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Floorstanding speakers vs. Standmount speakers&sub

I`m just curious as to what your thoughts are on this topic. I know this has been debated before but I couldn`t find much out there on this. The reason I ask is I`m currently using PMC FB1i`s with an Esoteric AI-10 integrated amp and a Bryston BCD-1 cd player in a small to mid size room, 16x13x8 with an open staircase. The room is fully furnished and carpeted and the speakers must be place about a foot off the wall. I realize that standmounts will not go as low in the base extension but paired with a good sub could sound as good or better than some smaller floorstanding speakers. I`m looking for a wider soundstage /dispersion and a fuller sound . The bass and clarity is pretty good on the PMC`s. If you have any suggestions for good standmount & sub combos that may better the PMC FB1i`s or any other small floorstanders that may sound better with my situation please suggest some. I did demo Dynaudio Contour 1.4`s, they were nice sounding. Thanks in advance.
darrenmc

Showing 2 responses by manitunc

manitunc
795 posts
 
you need to specify your price range. There are many stand mount speakers that fit your descripton, but many are quite expensive. think Harbeth, Spendor, Sonus Faber. An advantage of stand mount is that less money is spent on the speaker box and there is less box material to resonate and muddy the sound. But you still have to buy stands, so figure that into your equation. Also, subwoofer integration with small monitor speakers isnt as easy as just connecting and play. Most people over do the level of the sub, and run it too high in frequency. If you are just trying to fill in the bass, then your crossover shouldnt be any higher than 80hz max, preferrably 60hz. then play some bass heavy music and turn up the sub until you just notice it, then back off a hair. thats a good starting place.
a well designed 3 way will likely sound better than a sub/satellite system, but not always
manitunc
795 posts
 
One of my setups is an NHT Classic 3 with NHT 12" Classic Subs. One advantage to subs is that you can place them anywhere in the room, not necessarily where the best imaging is with the mids and highs. Also, I highly recommend using 2 subs, even if you have to go to 10" instead of 12". 2 subs makes for much smoother bass.

NHT also makes a Classic 4 tower speaker, which is the Classic 3 with a 10 side firing woofer built in. It takes up the same room as a Classic 3 with stands.

Either option works well and you can get the Classic 4 for $1000.00. Way below your budget, but then you can buy a great turntable or more vinyl
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