From pro to hi-fi and a little confused...


I didn't want to bother you guys with another "which speaker" thread, but I've been on the fence for three weeks and could really use some advice.

Right now, I have an HSU VTF-2 ready to backup whatever loudspeakers I find and because I already have pre outs on my soundcard and mixer, I'm really looking hard at active speakers. My budget runs up to $2,000 and I'm setup in a mid-sized room that won't allow for floorstanders. Also, I listen to everything from classical to rock and need something that will not bust my eardrums, but allow me to be on-stage with the band to feel the music as well as hear it.

The Dynaudio Focus 110a's seem to have the sound quality I need, but I just don't know if they can represent rock music well?
mtnrnr3
I would love to audition the Dyn's and would have done it already, but there isn't a dealer anywhere near me. The reason I didn't know if they could handle rock is because of their smallish size/output. I know my VTF-2 will help, but above all, I just want a "powerful" sound.
Rock music comes out of 15 and 18 inch woofers and horn mids and tweeters. To reproduce it you need 15 or 18 inch woofers and horn mids and tweeters:-)

No 6 inch driver is up to the job.
No Dynaudio dealer near you? Where are you located? Maybe a member here could help. I am currently listening to a pair Contour 1.3SEs and feel they do rock just fine. Big, full sound from a smallish package.
I would love to audition the Dyn's and would have done it already, but there isn't a dealer anywhere near me. The reason I didn't know if they could handle rock is because of their smallish size/output. I know my VTF-2 will help, but above all, I just want a "powerful" sound.
I always find it interesting how people decide they might like a particular speaker without ever hearing it. I'm not quite sure what a "powerful" sound means to you.

One alternative would be to buy a pair of Focus 110s used. There are four sets listed on Audiogon at this moment. If you get a good price, you can audition them at your leisure and then resell them for about what you paid if they are not to your liking.

You could also call various dealers and ask if any will ship you a set new with return privileges if you don't like them.

Either way you'll be out shipping costs but that's better than paying for a new set of speakers that you can only sell for a used price.
One alternative would be to buy a pair of Focus 110s used. There are four sets listed on Audiogon at this moment. If you get a good price, you can audition them at your leisure and then resell them for about what you paid if they are not to your liking.

I wish I'd suggested that. Look for reputable sellers and you can't lose much.
I for one have gone that route numerous times and have learned some valuable lessons. Number one is to take professional reviews with a grain of salt. Sometimes I agree, and sometimes I wonder what they hear that I don't.