Check out the Gemme Tanto, they would work great in that room. |
Why not the Legacy Classic HD, used is about the same price as what's on your list. I can get you a new pair for way below retail. Most dynamic speaker I've heard at this price point. |
Yes, my Linn Katan monitors are in an Aktiv configuration. However, to my ears, I feel that these speakers are not delivering the full dynamic range that my sources are capable of retrieving. Even with the subwoofer, bass seems to be lacking.
Also, as I mentioned in my "correction message" (2nd post), there is no side wall on the right side of this room however the hallway wall is about 7' furhter than the opening of the right side of the living room. |
You mentioned The frequency of the Katans in Aktiv (active) mode. Is that how you run them with your Linn amp? If not that might be your first step before selling the Katans. Or another Linn option? Linn speakers do sound better used in active mode. |
You mentioned twice there isn't any side wall on the right side since it's an opening to the hallway, and on the other hand you stated the the right speaker is 1.5' from the side wall. So, which is true? If there is no side wall on the right, the width of your room isn't exactly 12' and that may allow consideration for bigger speakers.
At any rate, I generally agree that monitors on stands coupled with a subwoofer is a better option in smaller rooms to avoid overloading of the room that may cause boom. Small bookshelves often sound better in small rooms with pin-point imaging but a subwoofer(or a pair) is necessary to complete the package. Your friend's recommendation on the Proac Response D Two is a good one. I am not sure what is it that you dislike about your current Linn Katan but the Proacs are really good speakers. I just acquired a 2nd pair of Proac Tablette 50 Signatures and found them to be very musical and engaging. A subwoofer is a must for these speakers even in small rooms. I have them in a dedicated room with diffusors on front wall and absorption panels on side walls and these small little speakers sound quite amazing. Good luck. |
How about the GR-Research NEO-2X? As a kit there around $800 but will easily compete in the $3k range. |
I would suggest looking at the Merlin TSM, which are in your budget. The ideal listening triangle for the TSM is 6.5 feet apart and the listening position 9-9.5 feet away. I have mine set about 1.5 from the wall (measured from the rear). Better yet they are a sealed design, which makes them easier to place in a small room. In my experience, even front ported speakers can introduce some "boom", especially if your placement options are limited. If you decide to go with a ported design, experiment with plugging the port for better integration.
I am using a Martin Logan Dynamo sub that works pretty well for the money, but there are better choices out there. I've been thinking of upgrading to a 10" Velodyne SPL or DD sub that reportedly have very good built in equiliaztion software that aids in room integration. |
Last night I received my new furniture for my 12' x 14' living room. As it turns out, the furniture is quiet bulky leaving no room for floor standing speakers, especially if I would need adequate room to make them breath.
Therefore, I'm back at a pair of monitors on stands.
My existing bookshelf speakers (Linn Katan) are rated at 60Hz 20kHz (Aktiv) with an efficiency rating of 85 dB.
I would like to replace these with a more efficient (easier to drive) monitor that will play equally well at both low volume and high volume and that is front ported. Im using a 200W solid state power amplifier in my 2-channel audio system. Also, if possible, I would like to either get rid of my existing subwoofer (Linn Sizmik 10.25) or get a better matching subwoofer with the new monitors. Due to my budget of $2000-$3000, I may hold-off on the subwoofer for now and get better monitors.
Depending on the dimensions of the monitors, it looks like there will be about 1.0-1.5 feet of space behind it and they will be about 6.5 feet apart.
By the way, I listen to all types of music, except country / western.
A friend has suggested the ProAc Response D Two. Any other monitor suggestions / recommendations? |
With that sized room, I would stick to the sub + monitor system. That way, you can optimize the speakers for imaging/staging/etc, and place the sub where it measures the flattest. |
Did you ever audition aKEF reference,that pretty well on ur set up it is 4way design but if u like more bass it should be 205 series |
totem arro with storm sub...outstanding... |
I've got a similar asymmetric listening room. Roughly the same size but w/8' ceilings. What's the power rating on the Linn amp? I have Forests and think they would work for you. (Not to say the other speakers won't work - just not familiar with them). |
Sorry, I meant that the left speaker will be about 1.5' from the side wall since, as I mentioned, the right side of the room does not have a side wall. |
boy, there is alot out there, but i have owned the totem arro and love the looks and sound they present. i know the room can hold the forest, so totem is my choice, they are so balanced and the added + is that they don't take over a room if you place them correctly,,,they are one of my favorite speakers , simple...dwhitt |
