Does this speaker exist or am I being ridiculous?


Here's the laundry list folks:

- Full range (27Hz or below) - no need for subs
- Balanced sound - maybe a bit on the warm side
- Good at all the usual stuff - soundstage, imaging, detail retrieval, does the disappearing act
- Will fill a large room with sound
- Can be placed effectively within 18 inches of wall
- Great WAF - ie. really nice wood cabinetry, unobtrusive visually
- $3500 max new or slightly used
- Flexible on required amplification

Am I on drugs to think I can get all this?
itball

Showing 3 responses by shadorne

Of course this speaker exists...100's of times over. I think you can find any number of tall slim tower designs with several small woofers to fit the bill...obviously it will need to be ported or double ported to get that bass extension you desire.

Your requirments are pretty much main stream sweet spot; a reasonably priced, good looking, unobtrusive furniture piece with impressive but slightly warm sound.

If you wanted something with dynamics, accuracy and low distortion levels then my answer would be different.

As for 18 inch from the back wall....you will unavoidably get some rear wall comb filtering (quarter wave cancellation) in the bass from any speaker you choose, which means some notes will suck out worse than others (this can be reduced by placing the speakers much further out into the room)
Shadorne - do you have any personal suggestions to listen to?

At your price point I would tend to go for better quality sound rather than huge bass extension to 27 Hz or below. My preference would be a sealed box design that rolls off gently around 50 Hz (still plenty of LF energy when you consider the boost from room effect).

Suggestions for something with a reputation for significant bass response but still of good quality (what I suspect you want);

my choice would be PMC IB1....try second hand and be patient. They aren't full range, not quite as dynamic as sealed box either, but very close to what you are seeking with great acccuracy and wow factor in the LF, IMHO. Unfortunately you will score close to ZERO in WAF factor ....but close your eyes and WOW!

WAF top score means elegant furniture, poor sound. WOW Knock your audiophile socks off = ugly brute, great sound.

That is just the way it is! No cake and eating it too! Sorry.
At least, you put your money where your mouth is with ATC speakers...butt ugly

You are right about that....a massive imposing ugly box. "butt ugly" just about sums it up! I managed to hide mine in some heavy duty cabinetry with 2 inch+ braced walls around the speakers.

And it gets worse.....

Just try lifting or shipping the beasts.....next to impossible!!!