Let me start by saying that I am a firm believer that one should start by choosing speakers first and working back from there. Your room is too small for true full range sound. The McCormack amp is a natural with Vandersteen's, but your room placement restrictions all but eliminate them, with maybe(?) the one series being a possibility, but they don't meet your "forward presentation" requirements. The McCormacks have already have a forward presentation, tread carefully. A c-j pre is a good consideration moving forward, and will give you a bit of that full lower midrange sound. It's good that you have been able to actually identify what your looking for but, tough to make a recommendation to fit all your criterion. Good luck.
Advice for Speakers to mate with McCormack DNA .5
I’m new to this forum but have been “lurking” for a while, trying to
learn. I’d greatly appreciate some guidance
on choosing speakers for a system I’m trying to build over several years. Finances are limited, I’m focused on used
gear, and I could use as much advice as possible.
My Info is as follows:
My Info is as follows:
- General Sound Objective: a natural, accurate response with a big, full sound; midrange weight; airy highs; slightly forward profile; deep and wide soundstage, good sound off axis; and most importantly a strong and solid bass.
- Types of Music: about 55% jazz (Miles, Coltrane, etc.), 25% rock, blues, folk, & pop, 10% classical, and 10% other.
- Listening Space: 12’ x 15’ x 9’ with speakers along long wall, 1.5’ from front wall, and 5’-8’ from listening area. As room and placement options are limited, flexibility with placement is critical.
- Current System: I’d like to mate speakers to my newly acquired amp, a stock McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe (100-125 watts/8 ohms, 200 watts/4 ohms). Sources (may eventually be upgraded) include Emotiva Stealth DC-1 DAC and B&O table/MMC2 cartridge. Using the Stealth as a preamp but hope to get a dedicated one later (thinking of a tube).
- Other Considerations: Full Range (preference is 2 full range cabs), Good Efficiency (I like great sound at low, medium, and high listening levels), and Future Proof (looking for keepers so longevity and maintenance are important).
- Potential budget: current estimate is about $900 - $1300.
Some models I’m considering with pros and cons for my goals based on what I have read so far:
- Hales Revelation 3: lively and bold sound, beautiful appearance and build quality but low sensitivity and some say hard to drive.
- Von Schweikert Research VR-3: good dynamics, solid bass, and good detail but low sensitivity and some reviews of poor construction.
- Vandersteen 3 series: mate well with the McCormack and accurate response but maybe too polite, lack of oomph for rock, and low sensitivity.
I’d love to hear about both these and other options. I realize I’ll have to make compromises, but I’m hoping with proper research, patience, and your help, I can discern what may be the best fit. Thank you in advance for any and all advice!!