2. speakers
  3. 169913-13640

Monitor suggestions?

An unexpected, modest budget improvement means I can (possible) address what I perceive as both poorly controlled bass and an overall lack of clarity.  Yes, I realize I raised this before but I think I have a better handle of the problems at this point. 

I suspect the first issue is due to insufficient damping factor on the part of the the Wells Majestic integrated coupled with an inherently difficult-to-control lower range in the Silverline SR17.5 monitors.  

The second issue is most likely due to the dark and somewhat cloudy tonality of the Aqua La Voce 2 DAC. 

I'm looking into upgrading the Wells but here and now, I'd like suggestions on changing speakers. 

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Budget: $3500 (used is fine)

Cabinet: Sealed box or downward firing port. 

Lower extension (ideally) down to 35HZ

Neutral to somewhat cool (but not approaching analytical) tonality 

Placement constraints: Backs of speakers cannot be more than three feet from back wall
and will sit atop 32" stands,(which means no 3-way or otherwise extra-tall cabs).

Listening:

60% acoustic (Jazz, Folkish, Celtic, Singer-songwriter, New Grass)
40% electric (Jam Band, Americana, Blues, Country).
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So far, Elac Vela looks like a possibility.  What else ? 

I plan to assemble an entirely new system within 5 years. I'm just looking to make listening less frustrating for the present. 

stuartk
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
Sealed monitors down to 35hz....not many of those due to laws of physics. More realistic is 40/50hz + allow for room gain of 3-6db.

Monitors with downward facing ports on a stand? Not a good idea. They also, um, don’t exist.

For everything else you want, wholeheartedly recommend ATC SCM7/11/12/19/20s. Don’t know your amp, but these ATCs match your speaker requirements.

For an easier load/drive and the classic British monitor thing, I’d look at Graham Audio (which I prefer to Harbeth).

I wouldn’t rule out floorstanders. They’ll take up the same space as a monitor on a stand!
stuartk OP
2,876 posts
 
And subs are not on the table!


stuartk OP
2,876 posts
 
@motokokusnagi;

Agree that ATC SCM19 would be great if I could use subs. Otherwise, no. 

I said "ideally" re: 35HZ.-- I should have said "as deep as possible" or similar. 

FYI, Elac Vela has port that fires back AND down. 

I will look into Graham. 


motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
I looked up the Vela. That’s a weirdass port solution. It’s using the bottom plane of the speaker effectively as a mini stand-cum-slotted vent....nobody else does this. And I’d be more skeptical than forgiving of if it doesn’t sound bad. Basically, this is going to sound even smaller and compressed than it already appears. Weird solution. I’d look at something else of higher quality.

OK, sounds like you aren’t willing to compromise on low-end....so, get a bigass 2-way (1" tweeter + 8" woofer, like the Devore Orangutans as a reference; btw, Devore announced they’re going to be releasing 2 smaller, cheaper versions of the same design at some point.

I’m being frank but you need to reset your expectations on the bass capability of a small 2 way on stands. No matter the brand, you’re talking about a 5 to 6.5" (let alone smaller) driver in a 20L ish cabinet (or smaller). There’s only so many ways that goes without giving up something like sensitivity, midrange quality, cost, you’re going to get about 50hz without room gain and that is that.
stuartk OP
2,876 posts
 
I cannot use floor-standers due to furniture in living room.

Zu Druids might work but I do not have the $ 

Looking over specs, it looks to me like Grahams would require subs, for sure. 


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