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Low power- transparency, dimension, dynamics and bass, or...

I've built several mature and immature systems over the years. That’s part of the fun for me. I’m exploring the possibility of getting the three dimensional sound of a monitor, with the tectonic plate shifting bass of a high quality sub. Can anyone speak to an integration point of say 50-80hz where it made more sense to focus on a high quality smaller speaker (in a medium sized room) vs a "full range" (35hz) speaker? In my experience the full range speaker can have more slam but not necessarily the imaging or quality of drivers. The monitor can struggle with dynamics. This also has me considering smaller horns or dual concentric drivers, but would they be difficult to integrate with a traditional sub or two? I’ve always been a fan of class a and tubes presentation but open to ideas.
I recently had a pair of O/93’s with great dynamics and bass to 30hz but disliked the dimensionality and upper mids of that speaker. I value dimension, image, dynamic ease, transparency, warm side of neutral. Trying to keep this speaker adventure under $6-8k used. I’ve talked to a few people that have said forget low power, increase speaker budget and go for Treo’s or a set of bigger Tannoys. Speakers would be 9 feet apart could be 2’ out 2’ from corners/open floor plan to larger space.

Some ideas- would like to hear bigger Harbeths with subs
Try the Soul Supreme with subs?
Arden, or Autograph mini with dual subs never heard Tannoy
Treo- owned older Model 5, 12 years ago for a limited time- tech seems to have really improved.
Horns but feel like the integration of technologies will be a challenge.
Single driver same issue as horns right?

bjesien

Showing 8 responses by bjesien

bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
Soix, thanks for the Pulsar suggestion. In another setup I had a pair of Verity Parsifals and would run just the monitor on occasion. Those have some similarities.
bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. I will take a look at those options. I once asked a guy on a fb forum to compare the O/93 to the Perfect Set and several people thought it was unfair to compare them because of the price discrepancies. There no shortage of people that get insulted on audio forums! MC can you compare these two speakers?
d Schroeder  I am sitting listening to a verity Leonore speaker with Leben tube amplification. If I just had a bit more dynamics and bass depth I’d be all set for my needs. Zero fatigue great detail, soundstage dimension is great. I particularly enjoy the 7581 tubes with this combination. They provide more dimension between strings and around horns than the el34’s. I gave my KT66’s away to a friend but think they would be even better with the above plus dynamics. The speaker goes to 35 hz with a meter in my room, which is impressive, but the Leben is great and the speaker is efficient with a benign impedance curve.Is there a speaker that you would recommend? Are you saying that a floor stander with a sub is better than a monitor? I’ve always thought of using a sub only to supplement the main. I think it would make sense to engage the sub as little as possible. Do you agree? I wonder if new technology with subs is improving to close any gaps like you mentioned above.
Thanks, appreciate your thoughts.
bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
SRA I had a Response D2 five years or so ago with an old rel sub. I enjoyed it but I soon went to a tower speaker because it lacked some slam. I like your 300b thoughts but like to feel bass. Appreciate your remarks they are making me walk through some previous decisions. I think I’m scratching the monitor idea unless someone can recommend a monitor that excels with the above plus dynamics.


bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
Tvad, I agree with your statement. Every combination has its synergy just as every part of our beautiful world has its season- although many are harsh :)

douglas_schroeder,  I agree with your reasoning completely, which kind of brings me back to the starting point. Just shy of 5 digits you see an awful lot of 35hz 40hz, 44hz specs.
My experience tells me that a floor stander will cover the 100-40hz region with better body and dynamic impact than a monitor. I've typically only used a sub to fill in maybe 50hz and below based on roll off. I also realize SS would give me more control of the lower octaves and am open to exploring SS again, but I tend to listen less- perhaps I am after that beauty over accuracy- but so be it, I am the only one in my listening space to enjoy the illusion. Or is that delusion?   
bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
djones51 perhaps I am not using the word for its intended purpose.  Transparent in my mind is lifelike, in the room presence, clear. Opposite might be veiled, rich. I welcome some of your descriptors on what I see as a sliding scale.   
bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I don’t always often check on these pages but I’ve made notes of the above suggestions. One I want to direct to DJ regarding the Adam Audio. Thanks for recommending the monitor with that kind of range. I currently have a bias to passive speakers because I usually have a few amps that I like to try on speakers. It’s a part of the audiophile journey that I enjoy, most of the time.
SRA slam in my mind is explosive transients with fast leading edges and decay that also captures the texture and tone on the instrument or device in the process. The orangutans do this beautifully with such low power. Most music has it as a foundation to the recording. So many speakers miss the mark. AKA kick-ass bass.
bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
I appreciate the above content. it’s a good mix of practical and contemplative thoughts on what it is we are looking to achieve.

Does anyone have any experience with Gershman? It would be a complete scratch of the "low power" desire but we have to remain open to system change as part of the fun. This is one name that came up on the side as being very "musical". Never heard them? Anyone?
bjesien OP
1,248 posts
 
Sounds_real_audio yes I agree about speed, but I have heard speakers that have speed in some areas but not others. I think I could call it dynamic impact as well. Where the flow of the whole of the music is fast- impactful- large swings when called for. The O/93's had this covered.  

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