ELAC Carina BS243.4 vs Polk R200 (with WiiM devices)

[d00]

Hello!

I currently have ELAC Carina BS243.4 speakers, which play with WiiM Ultra + WiiM Vibelink Amp.
I wonder how the Polk R200 would work for me and whether it is worth trying with such a set.
I like the sound of the ELAC Carina BS243.4, but sometimes I have the impression that the mass of bass is too much in relation to the treble. It would be nice if these treble (like hi-hat for example) resounded very accurately. In addition, I want a very natural sound - the color of the instruments as in the recording, not colored too much. If so, I prefer the warmer side.

I like playing with power, I like weighted vocals, I like mass in the sound at the bottom and top of the band. I like light "V"/"U", but playing warmly, not too cold and bright.
At the same time, they irritate me and I don't like it when the vocals (especially women's) are stinging in sound and too bright. I don't like the "robotic" voice.
I listen to some jazz, but more calm rock, not too strong - I mean rock ballads of the 80s and 90s, some new music also but mostly pop/alternative. In addition, the set is to be used for watching movies and series.

What is my problem is frequent silent listening + a fairly small room - 4.5m x 2.5m. I don't know if the R200 will cope compared to Carinas.
Maybe someone had a similar set for comparison?

ELAC Carina BS243.4 measurements: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...arina-bs243-4-review-bookshelf-speaker.34398/
Polk R200 measurements: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...nd-measurements-a-really-nice-surprise.23502/

 

[AnalogSteph]

Odds are you don't need different speakers, you need room correction - overwhelming bass suggests trouble with room modes, which is very common (and your room with near-identical width and heigh doesn't make it any better). Your WiiM Ultra should have the required computing power for PEQ, now all that's missing is the equipment for taking some measurements. The most econonomical route in that regard is going to depend on your location on this planet.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @d00! Welcome to ASR.

The R200 will give you less bass below 300Hz:

(dashed=R200)

I'd recommend you try importing the PEQ preset attached below to your WiiM Ultra (and temporarily disabling any other user EQ/room correction)

This will give you a demo of the R200's bass response and tonal balance, to see if it's what you're looking for.

Which brings up a valid point though: why not just fix your gripes with the Elac's tonality using the WiiM's PEQ?

Edit:
FWIW, here's a comparison of these speakers' directivity:

 

[d00]

Thank you so much! I'll test it later!

 

[d00]

Hi @d00! Welcome to ASR.

The R200 will give you less bass below 300Hz:
View attachment 450364
(dashed=R200)

I'd recommend you try importing the PEQ preset attached below to your WiiM Ultra (and temporarily disabling any other user EQ/room correction)

This will give you a demo of the R200's bass response and tonal balance, to see if it's what you're looking for.

Which brings up a valid point though: why not just fix your gripes with the Elac's tonality using the WiiM's PEQ?

Edit:
FWIW, here's a comparison of these speakers' directivity:
View attachment 450368 View attachment 450369

OK. I tested, I checked. It didn't play bad. I decided to take a good price opportunity and bought R200. It's cool with Ultra+Vibelink. I prefer this sound than ELAC Carina. I have the impression that the sound has brightened a little, but not too much. It's just right. I hear more details at the higher sounds. I think I’m staying with Polk.

 

[staticV3]

OK. I tested, I checked. It didn't play bad. I decided to take a good price opportunity and bought R200. It's cool with Ultra+Vibelink. I prefer this sound than ELAC Carina. I have the impression that the sound has brightened a little, but not too much. It's just right. I hear more details at the higher sounds. I think I’m staying with Polk.

Once you have the R200, give this EQ a try as well:

Preamp: -3.4 dB

Filter  1: ON PK Fc    51 Hz Gain +2.89 dB Q 0.92
Filter  2: ON PK Fc   134 Hz Gain +0.68 dB Q 0.26
Filter  3: ON PK Fc   910 Hz Gain +2.51 dB Q 2.97
Filter  4: ON PK Fc  1046 Hz Gain -3.75 dB Q 2.97
Filter  5: ON PK Fc  2579 Hz Gain +0.99 dB Q 2.86
Filter  6: ON PK Fc  5165 Hz Gain -0.83 dB Q 1.27
Filter  7: ON PK Fc 14134 Hz Gain -1.88 dB Q 1.49

It corrects the R200's anechoic response.

That still leaves you with three bands to cut room modes.

With room modes handled, if there's still too much bass, disable the first two filters above.

 

[LADO_B]

Once you have the R200, give this EQ a try as well:
View attachment 450931

Preamp: -3.4 dB

Filter  1: ON PK Fc    51 Hz Gain +2.89 dB Q 0.92
Filter  2: ON PK Fc   134 Hz Gain +0.68 dB Q 0.26
Filter  3: ON PK Fc   910 Hz Gain +2.51 dB Q 2.97
Filter  4: ON PK Fc  1046 Hz Gain -3.75 dB Q 2.97
Filter  5: ON PK Fc  2579 Hz Gain +0.99 dB Q 2.86
Filter  6: ON PK Fc  5165 Hz Gain -0.83 dB Q 1.27
Filter  7: ON PK Fc 14134 Hz Gain -1.88 dB Q 1.49

It corrects the R200's anechoic response.

That still leaves you with three bands to cut room modes.

With room modes handled, if there's still too much bass, disable the first two filters above.

Sorry my ignorance but what does the "Preamp: -3.4 dB" value means? I use the wiim app PEQ and it doesn't have this config.

 

[staticV3]

Sorry my ignorance but what does the "Preamp: -3.4 dB" value means? I use the wiim app PEQ and it doesn't have this config.

It means that the EQ preset has a peak gain of +3.4dB, requiring -3.4dB of preamplification to compensate, so that digital clipping cannot occur.

How WiiM handle EQ preamplification on their products, I don't know.

You could look into it yourself using a Hifime UR23, or consult their customer support via the App or the WiiM Forum.

 

[d00]

Sorry my ignorance but what does the "Preamp: -3.4 dB" value means? I use the wiim app PEQ and it doesn't have this config.

Settings -> Audio Input -> Pre-Gain. I think it can only be set there.

 

[LADO_B]

Settings -> Audio Input -> Pre-Gain. I think it can only be set there.

Thank you