I think I'm more a focused-sound kinda guy. I do move around, but the critical part of my brain is really up and running when I'm in the sweet spot.
It makes it easier with room treatments if the dispersion is not wide.
I think I'm more a focused-sound kinda guy. I do move around, but the critical part of my brain is really up and running when I'm in the sweet spot.
Absolutely. The main treatment I have is 2 thick acoustic panels on the back wall behind the listener's head. The difference there for the person sitting down, compared to anywhere else in the room, is the greatest.It makes it easier with room treatments if the dispersion is not wide.
I will take a shot at answering your original question. If I understand correctly, you are looking for a quality build with good quality crossover components. Reference 3A Dulcets or MM De Capos are 2 possible choices. Links show the “old” color which is now gloss piano black. The mid-woofer runs full range and the crossover is first order to the tweeter with a high quality film cap. They used Mundorf at one point but found a replacement of equal quality for less bucks. The only other components are a zobel network - also high quality components. You will need a subwoofer for bottom octave bass with both speakers if you want a full range system. The cabinet bracing and build finish are also first rate. I own a pair of their floor standers - Grand Veenas - and they are very satisfying. I also have heard both their monitor speakers on many occasions and properly set up with bass support can be outstanding.Alright, allow me to put things into perspective, because I see that most comments here assume I'm a noob and don't really answer my question. I'm not. It's a 20 year old hobby, while 3 years out of which were spent in hifi retail, in which I developed a healthy amount of skepticism (and wasn't great at my job as a result). Also, I'm well aware that GR is very unreliable (much like the annoying hack from ps audio). It doesn't take a genious to understand that he has a clear intetest (selling his kits), and that he's a snake oil guy (putting out videos with rediculous claims about iec cables etc.). However, this doesn't mean that he's wrong about the use of penny components, and it doesn't mean this guy is the my only source of information.
So, in short, for my money, I want speakers built with more than the bare minimum. Why? Because I'm not just buying sound (I know, outragious) I'm also buying an expensive product, and an expensive product, in my book, has to be made of more than the bare minimum. In light of this, can anyone please provide some recommendations? Or perhaps what I'm looking for just isn't there?
P.s., The Polks are great, but I've owned better speakers before, especially Dynaudio comes to mind. I therefore consider to have a look at the Contour 20i, but they're over my budget. Also, I'm not sure they're not using minimal components just as other brands do.
Useless, I would advise to watch even more. Up to the point of over-saturation. Only pain makes the addictive think, not insight.You might want to consider cutting back on your consumption of Danny Richie videos!
Because he pays an arm and a leg, and expects the product to reflect that in every aspect. Like I've written above, some of us don't just buy a result. See my example regarding cars.Why would a consumer think of "parts quality"?
Problem is, You do not know too much about the qualification of a "part". K.E.F.'s BBC speakers once had the cheapest "parts", but were held as a reference, literally.Because he pays an arm and a leg, and expects the product to reflect that in every aspect. Like I've written above, some of us don't just buy a result. See my example regarding cars.
So .. you want to pay more just ... to pay more?!Because he pays an arm and a leg, and expects the product to reflect that in every aspect.
But. If the OP just likes his stuff a little over engineered? That’s not a sin right?
This right here is exactly why I generally avoid forums.Problem is, You do not know too much about the qualification of a "part". K.E.F.'s BBC speakers once had the cheapest "parts", but were held as a reference, literally.
What I understand from Your "car" example is the need to be blinded by irrelevant expenses (that You only then spend an arm and a leg for), brand-name voodoo like many audio-buffs, who, in my book, do not qualify by that. The car example is anyway mistaken, as what is under the hood can and shall be accessed, and the door thump is experienced during regular use.
If You want an example which fits better, ask for the shine of the pistons, or the color of the crank. To see the "quality parts" needs to dismantle, and by that defunct the speaker!
And again, I dare to say You do not know what quality is, actually.
Thanks, more and more this seems to be the direction. Especially given that extra edge in the bass section over regular stand-sized speakers.It all seems to go full circle. With no subwoofer you are looking at the BMR Bookshelves. they have it all, all the other recommendations are fairly good speakers but most lack bass and would need a sub. My opinion is to buy the BMR and let us know what you think. Most anyone who has owned them seems to say they are fantastic. What more do you want then fantastic? Plus, the finish on the cabinets is suppose to be top notch world class. They should meet all of your requirements. So, I'm saying BUY! I want to hear what you think of them.
I prefer having 5 - 10 yrs of warranty over rolling the dice on used equipment. Especially when you cannot really tell how it has been treated by the previous owner, has already been repaired ect.I don't see why so many people are against purchasing used speakers.
Finemen is just looking for a reaction....This right here is exactly why I generally avoid forums.
It is funny how often the description of used equipment contains things like, only played for 20 hours despite being 15 years old. Or my favorite, it’s never been around smokers but there is a 2-inch gash in the MDF.I prefer having 5 - 10 yrs of warranty over rolling the dice on used equipment. Especially when you cannot really tell how it has been treated by the previous owner, has already been repaired ect.
I prefer having 5 - 10 yrs of warranty over rolling the dice on used equipment. Especially when you cannot really tell how it has been treated by the previous owner, has already been repaired ect.
I agree if they are passive speakers. I have some 20 year old b&w speakers where the rubber ring around the woofer and mid started to get brittle. Needed a fix, did it myself. But for the most part repairs with passives are pretty simple and not overly expensive. Active speakers and electronics just have more that may go wrong. For amps with a cap upgrade I love to see a receipt If I buy used. But even cap upgrades aren’t too bad if you make friends with a tech at your local shop or have the DIY skills.Okay I should have been more clear. I only purchase used speakers locally, there is no rolling of the dice if you inspect them thoroughly. Inspect cabinet, make sure all drivers are working properly. If they are over 20 years old and contain electrolytic capacitors in the balance network I'll just replace them for fresh ones. Film caps pretty much last a lifetime easy unless damaged, it would be pretty obvious if something was not functional.
I've never purchased used speakers that were a waste of money, often it's the opposite where i sell them for more than i paid. I just picked up a pair of Klipsch Heresy's from 1975, the balance networks are pretty simple, a total of 6 polyester caps were replaced, two 13uF and four 2uF. Drivers were all in amazing condition and cabinets were almost perfect except for a small piece of veneer chipped off a corner about 1" easily fixable. Total cost $500 for great efficient speakers. I know some of the locals here turn their nose up at these types of speakers but I like them a lot, they just sound very good. I have plenty of friends with much more expensive speakers tell me my setup is one of the best in the group. I also have some 1982 La Scalas from Klipsch, 105db at 1 watt fully horn loaded 3 ways, they work very well in larger rooms and put you right in the concert hall.
PWK did pretty good for the tools he had to work with.
So .. you want to pay more just ... to pay more?!
I mean you got two choices:
Speaker with El-Cheapo parts -> Absurd markup -> Retail price.
Speaker with Deluxe parts -> Even absurder markup -> Retail price.
No matter how you slice it, the absurd markup will see to it, that you NEVER get "your money's worth" in terms of part quality. You will always pay way, way more than the speaker would actually be worth in terms of materials, R&D and labor.
Loudspeaker manufacturers are in it to make a killing and rob you blind, if you let them. Simple as that.
There is only one objective way around this: Taking complete control yourself.
Design and build speakers yourself.