Looking for LOUDspeakers...

[blakey72]

So this is purchasing advice rather than beginners as I'm an old fart at this. I do however need some help and suggestions with this next project/idea. So this setup will be in a 4.5m x 4.5m room with standard height ceilings. Furnishings are soft/warm, blinds, carpet and cheap bass traps/treatment.

 

So what I'm wanting to do is put together a setup that will give me basically nightclub volume levels. BUT I want the other goodies there, good detail, separation/imaging and be flexible with music types. They kind of need to be all-rounders working well with classic or jazz to heavy or death metal to hip hop. I don't like very forward or bright sounding speakers. Non-fatiguing so I can listen for long periods (at normal listening levels), but can turn up now and then. 

 

Also looking for something that is coming close to full range, down to maybe 30Hz or better. They also can't be too fussy with placement ie. can't sit in the middle of the room. They can be about 60cm max from the wall so front ported or sealed probably better.  Size is reasonably flexible so bookshelf/standmount to largish floorstanders. Budget to around $5k. 

 

Number one contender atm are the KLH Model 5's. Any ideas other than those?

 

 

[Guest]

How about this ?

https://buchardtaudio.com/collections/passive-speakers/products/s400-mkii#

 

But if you want to go very loud, 

https://buchardtaudio.com/collections/active-speakers/products/anniversary-10

They have Purifi woofers and can go down to 24 Hz.  I have heard a slightly different version and they can go louder than my Kii Three's!

But it will require a change in direction because they are DSP active speakers!  

 

** and they meet all your other requirements as well...

Edited February 7, 2024 by Snoopy8
Added **

[blakey72]

12 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said:

How about this ?

https://buchardtaudio.com/collections/passive-speakers/products/s400-mkii#

 

But if you want to go very loud, 

https://buchardtaudio.com/collections/active-speakers/products/anniversary-10

Yeah thanks Snoop, a brand I hadn't considered and active also didn't consider.  So would I run a pre into the actives? Sources would be cd spinner, turntable, cassette and streamer.

[Darryl]

A bit left of field but how about searching through some of the pro audio/musical instrument websites for high end PA speakers.

They will more than likely be active too. As you mentioned above run a pre into the active speakers.

I don't have any specific recommendations though sorry.

[gemini07]

Carlton Audio have a one-off special on a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 50 that would seem to fit your requirements. RRP is $9,499; their price is $5,999.

[blakey72]

I have a few amps that I could use including a Plinius 9200 (200w/ch-8ohms) or an Exposure 2010S2 (75w/ch-8ohms). So active or passive is fine or I could even look another amp if need be. 

 

I currently run a pair of Whatmough Opus 30's with my Plinius and it sounds good however not really big, punchy and loud like I'm after. 

[Al.M]

Adelaide Speakers range https://www.adelaidespeakers.com/summoner-floorstanders.html

 

Used will get more bang for buck like older VAF I-93 etc.

[mattd2308]

Krix Neuphonix or Richter Excalibur S6.

Both a bit over budget.

[mattd2308]

Saw these the other day

 

Polk Audio Legend Series L800 Floorstanding Speakers | CHT Solutions (customht.com.au) (last pair)

 

Were 10k now 7k, maybe haggle ?!?

[Guest]

2 hours ago, blakey72 said:

Yeah thanks Snoop, a brand I hadn't considered and active also didn't consider.  So would I run a pre into the actives? Sources would be cd spinner, turntable, cassette and streamer.

I was not sure whether you wil be interested because it was such a left field option.  There is a Platin Hub option that can connect  everything.  

 

It meets your first criteria of VERY LOUD. Has detail, separation, imaging, goes below 30 Hz, not fussy with placement, all because of its DSP capability (master tunings).

 

Have a read on the website and watch the videos.  PM me if you want to discuss further. I had them in my place side by side with the Kii Three's. The Kii Three's were more refined but they cost more than 4 times.  The A500s will beat many of much more expensive systems that I have heard....

 

 

[Andythiing]

Klipsch lascala (might be too bright)

[surprisetech]

On 07/02/2024 at 8:18 PM, blakey72 said:

So this is purchasing advice rather than beginners as I'm an old fart at this. I do however need some help and suggestions with this next project/idea. So this setup will be in a 4.5m x 4.5m room with standard height ceilings. Furnishings are soft/warm, blinds, carpet and cheap bass traps/treatment.

So what I'm wanting to do is put together a setup that will give me basically nightclub volume levels. BUT I want the other goodies there, good detail, separation/imaging and be flexible with music types. They kind of need to be all-rounders working well with classic or jazz to heavy or death metal to hip hop. I don't like very forward or bright sounding speakers. Non-fatiguing so I can listen for long periods (at normal listening levels), but can turn up now and then. 

