Speakers for loud listening. really loud...


Hi, I own a nice little McIntosh/Totem system and I absolutely love the sound for most music, especially piano and cello stuff.

As much as I love classical music, I also listen to some heavy rock/metal music. My McIntosh MC7300 amp can output plenty of power, but according to Totem's website, my Totem Hawk loudspeakers can only handle about 120W of power. These speakers are beautiful both aesthetically and sonically, but they have pretty low sensitivity (86dB).

Whenever I want to listen to heavy music such as Tool, Incubus, Metalica, etc, I keep on reminding myself to watch the power amp's watt meter to make sure it doesn't go over 150W, although I sometimes let it go over 200W for a short time. Even at that level, the sound isn't satisfyingly loud enough for me.

I love the Totem sound, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a good rock/metal speakers. The price range should be below $2500 used and I'd like them to have a good power handling. Oh and the speakers don't necessarily need to be produced by Totem. One last thing, my listening room's pretty small, if not tiny (10 x 13ish).

Thanks,
spacekadet
I used to own a pair of Polk SDA SRS's manufacutured in 1987. At the time, I powered them with a pair of Acurus A150's. Pre was also Acurus. Those things seemed to play loud, louder, stupid loud, and beyond with no effort at all and absolutely no distortion. Some folks think there a bit on the large side standing five foot three and 21-22 inches wide and 14 inches deep and weighing in at like 195lb. I often wish I still had them.
I have 2 systems for that very purpose. My Loud music speakers are in fact Klipsch La Scalas vintage 1979, powered by an old solid state Acoustic Research power amp. There is a myth that these speakers sound best with low power this is not the case. They are very efficient 104db/W/M but bass resolution from the 15 inch woofers was only achieved with a powerful amp. You will rip your ears off before you reach their capacity. Not any power amp will do however, if the Macs are edgy or hashy when pushed the Klipsch will exagerate this because their is no sweet roll off in the treble. I have the Heresys as well which might be a cheaper alternative to get a taste of the sound. I like it loud enough that some respected contributors to this site call it my jet engine system. Good luck
OK Sean, I'll bite! You said, "...my idea of "rocking" is probably MUCH different from that of most folks...". Care to clarify that statement?