@ghdprentice Thanks. So it turns out I'm valuing more involving, connection to the music whereas I probably went into this current venture (2016) thinking that total accuracy and slam were the hallmarks of a really "good" system. The staging especially pulls me in so long as there is nothing off about the timbre and reproduction that seems colored. Not a musician but lots of family are, so many days spent at events, recitals, around bands etc. I think I still have a reference to what instruments sound like! My choices going forward may be more size of room related and power needs. That's why I'm not sure simply duplicating this again will work. 17x 32 great room with the listening "half" vaulted 13 ft, the rest 9ft ceilings.
Determining compatibility with amps
I have a pairing that has been wonderful to me and I may also be looking to set up another similar price-point system (streaming only, larger room) in another house we may build as snow-birds. While very happy now, I want to know more about how to pick speaker and amp pairs to make them more compatible and not ill-advised. No, I don't get to audition equipment (I live in Alaska). There is not a club here. Heck, there's only BestBuy with a Magnolia room. Just "let your ears be your guide" isn't a big help. Help me understand how I can narrow the search for "kinds" of speakers and topologies of amps for my possible upcoming build. I have gathered that using speaker plots, it's the areas where the phase drops below zero (capacitive), coinciding with low impedance that are to to be avoided. I've looked at several sets and can see for example, why series XOs might be desirable. I guess I'm asking is, what values/relationships constitute "be careful" or "avoid"? And if there technically are real issues, what are the audible affects, or kinds of audible distortions one might expect? While I'm not married to tube amps, switching to this one was a very large improvement. I love the voicing/timbre, imaging, and they definitely disappear. It's almost scary.
I'll ask to avoid making pairing suggestions but instead try to help me understand, "these (kinds) are good for this kind of amp because"... My virtual system is up and I've included my speakers' plots as an example by which to comment or use as an example. I welcome using them as a discussion point. FWIW, my amp has an 80hz hi-pass that I use. One reason I like it, as mid-sized stand mounts seem to be what I lean towards, is this aids with integrating subs. Maybe the best answer is to duplicate it all! I may be traveling soon so I may not post often but will read everything for sure! I've got a technical background (the reason I ask) but not in EE so be gently. Curious minds just want to know.
Showing 5 responses by akgwhiz
@ghdprentice in fact I did drop into a high-end dealer in AZ and heard some expensive Sonus speakers. Indeed they impressed me but were $$$ and large floor standers. While full range I suspect I feel that subs away from front speakers can add space to the presentation. @salc Maggie's also another I really want to hear. Never have, any model. FWIW new place will be in rural VA. Can get into Roanoke easy enough. It'll be a fun yet a tad stressful process. |
@vthokie83 FWIW our plan to build is 45 min sw of VATech. |
@thehorn thanks for the thoughtful and helpful opinions. Yeah, if this project goes ahead I'm very excited to move a bit up from my current setting, as much as I think it's s outstanding already. Seen lots of love for Qualiton valve amps so keeping eyes peeled for a 50w version. New ones are 75w. Trying to watch budget so used is fine. I'll look into your suggestions too. Plenty of time to scheme and watch listings. |