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Need Detail/ Resolution with Impact and Weak Bass

Sounds weird right? Need some speakers for the bedroom. Having tried Electrostatic (Martin Logan) I liked the detail and spaciousness but hated that you got no impact from a rimshot, no "glistening" from high-hats and dynamic range seemed compressed. Plus, there was too much bass! The room is configured somehow to totally reinforce the bass so bass-shy speakers are actually preferred, as the bass is naturally augmented. I have a lot of amplifiers, so the options are Counterpoint SA-220 (220 watts, hybrid), Adcom GFA-555 II (200 watts solid state), or a BAT VK-200 (100 watts solid state). I don't really need it to play LOUD, meaning the music goes right through you, its the bedroom after all, but need to play with good dynamic contrasts knowing that the bass will be reinforced. The speakers will face the awesome leather chair, for relaxed listening and then need to be turned 90 degrees to face the bed because my timer will kick in at 7:30 am and activate the power conditioner which turns on the amps to wake me up, so we can't have anything to unmanageably large and unweildy. Am thinking Merlin VSM's or B&W Nautilus bookshelf, but have not heard either. Don't like a bookshelf with stands less than 28" because they need to shoot over the bedframe. Sorry to gross everyone out with the bedroom stories (hey I'm not badlooking), but I know you all have great recommendations so lets hear them.
south_park
djg
12 posts
 
Based on your requirments, I think that the B&W 805's would be an excellent choice. I have had a pair for approximately thirty days and they sound better and better each day. I would not describe the bass as "weak" but it is not overpowering.
tdavism3
46 posts
 
I agree with Djg. I have used Nautilus 805s in my HT setup for the past two years. I cannot say enough good things about the speaker. They seem to have all of the qualities that you are looking for in spades. The one caveat that I would offer is that to get the best out of this speaker, you have to give it ample power. Read the review in Stereophile where the reviewer (I forget which one) compared the 805s using a Bryston amp and a Levinson amp. I am by no means a big fan of Levinson amps. In fact, I use my 805s with a Bryston 9B-ST. Nonetheless, I do think the Levinson 334 is good two channel match for these speakers. Thus, I think your BAT may be a little under powered and the Adcom may not be quite at the level of the speakers. I have never heard the Counterpoint amp, so I will not comment on that amp with the 805s. If you use a good amp, these speakers will blow your socks off. They are my favorite Nautilus speakers. (I know I will get criticized for that last comment, but the 805s are my favorite Nautilus speakers.)
gthrush1
241 posts
 
Westlake Lc4.75 monitors powered by Boulder L3 preamplifier and Boulder 102 power amplifier. The resolution will be state-of-the-art, with all the impact you can shake your tonearm at. Since the smallest Westlakes use a 4" woofer, your rolled-off bass requirement will easily be satisfied.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
The merlin is a super speaker, though may have too much bass if you are looking for a weak bass speaker it may not be for you. Though you could try NOT using the BAM(Bass Augmentation Module) and it may give you exactly what you are looking for, B&W are nice but never did much for me. Sweet dreams.
reubent
6,973 posts
 
Save yourself a ton-o-money and get the Triangle Titus xs(old version) or 202 (new tweeter). They list for $495, sometimes are discounted to $450 and you can resale them quickly for nearly $400 on this site! They are very fast (electrostatic like) and are very revealing. They weigh 11 lbs. each and would work well on 28 inch stands (optimal stand would be 24-28").

You know, it would cost nearly nothing to try them and you may find that they work perfectly. BTW, bass is solid down to 55-60hz, then drops off quickly.

Enjoy,

TIC
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