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Round Two: Best Speakers for LOUD music and rock??

Hi:

ROUND TWO, here we go.......

I listen to mostly rock, classic rock, female vocals, and the occasional dramatic symphony or opera, VERY LOUDLY.

I posted here before, and, taking everyone's comments into account, I purchased a used set of Genesis Vs.

They are great speakers, but failed for me in three critical areas: One, they seem to cause my amps to shut down at much lower volume than my present NHT 3.3s (even though the Genesis are rated as 3dB higher efficiency -- 90dB/4 ohms, as opposed to 87dB/4 ohms for the 3.3s), two, I cannot successfully couple these speakers to my room in such a way as to make the bass taut, dynamic and authoritative, and three, they do not image, in my room, as well as the 3.3s. Not even close.

My main system now consists of:

NHT 3.3s,
NHT SubTwo Subwoofer (60Hz & below only)
Cary 306/200 CD Player,
Sony XA 777es SACD player,
BAT VK5i preamp,
Audio Research M300mkII tube monoblocks,
MIT 750 Shotgun Tube Biwires,
MIT 350 Twin 30' ICs,
AudioZen Silver mkII I/Cs for front end.

I have a LARGE listening room with lots of glass & high sloping ceilings, app. 20x40 ft. w/18' ceilings.

I want to try again to upgrade my speakers, and I am considering a used pair of either Dunlavy SC-Vs, JM Mezzo Utopias, Legacy Focus, VMPS, Montana XP, Revel Ultima Studios, etc., etc.

My system is a tad bright right now, but not objectionably so. The imaging is stellar, and the soundstage depth is good, not great. I want smooth, rich, warm sound, yet detailed and clear, and as I said, I listen at VERY loud volumes for extended periods of time. I MUST have the slam and tight, low bass needed for the type of music I listen to.

Because of the size of speakers involved, I will obviously not be able to hear them with my system 'til I buy them, but, I guess I can just buy a good used pair here on Audiogon & sell them and try another pair if I need to.

Any comments/suggestions?

Thanks - Jeff
jeffj
klipschfan
176 posts
 
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jayarr
117 posts
 
I second the motion for the Legacy Focus 20/20. Jeff, before I purchased the Foci, I auditioned the NHT 3.3. I liked the Focus better, for primarily the reasons you seem disappointed in the 3.3's. The Focus could play louder, required less current, weren't as bright, and had better bass. They were better looking also. From what you are describing, I think the Focus would be what you are looking for. I also have some reservations about your amp. I would see how they partner with the Foci. If there is a problem, I would consider the Spectron Musician II. It will provide you with all the power you need (500 watts/ch) and not sound solid state(it's a Class D amp). Enjoy listening.
jayarr
117 posts
 
Jeff,
I reread your post and decided there are several issues that need to be addressed. From your equipment list it seems you have picked those on the darker side of neutral. I am surprised you are having problems with brightness. Have you treated your room? This can make a dramatic difference in the high frequency balance. What about power conditioning? Cleaning up the high frequency grunge can also help tho not as profound as treating the room. Check out Exact Power if you think this is a problem. Power cords also make a difference. I would recommend Shunyata cords( the original line, not the new Pacesetter line). Hope this helps. Enjoy listening.
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