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What would I gain/lose?

I’ve been running an unusual setup in my second system. It’s a stereo setup 90% used for watching television and 10% streaming. I use two center speakers—Dali Opticon Vokals, driven by a Cambridge Audio EVO 75. The reason for the two Vokals is as follows: speakers are mounted inside a large Salamander cabinet with provisions for a wide Soundbar (56” wide). I’ve tried regular speakers inside the cabinet and they sound boxy, even with acoustic foam and stuffing everywhere. The Dalis sound excellent to my ear—they are front ported and designed for such an application. They also feature a hybrid tweeter that the L/R version don’t have.

the downside of course is that the speakers are only 4 feet apart. I’ve been thinking about standmounts (listening 10 ft away, small room). So I would gain sound the but lose the wide dispersion I’m getting from the Vokals. Again mostly these are used for video so dialog is important.

what say you?

tomaswv
tomaswv OP
236 posts
 

The idea of a receiver and a LCR system is something I will think about. Trying to stay compact with standmounts that I might eventually move to a smaller office or bedroom.  I have Dali Mentor 6s in my main system and I do like the Dali sound. Thinking of upgrading them to the me Rubikore 6s.  And I am locked into a sweet spot so that really isn’t an issue. 

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mwh777
96 posts
 

This is not exactly on topic but, a parallel situation that I had to address and maybe will be of use for someone else reading this. My very elderly mother had a Salamander cabinet with the space for small speakers above the regular shelves. We tried several different "bookshelf" type speakers but, she could not hear TV dialog well enough. Finally, we tried using a pair of center channel speakers instead of regular stereo speakers and that helped very much. Also, via trial and error, I found cables and cords and even a wall receptacle that provided a more mid-range forward sound.

oldrooney's avatar
oldrooney
211 posts
 

I think you’re missing out on a lot of sound by not using an A/V receiver capable of reproducing multichannel sound to include at least Left, Right, Center and . . . a subwoofer. The difference between a stereo reproduction and multichannel is really quite stark. The quality and flexibility of even entry level A/V receivers is really amazing. My entry level Sony unit allows me to select a stereo-only ‘pure direct’ mode for stereo music listening using the remote, or set up speakers in two additional ‘zones’ which, again are selectable from the remote. Or you could run two systems simultaneously, especially if you purchase an A/V that has a pre-out to your Cambridge. 
I can’t think of a sound issue that can’t be solved with more speakers, said he, facisiously. 

dr-boop
87 posts
 

I listened to the Rubikore bookies a few days ago. The 2? Now I really want to hear Epikore 3s. The Rubikore bookshelves were super refined and easy listening with all the details. They're very nice. I think they pair well with Class D like your Evo. I listened on a Bel Canto e1X that sounded fantastic, however note that the Dali sucked up the power. I mean to say, ALL of the power. The Evo75 may not have the juice to completely wake them up. 

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