, and room modes.

It could be you need not anything better, just different. 
I don't know of speakers I like better than Wilson's. There are lots which will give you more "detail" or have a different bass/mid/treble balance.

B&W, Golden Ear (shiver), Dali are speakers that fall into this category.

Monitor Audio, Revel are pretty neutral as well.

You might want to go out and listen between them.

ESL's can be wonderful for their imaging, but lack in dynamic range and overall tonal balance.

As far as the room, have you added any diffusors, or are they all absorbers? They can add a sense of liveliness and balance.
poodledog OP
7 posts
 
Appreciate responses and suggestions, will take all under advisement.  Duke envisions correctly that speakers located at end of one long wall facing opposite long wall and only several feet from the side wall so there is a lot of asymmetry regarding speaker placement.  I believe I get decent imaging and sound stage  but not a lot to compare it to.  Could reorient speakers to face the length of the room but would block windows with nice view.   I do feel like there is a feeblenesss to the sound which may be related to room size and speaker placement.  Have only absorbers and no diffusers.  Did add an old 100 watt Velodyne 10 in. Sub parallel wired to speakers and that did make a very noticeable difference at the low end.  Maybe I just need more juice in the amp/speaker combo.
audition__audio
1,493 posts
 
Isnt the Dsi200 a class D (switching) integrated amp? The only time I could stand to listen to the older Wilson was with tubes. If you have one of the older Wilson tweeters I wish you luck with the high end. My initial thought is to spend more time on the room acoustics and then get rid of your integrated amp if things havent improved to your satisfaction. Once again I preach the gospel of getting the room right before doing anything else.   
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