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Young audiophile metal head looking to level up speaker choice

Hello Audiogon,

I'm a pretty new to the world of audio and looking to make a signifiant upgrade from my first self purchased speaker, the Q Acoustics 3030i.  I was encouraged by an audiophile friend to join Audiogon and post a question regarding what speaker would be best.

I decided to pick up a much nicer amplifier last year, upgrading from a Cambridge AXR85 to a Rogue Sphinx V3. This 2024 I am wanting to make a similar upgrade to my speakers.  I wanted a more dynamic amplifier and found the Cambridge to smooth when combined with my Q Acoustics.

I have my own listening room but it's rather small 11ft x13ft.  I listen to mostly heavy metal/rock music at 70-85 decibels.   I have looked at been cross shopping the Buchart S400 mkII, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Zu DWX, Arendale 1723 - but have also heard good things about vintage Usher speakers..

Thanks for your consideration and advice here.

cheers

killingforcompany
newfzx7
59 posts
 

Fellow metal head here, +1 on Tekton.  My room is just a little larger at 12x17. I had a pair Zu Omen DWs but once I heard a pair of Tekton Pendragon in  my room I got rid of the Zu's. The Pendragon have a huge sound stage, they won't overload your room, and they're very efficient if you decide to try tubes in the future.

soix
9,584 posts
 

Your music tastes are screaming for ATC speakers.  Check out their lineup and read the reviews.  What you're looking for with your music is dynamics, and ATC absolutely excels at dynamics.

james633
1,036 posts
 

Horns can actually work better in small rooms than direct radiating speakers. The horns control the dispersion a bit which will help reduce side wall reflections. All the speakers you mentioned are good speakers but they all sound pretty different. I would add wharedale as you get a lot more for your money. I think they are priced 30-50% of their market value (link below)

 

For rock it is tricky and I would focus on 2 things, dynamics and a smooth response. I listen to rock as my main music (all music too) but rock/metal is very demanding of a speaker. You need good bass for rock music. I would always add a sub, subs work fine in small rooms as they are adjustable and a mini dsp can be used to tame them. The other thing for rock is you want a downward slipping treble in room which is a good target anyway. Some hifi speakers are pretty bright and that does not blend well with poorly recorded metal.

anyway my #1 choice would be horn loaded JBLs but current models (4349) would be out of your budget even used (based on the speakers you listed) so you would need to shop older/used. Anyway too many good options to even list. I would get out and listen to stuff.

You might get away with a small tower speaker like the Revel 206 used (the 226be is outstanding but $$$$) It measures very well and has good tech despite looking kind of simple.

 

grislybutter
3,117 posts
 

I have been listening to Evoke 20s for 2 years. Happy with them but they aren't for heavy metal imho

nitewulf
422 posts
 

Legacy Audio Studio HD for your smallish space. They don’t have ports, so easy to place. Big woofer for metal, very easy to drive. And you can trim both bass and treble depending on room size and listening area. 

 

 

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