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Speakers for Pathos Classic One MKIII

Hello Gents. My system consists of the following components:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit (DC) Turntable
Pro-Ject USB DAC Box S2+
Pathos Classic One MKIII Integrated Hybrid Amplifier
Klipsch RP-600M Speakers

I have this system form more than a year but I think I'm tired of the forward sound of the Klipsches. To be honest I really like the dynamics, the clarity and the details but I'm enough of the sound right in my face, so I'm looking for a floorstander under 1000$ that have a more relaxed, warm - laid back sound. My priorities would be:

1. Musical
2. Refined
3. Rich/Body/Texture
4. Relaxed
5. Clarity/Details
6. Good LF extension

I've made some basic research and came to the following options:

- Q Acoustics 3050i
- PSB Alpha T20
- KEF Q550
- Wharfedale Diamond 230
- Dali Zensor 5

What do you think of these options guys? Would you recommend something else?

Thanks!


celestial__sound
14 responses Add your response
freediver
1,187 posts
 
Haven’t heard Kef or PSB’s in 20 years.Never heard the Q Acoustics but I like the combination of materials they use & have had experience with similar materials & really like the sound they are capable of.I have also used Dali Zensor 3’s & 1’s & REALLY like the wood pulp drivers,they have such an organic midrange for an inexpensive speaker,the tweeters are not quite as good & in that budget range I prefer something from Dynaudio...Based on materials,tech & reviews I would go Q Acoustics then Dali...
 Also have you sorted out the room acoustics,some of that in your face could be a hard room & echo..How about tube rolling?Some NOS Mullard small signal tubes can really open up the organic tone a good tube preamp is capable of...If memory serves that amp uses Mosfet for output,I would think it has the possibility of some world class sound...
sunshdw's avatar
sunshdw
252 posts
 
I know Fyne Audio makes floor standers in that price range, I believe its the F303
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
Thanks for your response  freediver. Do you have any suggestion for tubes under 100$ for pair. 

Thanks
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
@sunshdw  Unfortunately We don't have ant Fyne audio dealers here 
steve59's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
steve59
1,762 posts
 
dealer is using pathos integrated with paradigm persona with excellent results. most natural presentation you could ask for.
sunshdw's avatar
sunshdw
252 posts
 
@celestial_sound there isn't one near me either, I ordered a set and they have a return policy. I'm in Central CA and there's a dealer in SoCal so it worked out for shipping. I'm running a pair of Schiit Aegirs to the F501 and I'm beyond impressed with them, they aren't going back. 
simao's avatar
simao
1,819 posts
 
I have used Spatial M3 Turbo S's with my Pathos and love the combination. The Spatial's 4 ohm allow the Pathos to deliver 140 watts. I've been thinking of getting another Pathos to bridge.

However, the Spatials might be out of your range. In that case, I'd recommend the Dalis
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
I just got an offer for a pair of used Monitor Audio Silver 500 in mint condition for 1000$ . I'm thinking seriously to pull the trigger ..
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
I demoed the Monitor Audio Silver 500 driven by the pathos, but i wasn't impressed. I suspect it was the room, i could feel but not hear the bass. Also the overall sound was somehow lifeless and thin.
Now i have another offer from my dealer for the new Dynaudio Emit M30 series but they don't have them on stock so i wont be able to demo them. I was wondering if anyone of you have any experience with Dynaudios.

Thanks
simao's avatar
simao
1,819 posts
 
Any update on this? And gave you considered Triangles? 
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
I demoed an old pair of Dynaudio contur 1 mk2 with the pathos, and i was pretty impressed.  I was ready to pull the trigger on new the new Emit M30 series but than suddenly a friend of mine convinced me to demo the Q Acoustics 3050i before i make any final decision.  God ... those inexpensive speakers (800$) almost half the price of dynaudios sounded so good on the pathos. The soundstage was 3D holographic  very deep and wide, the bass was punchy and defined (bit uncontrolled on a moments), the vocals and the piano were in the air well beyond the speakers. I thought to my self this should stop here :) So i ordered a pair and I'm enjoing them right now with Bill Evans Trio :) 
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
Here is a picture that i took today :) 
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10222851179887080&set=g.2066685206902784
simao's avatar
simao
1,819 posts
 
Sweet! And they sound good that close to the wall?
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
Currently they are 300mm from the back wall and QAcoustics recommends  ≥ 200mm. However I'm still experimenting with the positioning and toeing in
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