Also looking for something that is coming close to full range, down to maybe 30Hz or better. They also can't be too fussy with placement ie. can't sit in the middle of the room. They can be about 60cm max from the wall so front ported or sealed probably better.  Size is reasonably flexible so bookshelf/standmount to largish floorstanders. Budget to around $5k. 

Number one contender atm are the KLH Model 5's. Any ideas other than those?

 

With those requirements I'd certainly be leaning towards 3-way floor-standers. front-ported or sealed, unless you want to add a sub.

My requirements are similar, so I DIYed and went with a 12", 5" and 1" driver combo.

Larger diameter woofers mean less cone excursion at high volumes, so they maintain the 'other goodies' when played loud. (And they usually still provide significantly more cone area than multiple smaller drivers)

Look for speakers with a woofer-mid Xover point in the range of 200 - 400 Hz, so the woofer's efforts are focused where they're really needed when they're cranked and much more of the midrange band still remains sweet at any listening level.

The KLH 5's seem to follow that principle.

[andyr]

On 07/02/2024 at 8:18 PM, blakey72 said:

So what I'm wanting to do is put together a setup that will give me basically nightclub volume levels. BUT I want the other goodies there, good detail, separation/imaging and be flexible with music types. They kind of need to be all-rounders working well with classic or jazz to heavy or death metal to hip hop. I don't like very forward or bright sounding speakers. Non-fatiguing so I can listen for long periods (at normal listening levels), but can turn up now and then. 

 

Maaate - not a hard set of requirements at all!!  

 

On 07/02/2024 at 8:18 PM, blakey72 said:

Also looking for something that is coming close to full range, down to maybe 30Hz or better. They also can't be too fussy with placement ie. can't sit in the middle of the room. They can be about 60cm max from the wall so front ported or sealed probably better.  Size is reasonably flexible so bookshelf/standmount to largish floorstanders. Budget to around $5k. 

 

Number one contender atm are the KLH Model 5s. Any ideas other than those?

 

Sorry, I have no idea about how well KLH Model 5s meet your requirements.

 

But for a $5k budget, I would suggest a pair of sealed standmounts plus subs (one, initially - to meet your $$) is the way to go.  And you need some DSP to roll off the standmounts at their crossover to the sub(s).

 

[Irek]

Focal Aria K2 - $4125

[blakey72]

45 minutes ago, Irek said:

Focal Aria K2 - $4125

eah I've looked at those but think the inverted tweeter may be too bright. 

[blakey72]

On 08/02/2024 at 5:36 AM, Andythiing said:

Klipsch lascala (might be too bright)

Yeah wife will kick me out if they're too bright. Avoiding bright like the plague.. 

[Irek]

46 minutes ago, blakey72 said:

eah I've looked at those but think the inverted tweeter may be too bright. 

With carpet on the floor + a few acoustic panels on wall you should be ok, especially with exposure.    

[blakey72]

On 09/02/2024 at 9:22 PM, Irek said:

With carpet on the floor + a few acoustic panels on wall you should be ok, especially with exposure.    

Yep I've always wondered how they sound so will have a listen next time in Melbourne. Thanks for the suggestion Irek  

 

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I do appreciate any input and will try to have a listen to all. It feel strange getting the suggestions when I'm usually the one giving them out LOL. 

Edited February 11, 2024 by blakey72

[Al.M]

Bit vintage but these would definitely do it B & W 808 with fridge size bass bins 2 x 11inch woofers per side. Circa $5k used.

 

[pete_mac]

You could do a lot worse than these WLM Diva monitors - 

 

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/606578-wlm-diva-monitors-high-efficiency-97db/

 

 

[Satanica]

For something a little different, Arendal is a direct from manufacturer speaker. I have a pair of their bookshelves as rears. You can have their second from the top model for around 5.5K landed in Australia. They are THX certified.
 

https://arendalsound.com/product/1723-tower-s-thx/

https://arendalsound.com/store/product/1723-tower-s-thx/

 

[POV]

Have you considered these?

 

VAF DC-XG6

 

Even with the full upgraded version it’s under budget, and I reckon it pretty well meets all your requirements.  IMO one of the best speakers on the market under $5k.  I was absolutely blown away by their refinement, imaging, and soundstage for the money, but they can sure play loud and don’t need tons of power to get there either.

Edited February 12, 2024 by POV

[075Congo]

I would not want to be your neighbor(s) with what you are thinking of creating.Good luck....dont make your ears bleed!

[7502dan]

Gale 401?they can go loud and are not harsh

[075Congo]

My son has contacts in the Death Metal Band madhouse....I reckon a stack of used ORANGE cabs and a really huge CROWN amp (say 1200 watts ) should  get you there......wear ear protection at all times and watch out for missiles from the neighbours!