How to get more air in the speakers

The posts above are wonderful and I don't have much to add. But, depending on your set-up, I've found that solid cones (e.g., brass)under your speakers can make a substantial difference in how the treble comes across. The increased speaker stabilization makes everything clearer. I have the Sierra Denalis, MIT Oracle and Thiel CS-6 set-up. When I added heavy threaded speaker cones and discs beneath the Thiel's, it sounded like a new set of speakers. It's a low cost way of heading in the right direction -- by itself, I don't think it will get you there but I will not remove mine now that I've heard the difference. Happy listening!

It's amazing to read such wonderful educated post filled with knowledgable information from fellow audiogoners. This is exactly why I was so disappointed when Audiogon briefly shut down the forum. I felt as thought my hifi college was closed for good. Back to the thread, I used to play drum in high school as well. As the previous posts put it, it's difficult achieve natural highs without confusing the sound as being harsh or bright. The "SSSSSS" sound can be quite fatiguing. I will try some of your suggestions with speaker placements and I'll keep you posted with the results. Please note that I am some what satisfy with my current system; Dyn 3.3, Classe CA-400 (w/ Whale Elite PWR CRD), Sonic Frontier Line 2, SF SFCD-1 (w/ Symposium blocks), HT Pro Silkway II XLR's, and Transparent Ultra XL speaker cables. However after listening to a live performance, I was a bit dispointed at how my system attempts to replicate such a listening experience. Can you ever replicate live performances or we will eventually get closer, but never achieve that orgasmic listening experience?

While reading this I'm sitting listening to Philly Joe Jones on a Hank Mobley Blue Note 24bit CD. Using an Air Tight 300B amp, passive pre-amp, Perp Tech digital stuff (both pcs), and Proac 2.5s. As a former drummer, I'm happy with the cymbal sound, in fact, very happy. I seem to be getting a great balance btw the metallic brassy cymbal sound and the body of a wood stick (being held by a fleshy human hand) on that cymbal. Having a stereo system is a very different thing than going to listen to live musicians. It's a different "organic" experience and is not meant to replicate, clone, or take the place of live music. I was recently at the Grand Hotel on Macinaw Island, and in the lobby two young women (not over 18-20 yrs old) played Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, etc. transcripted for violin and piano. My wife and I sat intranced for almost an hour even though we had someplace else to be. Two beautiful, talented, and passionate women playing beautiful, passionate music 20 ft in front of us! I don't expect this in my home, I'd be a fool to! Be happy with the miracle of what your system can do everyday and get on with life. Hey, got to go! Hank Mobley's tenor sax is calling for my full attention!

It is my opinion that the sound, image, and sonics you are seeking is dependant upon your entire system. There are many variables that affect the quality of your sound, such as power cords, interconnects, front end component, pre amp and power amp. In addition, the room size and speaker placement certainly influences sound, either positively or negatively. In regards to speakers, I have heard the Audio Physics Tempo III in several systems, including mine, and have compared them with the Totem Hawk speakers. The Totem Hawk speakers have more finess, resolution, and transparency (imaged better and was more musical). The Totem Hawks retail for approximately $2,300 and can be played at low levels with resounding resolution. But again, the speakers are only one piece of the puzzle.