Thanks lewkor. It sounds like we have about the same set up. I’ve gotten a lot of good advice and I’m sure most options suggested would be a step up from my current situation. It seems Dynaudio is a common theme so it’s great to get that feedback again. Sounds like I should start there.
Moon 340i and Speakers
I recently replaced my Arcam FMJ A32 integrated amp with a Moon 340i in my home office. This is driving a pair of B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and a REL T3 sub. It's hard to articulate the difference between the Moon and the Arcam, but lets just say its obviously a different beast .... I'm lovin' it. Anyway, the only issue is that it does easily "overpower" the B&W's which is not too big of deal except with some recordings I have to turn the juice down a bit to keep the high end from breaking up. I am working on some room correction issues but I wondered if anyone had any experience with that amp in terms of speaker compatibility. I live a long way from any brick and mortar retailers plus I have very little discretionary time so it is difficult to audition equipment. My limited research leads me to believe that Harbeth, Sonus, or Dynaudio might have products to consider. My budget is around 2K, and they would need to be bookshelf or stand mounts due to limitations of the working space. Thanks!
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I don't know what your budget is, but I highly recommend the Dynaudio Evoke 20 speakers. I have the Moon 340i too. I get wonderful smooth high and mid frequencies and surprisingly low bass for such a small speaker. So far I am using the optional phono stage and DAC. The phono is great for the optional cost, but I think better DACs can be had for the same money. Oh well, it was convenient when I bought the option. I can listen for hours without fatigue. I hope this helps. |
The "600 Series" B&Ws are a value-driven, high bang-for-the buck speakers that compete very strongly in their price class. What you are experiencing is not so much a "tweeter" issue, but the aggregate of good, but not great, crossover components, signal path, etc. The CM series is a major jump in sound quality with point-to-point wiring, better components, and cabinet integrity. The 800 series takes this up a notch with a great deal of attention on refraction(s) and parts quality upgrades throughout. At your price range, new CM series would get you there, or used 800 series. I’ve also auditioned Totems in this price range and found them to be very musically satisfying. Good luck in your search. Have fun. |
Totem is a good match with Moon. And it you can use a stand mount speaker, you can fit Totem Hawks or Forests, which take up no more floor space. Both great speakers as is the Model 1. Also a Fritz fan as well. I had a pair of his tribute to the Model 1, which I think Fritz called the Mini. I had them at the same time as the Totem and I thought the Fritz were better. The guy who bought them also has a pair of the Fritz Carbons and likes the Mini better. But the Totem Model 1 is very good as well. |
That is a WORLD CLASS amplifier,the speakers are in NO WAY worthy of such a fine front end... |
I have Harbeth P3ESR SE speakers paired with a Simaudio 600i integrated along with a small subwoofer and it's a great combination. It's in a fairly small room and perfect for the room. I've gone through many speakers in this system and my main system, but these are unlikely to ever leave this system. |
Harbeth is a very good option. I have had a bunch in on trade from them and have generally liked them . They are incredibly popular and if you don’t get traction in this thread asking about them, start a thread asking about them and dozens will likely respond. Tonally, they are very easy to listen too. |
Like everyone else has said, those tweeters are likely the issue. I know exactly what you are describing and I didn't buy them for that very reason when I was demoing them. There are a lot of good options out there that will work very well with that Moon amp and the balance of your system. Key is doing some listening. I personally would look at Dynaudio or Canton as they are big companies who deliver a strong value and have a smoother sound. A used pair of Special 40s or Reference 9Ks would be insanely good. Full disclosure, I have no relationship with Dynaudio but am a Canton dealer. |
Yeah those older metal B&W tweeters are doing you no favors fer sure. At your price point I’d put the Totem Bison and MoFi SourcePoint 8 on your list, and if you can stretch a bit the Fritz Carbon 7 SE or Revival Atalante would be outstanding choices, and I think Fritz might offer a trial period but not sure on that. If you wanna save $1000 these Usher Be-718 monitors are far superior to your 685s… https://www.ebay.com/itm/186624117329 Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
Generally an amplifier shouldn’t “overdrive” a pair of speakers. Perhaps you like to listen very loud (?) or your tweeters might be blown, though you’d probably hear that at any volume. Or there’s something wrong with your Moon - assuming you listen to the system as loudly as you did with the Arcam. Both are similarly rated in power. Assuming you just like to listen loud, check out KEFs or some older B and W from something like the nautilus series, which can handle a lot of power. I’ve never owned them but I believe you may also be on the right track with Dynaudio. |