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
@soix:

You could be right. Please read my PM. 

@tennisdoc:

From Northern CA?  No. 

@dynamiclinearity:

In fact, I asked Jeff about damping factor and he said amp was not to blame.

I do have 20' speaker cables, although they are doubled. 

I could address this by moving components to another room and locating them on a rack. Components are currently on a massive built-in bookshelf unit on Symposium platforms and footers. 

The speakers are positioned in the only place they will fit in the room, flanking a large tile and slate hearth containing a propane fireplace insert. 

The hearth is not flush with back wall-- it sticks out 23" into the room. 

 The backs of speaker cabinets are 32" from back wall. The speakers protrude 12 " beyond face of hearth and distance from side of cabinets to hearth is 17".  I have no-where else to put these. 

Speakers arranged in equilateral triangle with listening chair (100" on all three sides). 


UPDATE:

I can now undertake a more generous upgrade, which significantly changes the picture.

I could address long speaker wire runs (see above response to dynamiclinearity)

I could upgrade DAC. 

I found a shop in Seattle that carries various British speakers including ATC (but not Proac, alas) and offers a return policy-- really great news! 

I'm communicating with Duke at Audiokinesis re: his Swarm sub array. as suggested by millercarbon. 


@twoleftears:

"I don't think you'll ever combine all your desiderata into one speaker."

I plan to use a sub array. 

OK those placement descriptions do suggest acoustic issues affecting bass. Look at GIK acoustic product solutions e.g. bass traps. Think about rugs, and reflections, e.g. diffusers.

ATC 7/11/19 are all sealed. These make them much less susceptible to positioning problems than vented speakers.

Your DAC is meant to be superb; I’d be looking at room treatments first before swapping it.
@motokokusanagi:

Thanks for sticking around this long.

I can go with the ATC's, no problem. 

What is your opinion re: the 20 foot speaker cable runs?

When Aqua updated the La Voce to S3, clarity  was significantly enhanced. The
6moons S3 review describes the changes in detail. I can only assume they felt the S2 was lacking in this regard.

Your ongoing input is appreciated.