Devore O/96 vs Stenheim Alumine 2


Looking for some high efficient speakers for my secondary listening room / Den.   15' wide by 11' deep by 9'5" tall.  I've always wanted the Devore O/96 speakers but worried that I would have to keep them very close to the front, 6", wall and they are ported on the back.  Probably too big of speakers for the room and should look at the O/93 or baby.  Plug the ports on the O/96?

But we will probably move into a larger home where I would have more space.  

A good friend recommended Stenheim Alumine 2, efficient speakers and ported in the front.  Worried they might be too small if/when we move into a larger home.

Want this room to be a warm sounding room, lots of texture, jazz and female vocalist, low volume levels, vinyl, possibly tubes but maybe low power class A.

Thoughts?

 

chauncey

Big picture, the Stenheims are much easier to place than Devores (I've heard one audiophile joke that "Devore" is a Dutch word meaning "space from walls"...lot of truth in that). 

The Devores have an overt personality (warmth and texture), whereas the Stenheims are more neutral and transparent to recordings and electronics. If consistent warmth/texture is the goal, can definitely achieve that in a system featuring either speaker.

(PM'ed you if you have more questions)

 

I've heard the Stenheims are easier to place.  Can you plug the ports on the Devores?  Wife likes the look of the Devores over the Stenheims.  

Devore loves space. Mine had two ports and didn’t come with plugs. I’ve auditioned the Stenheim 5 and 2 for a friend - the 2 is bass shy to me. I’d try and step up to the 3 in the line. 

If you really have Devores on the brain, the o/baby is what might work in that room. Easier to place than 96 obviously.

On the Stenheim 2 being bass shy — I hear it as a high-resolution (not one note) and linear bass, there’s no artificial bass bump/boost. You can of course increase bass response by bringing the speaker closer to walls (it likes walls, whereas the devores don’t).

 

A new room is best idea. If not, Larsen 9s are great on the wall. Audio Notes on the wall near corners. Choose appropriate matching amp after deciding on speakers. Totally agree that any rear ported speaker will need >3ft behind it. Cheers,

Spencer