To me it looks like your problem is going to be easy to fix. You mentioned you like the sound of your speakers but going up the totem line further to get the sound that your after is going to be more than your budget I would think. Adding a subwoofer would seem to be the logical move you're going to increase your Sound Stage and get that bass that you're after and you can cross it over so that you won't even know the sub is there. Hope you find what you're after all the best.
Loudspeaker Recommendations: Standmount or Small Footprint Floorstanding under $2k
Hi there,
Having received great recommendations here over the years I figured I’d check back in while I’m considering my next move.
Current system:
-- Totem Rainmakers (on sand filled speaker stands)
-- Heed Obelisk SI III Integrated Amp (built in phono)
-- Bluesound Node 2i into a Chord Mojo DAC
-- Clearaudio Concept TT with MM V2 cartridge
-- Cabling by Audioquest and Signal Cable
Here’s what I currently love about how my system sounds:
1) Instrument articulation is very nice. I really enjoy the timbre of instruments whether it’s the sustain of a drum or cymbal, the crunchiness of distorted electric guitars, or the airiness of an upright bass.
2) Imaging for days... It’s massive and very three dimensional. This makes listening fun and engaging for me.
3) Instrument separation is wide and easy to pinpoint.
I really do love how this system sounds, but am looking for a speaker that can offer more lower end dynamics at reasonable, or relatively moderate, listening volumes. I don’t want super deep bass, but just a touch more to help fill in what’s desired. Does this make sense?
Budget is no more than $2k, but ideally want to spend around $1500, and happy to purchase pre-owned to help stretch my dollars further.
Having received great recommendations here over the years I figured I’d check back in while I’m considering my next move.
Current system:
-- Totem Rainmakers (on sand filled speaker stands)
-- Heed Obelisk SI III Integrated Amp (built in phono)
-- Bluesound Node 2i into a Chord Mojo DAC
-- Clearaudio Concept TT with MM V2 cartridge
-- Cabling by Audioquest and Signal Cable
Here’s what I currently love about how my system sounds:
1) Instrument articulation is very nice. I really enjoy the timbre of instruments whether it’s the sustain of a drum or cymbal, the crunchiness of distorted electric guitars, or the airiness of an upright bass.
2) Imaging for days... It’s massive and very three dimensional. This makes listening fun and engaging for me.
3) Instrument separation is wide and easy to pinpoint.
I really do love how this system sounds, but am looking for a speaker that can offer more lower end dynamics at reasonable, or relatively moderate, listening volumes. I don’t want super deep bass, but just a touch more to help fill in what’s desired. Does this make sense?
Budget is no more than $2k, but ideally want to spend around $1500, and happy to purchase pre-owned to help stretch my dollars further.
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- 17 posts total
If I were you, I would try out a set of the new Wharfedale EVO4.3 towers, with their AMT tweeter. They showed them at the recent Rocky Mountain Audio Fest and they got really high marks for the price. That tweeter is really good. And they don't try to make the woofers produce more/deeper bass than they can do well, so there is apparently no mid bass hump. You can get them from Crutchfield for $1,600 and also return them for $10 if you don't like them. |
Hi folks, Wow! Thanks for all the replies. Seems like the Nola Boxer is getting a lot of nods so I’ll read up on those. I’ve done the subwoofer thing in the past and found I was fiddling with the settings more often than sitting and listening. But perhaps moving up to a small Rel will offer better results. My room is approximately 13’’ wide by 20’ long. It’s an open family room space with a half wall that goes into the kitchen, and also peels off to hallway that’s to the right of the stereo. Not much I can do about that, but I know I’m loosing a lot of bass as it sound moves down the hall. You can see photos here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7783 [I have since upgraded the TT to a Clearaudio Concept] As for other brands I’ve demoed I dig ProAcs, Harbeths and Chartwells (although these are out of my budget at the moment). Not sure if that gives an idea of the flavor I’m after. |
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- 17 posts total