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need recommendations for standmount speakers

Hi guys.

I’m looking for new standmount speakers. Budget is up to 3k but can stretch if needed. 

My current setup in my small bedroom (about 3x3m size) is as follows:

Cambridge Audio cxn v2
Benchmark dac3b
Benchmark hpa4
Benchmark ahb2
B&W 606 on b&w stav 24 stands
Rel t7i

Music is from tidal/roon and I have done REW on this setup. Somehow feels like something is missing.. I can’t pinpoint what exactly, but perhaps lacking some weight in the mids..

I’ve tried the Buchardt S400 for a month before eventually returning them. Although very good speakers, I felt they lacked a bit of high end sparkle. I preferred the top end of the b&w.

Unfortunately, I can’t have the speakers more than 20 cm from the back wall. They’re about 5 feet apart.

Any recommendations for new speakers? I was considering the B&W 705 s2, Dynaudio Special 40 and Focal Aria 906. Home demo is pretty hard to arrange where I’m at.
docroasty
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,933 posts
 
KW64 yes the Quad ribbons are different then an AMT driver. 

The AMT driver is a larger folded diaphram usually made out of some kind of plastic  that use small strips of wire to drive the diaphram.

VS

Regular ribbon a flat sheet of metal in  large magnetic field.

VS

Quad Ribbon a flat sheet of metal in a large magnetic field with a very thin layer of plastic bonded to it, hence a damped ribbon.

Advantages: 

Great power handling as the diaphram is less fragile and more flexibile
Greater power handling and output
The damping layer takes out the sizzle quality of a pure ribbon as the metail is not slightly damped, creating a sweeter but highly detailed sound.

Disadvantages

Less top end extension than a 100K rated ribbon

In our experience for the price of $2,500.00 a pair one of the best sounding monitors we have ever heard.

Considering we sell Dali, Kef, Paradigm, ATC, Elac, which all make fantastic monitors that is a big thumbs up.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ 
kw6
692 posts
 
Thanks Dave and Troy for explaining the differences! Btw since you are dealer for Elac have you heard of the new Elac Carinas and how they compare to the Quad S2 or Z1?
docroasty's avatar
docroasty OP
81 posts
 
Hi everyone. 

Just an update. I decided to pull the trigger on the ascend acoustics Sierra 2ex and they are arriving today. Took about 4 days to ship from usa to Singapore via DHL. Had to fork out for some hefty shipping, PayPal fees, cc conversion and import tax. I do hope they were worth it!

Thank you for all the advice given. It is very much appreciated. 
mjt8
5 posts
 
So what did you think about the sierras, and what did you decide on?
docroasty's avatar
docroasty OP
81 posts
 
So what did you think about the sierras, and what did you decide on?

I think I made the right choice. They went well with my small-ish room. 

They have good low extension and tight punchy bass. There is a good amount of bass, so much so that I could even run it without my REL sub and still be happy with the sound. 

The raal ribbon is quite impressive; so much clarity and air up top. 

I have no regrets going with the 2ex. The buy was sweetened by the fact I got them during the introductory/holiday discount. 


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