Need advice on speaker upgrade vs amp vs nothing

[ohsyou]

I currently have a 5.1 surround with the following components:

AVR: Marantz sr7011 (125w per channel)
Center: B&W CM Centre S2
L+R: B&W CM8 S2
Sub: B&W ASW608
Rear: Definitive Technology 2-way surround speakers

I don't typically want a ton of volume, but I'd like to have as good quality front speakers as I can afford. At times my current speakers are a little fatiguing. I've been wondering if my speakers are being fully utilized or if I just need better speakers. Seems like the SR7011 should power them okay, but I am curious if adding a 3-channel amp would make a big difference or if I should just get new speakers like the Q Acoustics 5040/5050 and a 5090 center. Not sure if anyone has advice based on that info. I have been looking at Buckeye Amps like the PURIFI 1ET65625SA 3-channel amp or just keep the SR7011 powering some higher sensitive speakers like I mentioned earlier.

Thanks in advance!

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[Holmz]

Speaker are almost always where one gets the most bang for the buck.
They are also the higher source of distortion, and have the hard job of transducing then electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Difficult to driver speakers do however usually require an amplifier that might have more capability to drive a difficult load.

There is no dishonour in going slow and staying with what you have, while you carefully make a path forward.

 

[kemmler3D]

I've been wondering if my speakers are being fully utilized or if I just need better speakers.

Probably the latter.

125 wpc is probably about enough if you're not turning it up all the way.

The CM8 S2 has some clear issues in the midrange: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...t-speaker-youve-ever-heard.37298/post-1314831

The QAcoustics might actually be more fatiguing than the B&W though: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...0-floorstanding-speaker-review-by-erin.50859/ (note the rising treble response and somewhat similar issues in the midrange) - it's a better speaker in some ways, but you may not like the direction it takes you from the B&Ws.

In this price range (maybe a little more) I'd have a look at the KEF Q11 or Q7 meta, there is also a matching center channel. Having heard both B&W and KEF over a long period of time, I think you will find KEF to be really clear and more relaxing to the ear.

ELAC also has some nice speakers in this price range, I think the DBF63 is a pretty strong value with matching center options.

And welcome to ASR!

 

[ohsyou]

Thanks so much for the replies, this is great info. I certainly don't want to get another set of speakers with similar issues so thanks for pointing that out. The KEF speakers look great and there are quite a few reviews singing their praises, but I can't find much on the Q6, which is the center. The same goes for the ELAC DC63, there just isn't much info out there and the center seems to be the workhorse in a home theater environment. I did see this thread that looks promising: https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/kef-q-meta-is-coming.57186/post-2182052

I'm also looking into the SVS Ultra line with the SVS Ultra Evolution Center with the Pinnacle towers. Not sure if there is any advice based on that info. Also, with the KEFs, ELCs and SVS speakers, would any of those require an external amp?

 

[dfiler]

Fatiguing sound can be the room rather than the gear. You've got some nice stuff. I'd focus on room treatment if you haven't already.

 

[kemmler3D]

with the KEFs, ELCs and SVS speakers, would any of those require an external amp?

I think they all do, but you have one already that will probably be loud enough for most situations.

The bookshelf version of the ELAC is reviewed here: https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/elac_db63/ (looks okay) and you would expect the floorstanders to be about the same with more bass, since they appear to use the same tweeter / waveguide / mid. On second thought I think these might be a little harsh also.

With KEF you would probably expect the center to be about the same as the mains, since I think they use the same mid / tweeter on each. I think the center is really important for dialogue but for music I don't think it gets used. (much?) I personally get by without a center. I have KEFs and the stereo image is very solid / smooth.

If you have the $$ to go for the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle stuff, you can do much better than what I've recommended so far, though. Some really good (better than SVS) options open up in the $5K/pair range. Like the KEF LS60 or R series!

But also stuff from Ascend Acoustics, the higher-end ELAC stuff, Philharmonic BMR towers (not sure about measurements but people love them around here) etc. etc.

You could also even start looking at some of the nicer studio monitor + sub pairings. Lots to think about if the budget goes up to $5K/pr.

 

[ohsyou]

I think they all do, but you have one already that will probably be loud enough for most situations.

The bookshelf version of the ELAC is reviewed here: https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/elac_db63/ (looks okay) and you would expect the floorstanders to be about the same with more bass, since they appear to use the same tweeter / waveguide / mid. On second thought I think these might be a little harsh also.

With KEF you would probably expect the center to be about the same as the mains, since I think they use the same mid / tweeter on each. I think the center is really important for dialogue but for music I don't think it gets used. (much?) I personally get by without a center. I have KEFs and the stereo image is very solid / smooth.

If you have the $$ to go for the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle stuff, you can do much better than what I've recommended so far, though. Some really good (better than SVS) options open up in the $5K/pair range. Like the KEF LS60 or R series!

But also stuff from Ascend Acoustics, the higher-end ELAC stuff, Philharmonic BMR towers (not sure about measurements but people love them around here) etc. etc.

You could also even start looking at some of the nicer studio monitor + sub pairings. Lots to think about if the budget goes up to $5K/pr.

Oh, my mistake.. I left out an important word in the SVS towers. I was looking at the SVS PRIME PINNACLE floor standing speakers ($899 each) with the Ultra Evolution Center ($799) since it's the main speaker for movies. I am NOT in the $5K club.. lol. Sorry for the lack of clarity on that.

I saw Erin review the KEF Q CONCERTO META speakers and he really liked them. This is also a nice video comparing them to the ELAC DB63, which seem like a great deal as you mentioned before.

The Q Concerto are $1300/pair, plus the Q6 for $800 for a total of $2100 seems like a pretty interesting combo to me (less than the SVS combo, which is more like $2600) and I think the sound quality seems like it would be good even at lower volumes. I am trying to see if I can hear them at a Best Buy Magnolia, but they are pretty new. If not, I may find some place that has a good return policy that will allow me to try before I buy.

I have not done much on room treatment as @dfiler mentioned. My room is pretty open, but does have a relatively low ceiling so not sure how much of a benefit I would get, but definitely worth digging into so thanks for that mention!

 

[kemmler3D]

Oh, my mistake.. I left out an important word in the SVS towers. I was looking at the SVS PRIME PINNACLE floor standing speakers ($899 each) with the Ultra Evolution Center ($799) since it's the main speaker for movies. I am NOT in the $5K club.. lol. Sorry for the lack of clarity on that.

I saw Erin review the KEF Q CONCERTO META speakers and he really liked them. This is also a nice video comparing them to the ELAC DB63, which seem like a great deal as you mentioned before.

The Q Concerto are $1300/pair, plus the Q6 for $800 for a total of $2100 seems like a pretty interesting combo to me (less than the SVS combo, which is more like $2600) and I think the sound quality seems like it would be good even at lower volumes. I am trying to see if I can hear them at a Best Buy Magnolia, but they are pretty new. If not, I may find some place that has a good return policy that will allow me to try before I buy.

I have not done much on room treatment as @dfiler mentioned. My room is pretty open, but does have a relatively low ceiling so not sure how much of a benefit I would get, but definitely worth digging into so thanks for that mention!

Sounds like a good plan to me!

IME KEF stuff is perfectly good at lower volumes but hearing in person is definitely worth more than some guy's opinion on the internet.