Speakers "Too Big" for room

@pawlowski6132 

Brilliant speakers (I should know)

Mine play in a room 3x the size, so I can only guess at how they might behave in a smaller room. Sealed bass, open-baffle mids, front- and rear-facing ribbons; ideally they like a lot of space around them but I imagine they will sound fine at low to moderate sound levels, and they do sound fantastic even at quiet volumes.

RS-II need a LOT of power if they’re going to give their best. Think 4-500wpc @ 4 ohms, and stable to 2 ohms. They are nominally 4 ohm speakers, but their impedance curve dips to 2 ohms around 100Hz and above 10 kHz.

Rebuilding the crossovers should be considered. Unlike the RS-IIa and IIb, the RS-II are not bi-ampable.

You’d have to spend lowish five figures in today’s market to approximate their level of performance. Give them the amplification they need and I think you’ll love them.

Happy listening!

@pawlowski6132 

The only germane data point I can offer is that I tried a stock Carver M500 with my RS-II, and it was immediately clear that better amplification would be needed. Currently I am running Classé monoblocks that are up to the task, but I can't say they have too much power.

I'm familiar with Nelion but I have no direct experience with their mods. Looking at the power claims they make though, I would venture that they perpetuate Bob Carver's legacy in more ways than one 😀

Based on your musical preferences and expected listening sound levels, your modified Carver will most likely drive your speakers to your satisfaction. Enjoy!