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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 2 responses by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Monitor and sub not my idea of an upper end experience.  Way too many unnecessary issues/problems introduced for imo no great reason ( unless no other options). I have had a few and would not consider typically for a reference sound. 

With the changes happening in amplification,  low power is now a fundamental mistake regardless of how efficient the speakers. Lower power, especially tubes, is a poor choice. 

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Bjesien, lower power and the choice of speaker model got you pretty sound, but not extreme sound on the performance spectrum.  It's perfectly understandable why you wish for more dynamics and frequency extension. 34Hz is not exciting low end performance,  and you can do much better. 6.5 drivers are incapable of much of what is expected of premium bass.

I have speaker and amp recommendations,  but are review products,  so send message if interested. I am not discussing them publicly prior to review.  
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