Auditioning new Floorstanding Speakers - any hints for a shortlist?

[monoclepop]

Hi Guys,

 

I'm looking around for set of new floorstanders. I currently have some rubbishy wharfdale things - which I bought about five years ago for around 60% off RRP. I guess I've got my monies worth, so it's only appropriate that I begin the long delayed upgrade path to a more substantial system.

 

 

Amplification

Power is currently supplied by a sweet sounding 50W vintage sansui integrated whish is far too good for my current chipboard boom-and-sizzle-makers. About 15kg worth - it's not an insubstantial piece of kit. By the end of the year I'll be looking to upgrade to something NZ made - something like the 150W Eloquence from Perreaux with a phonostage and dac plugged in the back. I'm a sucker for an internal blue chassis though, so don't count out the competition...

 

Sauce

I'll be investing in a respectable DAC at the same time as the speakers (dacmagic maybe), which will form 70% of my listening - 2 channel movie from DVD, music from CD and my growing collection of harddrives. My ole Lenco Goldring turntable plays mainly lo-fi Flying Nun 45's, so it'll only be upgraded it if and when it dies. Sound quality isn't an issue at the vinyl end of the spectrum.

 

Room

I've a fairly large apartment for these - 5.5m x 10m, and neighbours I'd like the ability to occasionally annoy.

 

Music

I watch a lot of films, I listen to a lot of rock, indie, hip-hop, jazz, dub, lo-fi and grunty electonic influenced post-punk pop. I thrash Django Rheinhardt, and love NWA. While I only listen to smattering of classical I can still tell you I prefer du Pre's interpretation of the opening stanza of Elgar's Cello Concerto to Yo-yo Ma's, even if she is completely barking mad.

 

 

What I'm Looking For

I'm hunting for a decent pair of floor standing speakers that'll reward me for some time as I upgrade the rest of my system. I'm not expecting to release the full potential with the amplification I have now, but nor am I wanting something that'll only shine with a 400W monoblock plugged into each speaker. Something that'll show a little form with my solid 50W now, and blow me away when I stick in a couple of hundred watts.

 

I'm not anally retentive about music. I don't mind colouration or something that is less than accurate - but I'm searching for something musical, engaging, forgiving and flattering of my gear and the recording. I want a gutsy presence with movies.

 

It has to look good - speakers are first and formost a piece of furniture. I have some pretty cool digs, and I'd hate to ruin it with some gawd-awful looking towers in the corner.

 

The current list of models I'm considering auditioning:

 

Image 414, Illusion, Revalations

Not sure what to make of this list. With only $1200 between the top and the bottom layer it seems silly to shop at the low end. I've been lusting over 414 or equivalent since the late nineties.

The look is a little dated nowadays, but they're NZ made. Some retailers have awful things to say, but others differ. Clearly my ears will sort this out.

Anywhere to audition in Wellington?

 

Energy RC50, RC70

Not sure how Energy stack up, but I've heard good things. The ugliest speakers I'd consider. Anyone have any input how these compare?

 

Sonus Faber - Domus Concerto or (gulp) Grand Piano

I am in love with the look of these babies. I haven't found a wellington dealer, so am not sure if the Concerto can shift enough air to survive in my larger space. As for the GP - scathing review on Audioenz, fawning review on Totallywired. Uncomfortably outside my price range, but I'm a sucker for real wood and leather. I like the loose-but-tuneful-interpretation ethos of SF - could consider blowing budget if I find the sound is all that some reviewers claim.

 

Monitor Audio something or other from $2k-5k

I read good reviews internationally, but again this seems divorced from the NZ market reality. Comments?

 

The rest

Rega, Kef, Mission, Polk... none of these are really shaking my tree, but maybe I haven't been asking the right questions or talking to the right people.

 

Something else

????????

 

 

So again it comes down to the quick criteria: I don't mind colouration or something that is less than accurate - but I'm searching for something musical, engaging, forgiving and flattering of my gear and the recording. I want a gutsy presence with movies.

 

Trying to keep the lid on things at around 5k, which might only be twisted up by something like the SF GP in teak. As a piece of furniture those babies look delicious...

[curiousgeorgenz]

Check out Totem Acoustic at Real Music Company.

[aarond1553552714]

Sonus Faber - Domus Concerto or (gulp) Grand Piano

I am in love with the look of these babies. I haven't found a wellington dealer' date=' so am not sure if the Concerto can shift enough air to survive in my larger space. As for the GP - scathing review on Audioenz, fawning review on Totallywired. Uncomfortably outside my price range, but I'm a sucker for real wood and leather. I like the loose-but-tuneful-interpretation ethos of SF - could consider blowing budget if I find the sound is all that some reviewers claim.

QUOTE']

 

Hi Dusty, sorry to pare down your post in the quote - but I really must say to ignore/treat with a grain of salt the audioenz review of the SF GPs. I remain baffled to this day why the esteemed reviewer's experience was so different to what mine was and remains to this day, every day, with my beloved speakers.

 

Check the internet for more glowing reviews. They may be coloured and slightly 'rich' at times, but with a good amp and source they really sing. They have rewarded me each upgrade in source components to date.

