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Full circle and thinking about speakers

This all started a couple of months ago by buying a pair of old B&W DM305 speakers and i'm completely new to all of this..
Then a  Rogue Cronus, Nottingham TT w/ a Lyra Cart. Waiting for an EAR phono stage to arrive Monday.
On the digital side - a Pro-ject streamer and Schitt DAC (place holder but it all sounds very decent).
So now I'm back to the speakers, cables and interconnects. I would like something at a level with the other gear - not that the B&W's are bad, they just aren't great.
What I like about the B&W's: clear detailed and focused.
What I don't like: At times the highs are glaringly high and when I expect there to be gobs of bass, there just isn't any to speak of. Jazz trios and quartets sound pretty awesome.  Rock not as good.
Condo life, which means my listening level is on the low side. Wall moving bass is probably not what I am looking for.
Listening space: The room is 14' x 25' and I haven't settled on which direction to arrange speakers. Currently they are projecting across the 14' width. That may very well change.
Any recommendations of where to start the search are highly welcomed. Speaker types, specs etc...as I know very little.
Let's say under 2K and used is fine if it gets me to a higher level.
Thanks  all
smaarch1
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,516 posts
 
"...to the magnepan recommendations, they are gorgeous! but 3’ feet into the room is just not going to happen.."

FYI: Five or six feet is usually better.  
dbtom2
382 posts
 
My first thought while reading your post was how far your speakers are from the front wall; a small adjustment in distance can make a big difference in bass response - you've probably already done this but I thought I would mention it.

You don't mention which Schiit DAC. 

Consider your DAC and streamer selections.

You said, "At times the highs are glaringly high and when I expect there to be gobs of bass, there just isn't any to speak of."

Glare is an issue I've had with a few DACs and I had to spend more on a better DAC to get the results I wanted. Since you indicated the DAC and streamer were "placeholders," perhaps that may be the best place to spend that $2000. (Or part of it, anyway.)

I would try to audition a few DACS in your system. You may be pleased with the results both at the high end with less glare and by the better bass response. 

Good luck!!

Tom
inna
7,296 posts
 
ProAc Response 2.5 will probably be a little over $2k but should not be much over.
inna
7,296 posts
 
I would like to hear how you like your EAR phono stage. I also play Nottingham but with Goldring 1042 MM and Acoustech SS phono stage.
I think about upgrading to some tube phono. Lyra Delos is an excellent match with Nottingham, I heard.
mikeydred
40 posts
 
"Especially in your price range where Eric Alexander (of Tekton) has that market nailed down. "......... now that is some funny stuff......and not even for the statement’s absurdity but rather how transparent and, almost, strident the Tekton "shilling" is....and then the Miller guy gets angry and hurls insults when someone tries to keep it real and offer some genuine speaker advice for the questioner......sheesh....
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