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  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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,172 posts
 
Elac Velas are very good ,I have them in my 2 nd system
the triangle Theta is a very good monitor and very good value 
$4200 retail can be bought for much less.
soix
9,575 posts
 
address what I perceive as both poorly controlled bass and an overall lack of clarity
I don’t think in any way, shape, or form your excellent speakers are the source of your problems.  I’d suggest starting by replacing your electronics with others that are better suited to get the sound you’re looking for.  It also sounds to me that your speaker stands are too tall, which may be another culprit in reducing clarity as the tweeters are probably well off axis and above ear level — just a guess though.   Regardless, IMO the speakers are not likely the problem here.  Best of luck. 

tennisdoc56
128 posts
 
I don’t know where you are located but if willing to travel to Sarasota Florida you have an option to hear both Fyne speakers and Aqua audio dac as they carry both.  Surprised you found la voce dark, as my dream was the la scala with the tube output.  I eventually purchased a less expensive r to r dac and the class can be described as musical or organic.  The Fyne audio speakers are similar in presentation, musical but not hi fi.  Driving the Fynes with a low wattage class
a solid state with plenty of headroom.  Sun coast has plenty of electronics to demo the speakers.  Luxman, naim pass, Boulder , classe, and also barbers speakers 
dynamiclinearity
269 posts
 
The Wells amp specs damping factor at 200. Assuming that's in the bass(sometimes it's spec'd at higher frequencies) that's way more than enough to control the bass of any speaker. I assume you don't have long lengths of thin speaker cable then there are 2 more possibilities. One is you've positioned your speakers poorly in your room. The other is poor design of bass control of your speakers. But it's unlikely your amp.
pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 
From what you describe, ATC would really fit the bill. They have real studio monitor pedigree, and once you actually hear their bottom end, I don’t think you will miss the extension. Just my take.
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