 

Be warned though, if you really cannot afford them, do not listen to them. I couldn't afford them but had to have them and my poor heavily pregnant fiancee was not pleased for quite some time!

 

I cannot comment on your other options as I've not experienced them directly. You might like to add the Linn Ninka to the list, I liked the low mids / upper bass on this speaker - basss guitar was beautiful. They come in around $4-5K I think.

 

best of luck, if you are ever in Auckland and would like to hear the GPs, just let me know!

 

If you want to buy them, make me an offer. I need $6500 to buy the only upgrade I'd consider at present - the pair of Guarneri Homages on TM at present, and I'm a few thousand short....:rolleyes:

[Electra]

The Sonus Faber GP's are wonderful, lovely speakers, which dont make music sound as it should, but make a really appealing sound none the less. They out perform all your other options listed in my opinion.

 

The Image Revelations are truely excellent speakers and here in NZ represent great value. A bit plain looking, no matter what the veneer, their just a box. But the sound is excellent and Chris Ball ( the guy who builds 'em ) is a great guy and deserves plenty of support.

 

Your going to struggle to match the Revelations to be honest, and, with that in mind, audition them. In home. With a suitable power amp. Your room is large, and the Rev's take a bit to really make them sing in my opinion.

 

Other options to consider are Missions 796 if you can find them, JM Labs chorus speakers and potentially Dynaudios also.

 

Good luck.

[Ernie1553552694]

Johnnyrs bought a set of Triangle Genese's and there is some comparison with Revelations in this thread.

 

Otherwise, Theophany could provide a local alternative with more curves.

 

I suspect until you get your new amp, the SF models you are lusting after may not sing as well as they should on your current amp. The Triangles would probably deliver the voicing you are after. Easy to drive too, so they would sound good with your current setup and scale nicely down the track.

[Shane Hanify]

 

dusty;91251 wrote:

Hi Guys,

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

Energy RC50, RC70

 

Not sure how Energy stack up, but I've heard good things. The ugliest speakers I'd consider. Anyone have any input how these compare?

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

Monitor Audio something or other from $2k-5k

 

I read good reviews internationally, but again this seems divorced from the NZ market reality. Comments?

 

 

 

...

 

 

 

Something else

 

????????

 

 

 

 

Gidday Dusty,

 

I've heard the Energys (RC70's I think) and I guess you haven't seen them in Rosewood? I thought they were a very good looking loudspeaker in that finish. For the $ they stacked up well against their counterparts - fairly well controlled bass (and plenty of it), none of the harsh bitey mids and treble of the old (80's) ones. Smooth if not slightly laid back treble - the detail is there, but you have to listen for it. I'd wager that when you turned the wick up they'd start singing.

 

IMO a little 50 watter isn't going to cut it - I haven't been proven wrong so far on this but in my experience, the more horsepower you throw at a speaker, the better it behaves (solid state - valves are a different matter).

 

Case in point - my wee Perreaux SA80b is an 80 watter, but put that against the Marantz SM-80 (about 100 watts from memory) and the difference is night and day - even with the not-working-properly channel the Marantz walked all over the Perreaux. Far better control from the bigger amp.

 

Right, I digress. Monitor Audio. I heard the silvers a couple of years and am told that the current range is more refined. I certainly hope so as last I heard these they sounded like the little MA-7's I have - except bigger. This is not to say it was a bad thing, they were fast and detailed but a little lively for my liking. I would certainly audition these, especially if you're into rock / dub.

 

Could have been a case of mis-matched components at the time as I think they were partnered with entry level ish Marantz gear. I expect they'll swing nicely into gear with careful partnering - a classic case of matching electronics to loudspeakers - or in this case (to my ears) mis-matching them.

 

Others ...

 

I could point one out, but it's hideously over budget. How high are you allowed to go really?

 

Cheers, Shane.

[grex]

you forgot to mention your budget (or am i needing to upgrade my prescription?)

 

also consider the following : audio pro (c'mon pete, i know you're hiding there somewhere ), DALI ikon/mentor and paradigm reference studio or maybe the signature series.

 

energy is ok (is not engaging enough for me). i have only listened to m3* and M6* series mission in the past and they're definitely not for me.

[damocles]

As you are in Wellington, I'd second having a listen to Totems at Real Music Co (maybe also some Neats). Consider PMC. I really like them (especially with Cyrus kit) and they look great (Sandman Audio).

 

Also, don't rule out Quads (Soundline). They look great but may be a little on the polite side for you.

[Luckiestmanalive]

 

Damocles;91288 wrote:

As you are in Wellington, I'd second having a listen to Totems at Real Music Co (maybe also some Neats). Consider PMC. I really like them (especially with Cyrus kit) and they look great (Sandman Audio).

 

 

 

Also, don't rule out Quads (Soundline). They look great but may be a little on the polite side for you.

 

Another vote for audition of Totems..

[got tinnitus]

I'm biased...but you can't beat big arse floorstanders like these Proac's on TM. They will be good bins for you assuming the room you spec is the space you want to fill.

And they will be a good match for a future Perreaux.

