2. speakers
  3. 1333657508

Need advise on speaker upgrade

Hey guys,

I, once again, find myself in need of some brains to pick. My setup right now consists of a NAD C162 Pre, Emotiva XDA-1 DAC, Squeezebox Touch, Aragon 2004 amp and System Audio SA505 speakers.

One of the reasons that I picked these speakers was because they put out a pretty big sound for their size and they are small. Due to room/furniture constraints, my speakers must sit on shelves and can be no taller than 12.5".

Although most of my listening consists blues and jazz, I also listen to rock. Stuff like AC/DC, Zeppelin and such. My problem is that at louder volumes I've been able to bottom out the little SA505s, so what I'm looking for is a pair of musical speakers that can play loud.

In any case, the two that I am considering are the Era (Peachtree) D5 and the Silverline Minuet Supremes.

I'm looking to buy used and really can't do an audition on either, so I'm looking for advise on how the two compare. I've read just about every post and review that I can find on both and they all say the same thing.

That they are both musical and produce sound that is all out of proportion to their size, but most reviewers are saying this about almost every small speaker being reviewed these day, so I'm asking for info from those with experience.
tonyangel
3 responses Add your response
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

04-06-12: Islandmandan
You might consider something in the Dynaudio line. Their small speakers are noted for their great sounding bass output, which belies their size, and their power-handling abilities.
The Dynaudio Excite X12 is only 11.2" tall and has been garnering rave reviews from anyone who reviews them. They are ported to the rear, so I don't know if that works for your speaker placement. The reviews universally praise this speaker's bass extension and dynamic range relative to size.

Reviews:
Stereophile
Goodsound

If rear porting is a problem, Mordaunt-Short makes a front-ported small speaker. It's 12.6" high though.

Then there's the PSB Image B5 that comes in right at 12.5" high with a sensitivity of 87dB and power handling of 150w. These are extraordinarily linear and are known for a lifelike transparent midrange, especially for $449/pair.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Because of all of the Bose bashing on this forum I decided to pick up a pair of Bose 301 Series V speakers to satisfy my curiosity. A review will appear on this site when I complete my evaluation. This $328 speaker blows away speakers costing 10 times the price. The cabinet may not pass your knuckle test, but the engineering is incredible. So far I have only used solid state with the 301s, however, I will also be using a Manley Stingray and Quicksilver Silver 90 monos to complete my evaluation. The 301 needs at least 18 inches from the back of the speaker to the wall behind them. You owe it to yourself to give these speakers a 30 home trial. If you don't you will be missing out on a speaker that gives natural vocals and instrumental timbres. Bass and dynamics are exceptional.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
You might consider something in the Dynaudio line. Their small speakers are noted for their great sounding bass output, which belies their size, and their power-handling abilities. While many speakers in their line-up are priced in the tens of thousands, you can find very reasonably priced small speakers as well.

Good luck,
Dan
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Omega Speaker Systems Super 8 High Output Monitor
80x80
Harbeth Super HL5 Plus XD
80x80
Infinity Intermezzo Intermezzo 4.1t