Best speakers out there for Midrange and Highs


Hello Everyone!

I would like some advise about what are some of the better speakers out there for a 2 channel system - with use of subwoofers.

I currently use a pair of significantly large - full range speakers (Revel Salon2), that go down below 20hz. Even though my speakers go down so low, I still desired more air movement / sound pressure in the room - to make the sound as palatable as possible.

I found that combining the Salon2 with an external active crossover (JL Audio CR-1) and 2 Subs (JL Audio F113s) sounds excellent. Soundstage is close to like being at a concert, and surprisingly to me, was that imaging has not been lost. Furthermore, adjusting the phases on the subwoofers basically made the speakers and subs act like a singularity and helped the system sound even more exciting. I cross over at 90hz with a 24Db decay.

However, can’t help thinking about the obvious - that I am waisting all that available bass capability on the Salon2s. So I was wondering what speakers out there could be even more appropriate for my configuration. These speakers need not go down so low - Down to 55HZ would be more than enough. On the other hand, Salon2s also have a very strong midrange and highs, so I would like the new speaker to be either:

1) Better in the mids and highs (whether same price as the Salon2 or possibly more expensive), or
2) As good in the mids and highs as the Salon2s but less expense

Very much appreciate your recommendations.

Thank you in advance!

Ag insider logo xs@2xjmarshak

Showing 1 response by pampero

If the object is to save money by selling the Salon 2s and buying something smaller to mate with your JLA subs and Xover, I think you'll find the exercise futile.  By the time you sell the Revels and buy a smaller monitor style speaker of equal or greater quality, you will not have saved a penny.  In any case, if your Revels don't sound smooth and extended in the mid and highs, something is wrong with them or elsewhere.  They are among the most smoothly extended, neutral, balanced and overall non-fatiguing full range speakers ever made.  

It happens that I have the same rig you do, (2) JLA F113/2, JLA CRI, Salon 2's but mine with  MC452 power.   

I cross over at 80Hz , 24dB/octave and have found much of what you describe after my own experimenting.  My system has a fairly big suck-out between 50-60Hz which I believe contributes to a lack of slam but it has no other significant problems and has useful output at 20Hz. 

I can't imagine selling the Revels for something lesser while I still have this room.  

If you have not yet treated your room's acoustics you might want to start there first. It's the best single thing you can do to get a grip and control over your sound.