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Speakers for aging audiophiles - What's with today bass emphasis ?

I'd love to pick your brains on a issue and possibly a suggestion
My system has 2 sources, a Logitech transporter and Thorens 126 MKIII / SME / Supex.  Ampli recently changed to a Musical Fidelity M6si. My listening is 80% streaming and 20% vinyl. It's mostly classic and prog rock but also acoustic jazz and classic chamber music.
I have an issue with my current speakers setup: Dynaudio BM6 passive.
I have been using those for some months now and find that while they are satisfying in terms of scene, detail, resolution they are exceedingly strong in the bass (say 50 to 200 Hz) and not adequately balanced in the middle / treble, say from 1k Hz up. It seems as though the bass player stand in front with a big amplifier and everyone else is back in the stage.
I have changed the amplifier to the Musical Fidelity but while I am happy with that I did not see much change in respect to the issue I am describing.

I relate this issue to 2 causes:

1. Today's recordings emphasizes the bass unrealistically. Let me just give you an example. I recently bought Steve Wilson remix of Marillion "Misplaced Childhood". Great work. The mix is shining but compared to the old vinyl I have got you get this feeling of too much bass. Bass quality is great, well defined, solid, no complain but just too much of a good thing.

2. I am ageing, over 60 now. It is well know that as you age your sensitivity to the high frequencies falls down

Given those factors I'd like to change speakers to get something that:
- Is very open on the highs
- It's very analytical
- Does not over emphasize basses
- Bookshelf
- Ballpark cost 2 - 2.5 K

Can anyone make suggestions ? I was inclined to the Harbeths M30 but read several blogs where they say they do emphasize the bass. Maybe Dynaudio Special or Focus  ? How about Totem Sky ?

I don't mind spending a few more bucks to get what I want / need.

Thanks a lot everyone.

Mark.
marklings

Showing 4 responses by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Can anyone make suggestions [for Monitor speakers]?

Consider the Tekton Design Impact Monitors. I believe they meet your checklist. Recently reviewed in Stereophile.

Another to consider ( and also a Utah option) is the Studio Electric M4, recently reviewed by part-time audiophile.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@stfoth Agree to disagree, then. : )  In my experience, the Impact series varies per recording and is heavily influenced by what's ahead of it, including cabling. I've been able to go from very tubby and rolled off to extremely tight bass (this applies to the midrange as well). The speaker itself (to a large degree) doesn't lean one way or another. 

I know your experience has been different and I respect your findings. The 60 day trial period, if the OP chooses to explore it, will allow for him to find out for himself. 

I don't know how his preferences and ancillaries will line up, but I do believe that when set up to do so the Impacts will offer the OP what he has posted: "very open on the highs...very analytical..does not over emphasize basses."

The Impacts, as well as the Studio Electric M4, are just two of MANY options, that will likely fit what the OP is looking for.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Herb Reichert: "Most of the listening observations below were made sans socks." 😊 Yes, that’s SANS socks.


@marklings I’ll mail you a six-pack of Wigwams, if you place an order. Send the thank you note to stereo5. AND if you find you don’t need them, send ’em back because they make a great outer layer when I’m hiking the Adirondaks. Little known fact, they can be weaponized if confronted by a bear. Good to have an extra pair in your pocket. 😊


From Herb’s Conclusion: "They delivered exceedingly smooth, liquid sound that was weighty, coherent, and impactful. ....The Impact Monitor is an all-rounder—a loudspeaker capable of satisfying many serious audiophiles, dance-partygoers, and record collectors. Few speakers can play every musical genre with the Impact’s level of ease, acuity, and, uh . . . impact. Add to these virtues the fact that few other moderately priced audiophile speakers can play so loud without distortion. And they’re unusually easy to drive. At times, the Impact Monitor looked—and sounded—a bit too big for my small room, but I doubt many pairs of stand-mounted speakers could fill a larger room as powerfully or effectively as these did mine. Highly recommended."

Note, I included the ’a bit too big for my small room’ part also. 😊

Let me know when I need to order the Wigwams!

https://www.stereophile.com/content/tekton-design-impact-monitor-loudspeaker-page-2#ga1vvMfHB6esyg2v...

All the best with your search and final choice.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@marklings Have you considered demoing a Lyngdorf TDAI 2170?

With regards to speakers, since placement close to the wall is a factor, in addition to sealed designs, consider front ported speakers or those that port below the speaker cabinet. Transmission line designs may be a great option for you.

At some point you will run into a clash between the features and performance you want, and your budget. PMC (transmission line and front ported) comes to mind, but may be above what you want to spend. Likewise, Aerial.... which was recommended early in the thread.
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