Floor Standing Speaker Recommendations

[cscs]

The MA Bronze are 2,5 way speakers: The tweeter covers the highs. One 8 inch midwoofer covers the mids and lows, the other 8 inch woofer covers the lows.

The MA Silver are 3 way speakers: The tweeter covers the highs. One 3 inch midrange covers the mids. Two 8 inch woofers cover the lows.

There is a problem with the configuration of the Bronzes: The 8 inch midwoofer covering the mids. An 8 inch driver will get directional at it´s upper frequency range (the larger the diameter of the driver is in relation to the wavelength, the narrower it´s directivity is going to be). So in the upper mids the Bronzes will have a quite narrow directivity, that is no good match to the wide directivity of the tweeter. In your room this will probably result in too little energy at the upper bound of the midwoofer („lack of presence“). The Silver on the other hand employ a small 3 inch midrange, that will be a better directivity match to the wide dispersion of the tweeter.

In this class of speakers I would take a look at the Polk R700.

Review by Erin with full Spinorama: https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/polk_r700/

Thanks for this comparison. The 2.5 way configuration is something is something I'm not totally familiar with so this breakdown is helpful.

I'm going to look into Polk R700. It looks like there are a few places that have them on sale right now.

I'm wondering if anyone else here has any experience with the Paradigm SE 8000f's. I haven't been able to find many quality reviews of that speaker.

 

[cscs]

The MA Bronze are 2,5 way speakers: The tweeter covers the highs. One 8 inch midwoofer covers the mids and lows, the other 8 inch woofer covers the lows.

The MA Silver are 3 way speakers: The tweeter covers the highs. One 3 inch midrange covers the mids. Two 8 inch woofers cover the lows.

There is a problem with the configuration of the Bronzes: The 8 inch midwoofer covering the mids. An 8 inch driver will get directional at it´s upper frequency range (the larger the diameter of the driver is in relation to the wavelength, the narrower it´s directivity is going to be). So in the upper mids the Bronzes will have a quite narrow directivity, that is no good match to the wide directivity of the tweeter. In your room this will probably result in too little energy at the upper bound of the midwoofer („lack of presence“). The Silver on the other hand employ a small 3 inch midrange, that will be a better directivity match to the wide dispersion of the tweeter.

In this class of speakers I would take a look at the Polk R700.

Review by Erin with full Spinorama: https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/polk_r700/

I ended up going with the R700's. Polk were running a nice 30% off deal on them for Black Friday so the timing couldn't have been better. Thank you very much for that recommendation! They are checking all the boxes for me so far and they pump out an impressive amount of sub bass for a floor stander. I have an Emotiva BasX A2 and a Wiim Ultra on the way to power these.

 

[Doenerkunde]

I ended up going with the R700's. Polk were running a nice 30% off deal on them for Black Friday so the timing couldn't have been better. Thank you very much for that recommendation! They are checking all the boxes for me so far and they pump out an impressive amount of sub bass for a floor stander. I have an Emotiva BasX A2 and a Wiim Ultra on the way to power these.

Glad to hear that! I think you made a good choice.

Potential next step: With the Wiim Ultra comes the possibility of parametric equalizing (selectively making specific frequencies or frequency bands relatively louder or quiter, which can be a game changer, since in real rooms the low frequencies can be plagued by peaks and dips depending on the speakers and listeners position). All you would need for that is a simple measurement mic (eg MiniDSP Umik 1 or Dayton MM-6) and the free software REW (room equalizing wizzard). There are countless tutorials online and the REW software is quite intuitive. The process can be fun and a real learning experience. The Wiim app makes toying around with equalizing a real breeze.

 

[cscs]

Glad to hear that! I think you made a good choice.

Potential next step: With the Wiim Ultra comes the possibility of parametric equalizing (selectively making specific frequencies or frequency bands relatively louder or quiter, which can be a game changer, since in real rooms the low frequencies can be plagued by peaks and dips depending on the speakers and listeners position). All you would need for that is a simple measurement mic (eg MiniDSP Umik 1 or Dayton MM-6) and the free software REW (room equalizing wizzard). There are countless tutorials online and the REW software is quite intuitive. The process can be fun and a real learning experience. The Wiim app makes toying around with equalizing a real breeze.

Some initial REW measurements are what initially lead me down this path to re-do my set up. So will definitely be re-measuring soon as the new amp + Wiim arrive.

I'm running a Wiim Amp right now so am looking forward to see how much of a difference the Emotiva makes. The set up is already loud enough with the Wiim Amp even at 30% volume. So I'm hoping the Emotiva is able to improve definition of low end frequencies. For example, on tracks that have fast rhythmic bass guitar/synth the notes are not as staccato as they should be and kinda blending together - not the case on studio monitors.

 

[Penelinfi]

My main goal is a speaker upgrade that is able to do a great job with 60 - 250 Hz range for improved punch from kick/bass. I'm less concerned with the sub bass range and I think that range is going to be more problematic for the neighbours, especially the unit below mine.

My range is $2-3k USD for the pair.

Thanks for the suggestion about KEF. I'm going to check out the Q11.

You know what annoys me when it comes to "neighbour's" music? Boom boom doouughhh!

Guess what frequency range that's in? 60-250Hz

Sub bass is generally only an issue when it actually starts rattling things

Things you can do to mitigate some sound transfer is good positioning of speakers and listening position so that you are not in a bass null in the regions you like.
Isolation from the floor with dedicated feet and or heavy base plus thick absorber foam/rubber between heavy base and speaker.
Small subwoofer nearby to help fill in bass null and provide louder to you bass while not filling the room as much.
Maybe some room treatments - may provide more clarity.

 

[beagleman]

I ended up going with the R700's. Polk were running a nice 30% off deal on them for Black Friday so the timing couldn't have been better. Thank you very much for that recommendation! They are checking all the boxes for me so far and they pump out an impressive amount of sub bass for a floor stander. I have an Emotiva BasX A2 and a Wiim Ultra on the way to power these.

I was going to mention the Polk, but you beat me to it, with your purchase!!

Looking forward to more "impressions" and how happy you are with them...!!

 

[PGansz]

I ended up going with the R700's. Polk were running a nice 30% off deal on them for Black Friday so the timing couldn't have been better. Thank you very much for that recommendation! They are checking all the boxes for me so far and they pump out an impressive amount of sub bass for a floor stander. I have an Emotiva BasX A2 and a Wiim Ultra on the way to power these.

The R series have very low impedance and electrical phase angles which require serious current. I would highly recommend you move to an amp that is rated down to 2ohms for the most stable performance.