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Best speakers out there for Midrange and Highs

Hello Everyone!

I would like some advise about what are some of the better speakers out there for a 2 channel system - with use of subwoofers.

I currently use a pair of significantly large - full range speakers (Revel Salon2), that go down below 20hz. Even though my speakers go down so low, I still desired more air movement / sound pressure in the room - to make the sound as palatable as possible.

I found that combining the Salon2 with an external active crossover (JL Audio CR-1) and 2 Subs (JL Audio F113s) sounds excellent. Soundstage is close to like being at a concert, and surprisingly to me, was that imaging has not been lost. Furthermore, adjusting the phases on the subwoofers basically made the speakers and subs act like a singularity and helped the system sound even more exciting. I cross over at 90hz with a 24Db decay.

However, can’t help thinking about the obvious - that I am waisting all that available bass capability on the Salon2s. So I was wondering what speakers out there could be even more appropriate for my configuration. These speakers need not go down so low - Down to 55HZ would be more than enough. On the other hand, Salon2s also have a very strong midrange and highs, so I would like the new speaker to be either:

1) Better in the mids and highs (whether same price as the Salon2 or possibly more expensive), or
2) As good in the mids and highs as the Salon2s but less expense

Very much appreciate your recommendations.

Thank you in advance!

Ag insider logo xs@2xjmarshak
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jmarshak OP
157 posts
 
@acolcer
That’s quite a set up you got! Thanks for your kind offer to hear it. I just may take you up on it :)
Best Regards.

@aigenga when you say:
Although I can’t give a reason, I too have been thinking of a change very much in line with the OP.
To me it’s about a sense of efficiency. I am interested to see if I can be more efficient with funds, floor space, power handling, quality, etc. Or can I perhaps get an even better sound for the money. My priority, like for many on this site is: First do no harm to the sound, and then see if I can improve it - knowing that we are well into the diminishing returns range financially with our gear. So it’s hard to be efficient and gain sonic benefits.

You have quite a project planned for next year. Good luck and enjoy :) And it would be interesting to hear about your findings!




pampero's avatar
pampero
1 posts
 
If the object is to save money by selling the Salon 2s and buying something smaller to mate with your JLA subs and Xover, I think you'll find the exercise futile.  By the time you sell the Revels and buy a smaller monitor style speaker of equal or greater quality, you will not have saved a penny.  In any case, if your Revels don't sound smooth and extended in the mid and highs, something is wrong with them or elsewhere.  They are among the most smoothly extended, neutral, balanced and overall non-fatiguing full range speakers ever made.  

It happens that I have the same rig you do, (2) JLA F113/2, JLA CRI, Salon 2's but mine with  MC452 power.   

I cross over at 80Hz , 24dB/octave and have found much of what you describe after my own experimenting.  My system has a fairly big suck-out between 50-60Hz which I believe contributes to a lack of slam but it has no other significant problems and has useful output at 20Hz. 

I can't imagine selling the Revels for something lesser while I still have this room.  

If you have not yet treated your room's acoustics you might want to start there first. It's the best single thing you can do to get a grip and control over your sound.  
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jmarshak OP
157 posts
 
Thanks. Again, the system sounds great for -bass, mids and highs!
I just wanted to see if possible to gain efficiency.

Totally agree that any gained efficiency may not even be worth it, after taking into account transaction costs and headach :)

Interesting, did you say that you feel lack of slam?  do you mean because of the room?

papafrgog
102 posts
 
Great thread because it points out how speaker design and crossover components influence the SQ - highs mids and lows.  I'm a fan of ribbon tweeters and have owned GoldenearTriton1, Burmester B25 and last month demo'd the new Raidho TD2.2 in my home. As mentioned, room size is important for choosing the appropriate model, and Raidhos need to be positioned carefully.  I was fortunate enough to have Benno from Denmark in my home to do it right. I was totally blown away.  They are beautiful and sound amazing in every respect.  
andy2
1,555 posts
 
Also the quality of the driver also matters.  I have used Seas entry level paper cones and also some high end ScanSpeak, and the Seas sounds somewhat hollow in comparison.  Of course the Seas Excel is different altogether compared to their entry level stuffs.
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