Low power- transparency, dimension, dynamics and bass, or...


I've built several mature and immature systems over the years. That’s part of the fun for me. I’m exploring the possibility of getting the three dimensional sound of a monitor, with the tectonic plate shifting bass of a high quality sub. Can anyone speak to an integration point of say 50-80hz where it made more sense to focus on a high quality smaller speaker (in a medium sized room) vs a "full range" (35hz) speaker? In my experience the full range speaker can have more slam but not necessarily the imaging or quality of drivers. The monitor can struggle with dynamics. This also has me considering smaller horns or dual concentric drivers, but would they be difficult to integrate with a traditional sub or two? I’ve always been a fan of class a and tubes presentation but open to ideas.
I recently had a pair of O/93’s with great dynamics and bass to 30hz but disliked the dimensionality and upper mids of that speaker. I value dimension, image, dynamic ease, transparency, warm side of neutral. Trying to keep this speaker adventure under $6-8k used. I’ve talked to a few people that have said forget low power, increase speaker budget and go for Treo’s or a set of bigger Tannoys. Speakers would be 9 feet apart could be 2’ out 2’ from corners/open floor plan to larger space.

Some ideas- would like to hear bigger Harbeths with subs
Try the Soul Supreme with subs?
Arden, or Autograph mini with dual subs never heard Tannoy
Treo- owned older Model 5, 12 years ago for a limited time- tech seems to have really improved.
Horns but feel like the integration of technologies will be a challenge.
Single driver same issue as horns right?

bjesien
Thanks for the replies. I will take a look at those options. I once asked a guy on a fb forum to compare the O/93 to the Perfect Set and several people thought it was unfair to compare them because of the price discrepancies. There no shortage of people that get insulted on audio forums! MC can you compare these two speakers?
d Schroeder  I am sitting listening to a verity Leonore speaker with Leben tube amplification. If I just had a bit more dynamics and bass depth I’d be all set for my needs. Zero fatigue great detail, soundstage dimension is great. I particularly enjoy the 7581 tubes with this combination. They provide more dimension between strings and around horns than the el34’s. I gave my KT66’s away to a friend but think they would be even better with the above plus dynamics. The speaker goes to 35 hz with a meter in my room, which is impressive, but the Leben is great and the speaker is efficient with a benign impedance curve.Is there a speaker that you would recommend? Are you saying that a floor stander with a sub is better than a monitor? I’ve always thought of using a sub only to supplement the main. I think it would make sense to engage the sub as little as possible. Do you agree? I wonder if new technology with subs is improving to close any gaps like you mentioned above.
Thanks, appreciate your thoughts.
I would not concern myself so much with bass. If you were to get a sweet 300B amplifier system with a ( example the ProAc Tablett ) speaker that likes lower power. That would be a great place to start. I think the quest fo bass is in reality a quest for a midrange that makes the music accessible, enjoyable and completely satisfying. 
SRA I had a Response D2 five years or so ago with an old rel sub. I enjoyed it but I soon went to a tower speaker because it lacked some slam. I like your 300b thoughts but like to feel bass. Appreciate your remarks they are making me walk through some previous decisions. I think I’m scratching the monitor idea unless someone can recommend a monitor that excels with the above plus dynamics.


Joseph Audio Pulsars image/soundstage like demons and are very dynamic for a monitor.  Best of luck. 
Hi, I am your spirit animal.
You need to stop buying speakers.  Start building them yourself.  That is the only path forward for you.

Good luck.