Hello all,
While I’ve followed a number of discussions here in the past, this is my first post. I wasn’t sure whether to post in this forum or under the Audio Beginner/Newbie Technical Forum. I hope you all won’t mind too much if I made the wrong choice. Having said all that, I suppose I will move on to my questions.
I’m looking for a new pair of speakers for 2-channel music (not home theater) use. I am open to supplementing the speakers with (a) subwoofer(s) though it would be nice to have speakers that at leave have the option of enjoying without the subs. Aside from wanting good quality, neutral reproduction of my music, my other priorities are:
The room that I am using is about 13’ wide x 7’4” high x 20’ deep as measured to a set of heavy curtains or about 30’ with the curtains opened. The speakers will have to live along the 13’ wall. I am currently using an old pair of Ohm Walsh 2s, driven by a Buckeye Audio NC252MP power amp. I’m happy with the way the Ohms provide a fairly consistent listening experience throughout the room but feel there is room to improve the overall quality of the sound that I’m getting. I am willing to consider a change of amps if necessary.
Based on my experience with the Walsh 2 and on what I’ve read here, I’m considering the following models of speaker:
My budget is roughly $5,000 though of course I’d be very happy to spend less. Thanks for listening to my ramble and also for any suggestions or guidance that you can provide. I also welcome your corrective input if it seems like I'm misunderstanding any concepts here. I will be happy to learn.
Erik
While I’ve followed a number of discussions here in the past, this is my first post. I wasn’t sure whether to post in this forum or under the Audio Beginner/Newbie Technical Forum. I hope you all won’t mind too much if I made the wrong choice. Having said all that, I suppose I will move on to my questions.
I’m looking for a new pair of speakers for 2-channel music (not home theater) use. I am open to supplementing the speakers with (a) subwoofer(s) though it would be nice to have speakers that at leave have the option of enjoying without the subs. Aside from wanting good quality, neutral reproduction of my music, my other priorities are:
- To achieve a large “sweet spot” or minimize the drop off in the listening experience as one moves away from the spot. My listening area is also used as a general hangout and recreational space.
- To avoid speakers that need to be placed more than a couple of feet from the front wall (I mean the wall behind the speakers from the listener’s perspective). Again, I don’t have the luxury of a dedicated listening space.
The room that I am using is about 13’ wide x 7’4” high x 20’ deep as measured to a set of heavy curtains or about 30’ with the curtains opened. The speakers will have to live along the 13’ wall. I am currently using an old pair of Ohm Walsh 2s, driven by a Buckeye Audio NC252MP power amp. I’m happy with the way the Ohms provide a fairly consistent listening experience throughout the room but feel there is room to improve the overall quality of the sound that I’m getting. I am willing to consider a change of amps if necessary.
Based on my experience with the Walsh 2 and on what I’ve read here, I’m considering the following models of speaker:
- Ohm Walsh Tall 2000 – Basically, newer versions of my current speakers. My concern here is mostly that I don’t know if I’m trading off potential sound quality for the omni effect.
- Philharmonic BMR Monitors – In addition to getting generally good reviews, I’ve read here and elsewhere that these perform well in a variety of listening positions. A concern here is that I haven’t seen any indications as to best placement relative to the front wall.
- Philharmonic BMR Tower– These are included here mostly because of what I’ve read about the monitors and because I would prefer the stability of towers vs monitors on stands in the multipurpose space that I have. The HT towers are also interesting as they are relatively compact and rated to be more efficient, but it looks like I’d be giving up some useful low end grunt. Also, I’ve yet to see a review of the HT model.
- Salk Sound ??? – I have seen that they make (or made) BMR Monitors so perhaps some of the magic dust has rubbed off on them? What I can’t tell from what I’ve read about them is which, if any, models will sound good in a variety seating positions like the BMRs.
- Wharfedale Linton – These are a dark horse included here mostly because they’re relatively economical and seem to have reasonably wide dispersion. That said, I’m not sure that I’m interpreting the measurements that I’ve seen well enough to be sure that I’d be as happy (or nearly as happy) with their off-axis performance as with the other models listed here.
My budget is roughly $5,000 though of course I’d be very happy to spend less. Thanks for listening to my ramble and also for any suggestions or guidance that you can provide. I also welcome your corrective input if it seems like I'm misunderstanding any concepts here. I will be happy to learn.
Erik
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