 

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Speakers-and-stands/Floor-speakers/auction-217055494.htm

 

The seller is asking a bit much in my opinion; you mentioned $5k in your post. At $5k these bins will be good buying. Means a trip to Aucks tho...

 

Two years ago I drove chch to taupo and back in 36 hours to collect a pair of Proac Response 5's.... If you gotta do it, you gotta do it.

[curiousgeorgenz]

What about these, http://www.audioenz.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=8137

 

Probably needs investment in new amplifer...

[Guest]

Yes...

 

But if you have a suitable amp and the room to setup these speakers properly, it'll be hard to find a better balanced speaker.

[SSEGRUB]

Thanks for the promotion guys...they are a reluctant sale, however, I have just turned one of lifes Hi Fi corners and now have 9 watts per channel of glorious 300B SE amps.

Funny enough, they sound very good with the Maggies. I will be listing the Maggies on Trade me later this week so if anyone here wants these before I throw them to the wolves,now is your chance.

[Ernie1553552694]

ssegrub, have you contacted dexterg. I believe he is in the market for some 1.6s.

[curiousgeorgenz]

 

michael w;91334 wrote:

But if you have a suitable amp and the room to setup these speakers properly, it'll be hard to find a better balanced speaker.

 

Hmmm.....

 

What is ideal room for 1.6s?

[Omegaspeedy]

ssegrub, hopefully some nice pics of the 300B's in the forum members system area?

[Guest]

 

curious_george;91350 wrote:

Hmmm.....

 

 

 

What is ideal room for 1.6s?

 

Most say a rectangular room with plenty of space away from the walls.

 

[bigburner]

Paradigm Studio 60.

 

They meet your requirement for "gutsy".

 

They sell new for about $3,800 in NZ.

 

Nigel.

Attached files

[Ayou21553552688]

My advice would be keep saving or borrow the money & get the amp & speakers at the same time.

 

Buying the 2 together gives you the chance to get a better match.

 

Or if thats isn't an option, then get the amp first. Then you can home audition the speakers with the amp of your choice. Between Plinius & Perreaux there really isn't much in it, you'll be happy with either IMO. But the way they will drive individual speaker brands in your room will vary quite a bit IME, hence recommending you get the amp first.

 

I would recommend the following brands of speakers as ideally matching.

 

Spendor, Proac, Dynaudio, Harbeth, PMC, ATC, Totem.

 

Anything thats stubborn to drive which most of those are, really love 150+ watts amps & come alive when driven properly.

 

The above brands are on the Neutral to warm side of things, which again IMO is the perfect match to either Plinius or Perreaux.

[shotokan]

ssegrub, sent you a P.M. days ago....

[gortnipper]

 

bigburner;91404 wrote:

Paradigm Studio 60.

 

 

 

They meet your requirement for "gutsy".

 

 

 

They sell new for about $3,800 in NZ.

 

 

 

Nigel.

 

I am not so sure. I listened to them and their bigger brother, the Studio 80 when I bought new speakers about 5 years ago. I took the 80s home for a week to trial against the Mirage OM-7. I think the Mirages were way more gutsy than either of those Paradigms. The Paradigm has its positive qualities, but I didnt feel that "gutsy" or "involving" were amongst them.

 

David

[Electra]

 

gortnipper;91438 wrote:

I am not so sure. I listened to them and their bigger brother, the Studio 80 when I bought new speakers about 5 years ago. I took the 80s home for a week to trial against the Mirage OM-7. I think the Mirages were way more gutsy than either of those Paradigms. The Paradigm has its positive qualities, but I didnt feel that "gutsy" or "involving" were amongst them.

 

 

 

David

 

Interestingly enough, I have twice contemplated a pair of Paradigms Studio Reference speakers, firstly the 60's which I felt were good, but not worth the money ( in my system, in my room, in my opinion of course ) And then later on have tried the Studio 100's, which are indeed gutsy, but also brash and not a patch on Image Rev's or other similarly priced speakers. However, this again, was in my system, in my room, and in my opinion.

[gortnipper]

 

too_tall;91440 wrote:

...the Studio 100's, which are indeed gutsy, but also brash...

 

Yes, "brash" is apt and inline with my impressions. The 100's were what I was initially intersted, given the reviews of the day. However, I ended up going with Mirage's largely because I found them very involving. I still do - but I am taking a different tack, just cuz I can.

[monoclepop]

Really interesting thread guys. Thanks for comments and points. Must say though that the Paradigm Studio 60 is one damn ugly speaker!

 

I will definitely give those Totems a bit of a gander - I originally checked out Real Music co with a 2-3k budget (which I've since destroyed) which led me to the Rega R3 which I just didn't like the look of. Must head back.

 

Can't find an Image retailer in Wellington, let alone Sonus Faber. Looks like I'll be hitting up Totally Wired next time I'm down in Dunedin for work.

 

Anyone have any thought on the new Mirage OMD15 or 28?

[Tristar71]

having listened to the Paradigm and the Dali's - I much preferred the sound of the Dali's and would opt for the their Mentor range - simply superb...

listening post in Chch has a pair on special, ex showroom