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Speakers for string Quartets

Hi, I know already this is not a great question to ask, but…I’m looking for speakers that will only be used for string quartets.  Looking for something that will give me some of he sound of the body of the violin, not just strings. Looking for transparency with great tone, but don’t care too much about bass.
I have a large room, but never listen above 80db

current amps are Pass xa25, first watt F8, Aric Audio Single ended kt88, PS Audio m700.

just looking to really hear the violins, cellos. 
hHopefully the narrow range of music can reduce the list of prospects.

thanks

 

caglioti
wolverine1
39 posts
 

I have KEF Reference 5 speakers (not the brand new Meta version).  I love string music, especially cellos.  I am amazed at the realistic way these speakers reproduce the woody sounds of cellos, violins and violas.  They’re not cheap although big discounts are available now that there’s a revised model.  The KEF Reference 3 has similar sound characteristics with a little  less bass at a lower price.  I’m really eager to hear the new meta version.

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neige
2 posts
 

Agree with Sailboat & zgas.  I too spend much time listening to live performances of small ensemble string & piano.  Nothing will qet you closer to reality than Quads.  My 63s are highly modified but stock speakers will be magic if properly set up.  Match them with Spectral electronics if you can.  If you need dynamics & high volume look elswhere or get a second system.

davidrolon's avatar
davidrolon
39 posts
 

Stradivarius.....jk... Big string quartet fan here, and I love my Harbeth P3 ESR XD's in my desktop setup. I bet their bigger brothers would sound terrific in your large room. I also love a ton of jazz and the Harbeth's really capture the intimacy and warmth of that genre as well. I had an opportunity to see the Borodin String Quartet perform the entire Shostakovich string quartet cycle over the course of 3 days, some years ago. It was truly a life-changing experience.

gerrie
107 posts
 

Why people use a subwoofer with magnepan i cannot understand. Put the money from the sub into your amp. Magnepan has the most natural instrumentale  bas not a pumping low instrumental low. And if you want the best musical low buy the dwm from magnepan.

 

wolf_garcia
6,722 posts
 

Jazz piano genius Fred Hersch has a recent album with his trio and a string quartet...friggin' great stuff. I recently bought a Pass XA25 to see what that was all about and man, it's GREAT...giving my SEP Tube amp a rest. Freya, SA25, Klipsch Heresy IIIs  (I like the titanium midrange better than the new IV version) and 2 REL subs (the 2014th time I've mentioned this stuff)...strings for days along with anything else I throw at 'em, from Hindemith to Little Feat...who knew?

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