Any other speakers I need to audition?

mystik610

Building a media room in a new construction, and am planning to build a new system mostly from the ground up. (soon to be modded LSi9 set-up will go in the living room).

This will be primarily a media room, but I want a solid musical performer as well. In auditioning speakers, I've found that if I don't like something for music, I won't like it for HT....though I've found that there are lots of speakers I absolutely love for music, but don't like for HT (i.e.: Totem Hawks).

At the 3k per pair price point, I've found that it's hard to find a 'bad' speaker, and that things are highly subjective. Need some direction on what to listen to, to hone in more on what I like. So far I've sat down to audition:

B&W CM9/CM8: Current front runner. Very true to life to my ears. Sufficiently dynamic for HT, and great for music...detailed on the top-end, but not at all harsh + very robust mid-range, giving them a very natural sound. I can see why people find these boring, but they seem to suite me. Low frequencies are lacking though.

Paradigm Studio 60/80: Really, really wanted to love them, but after 3 sessions, in 3 different stores (including one running on McIntosh gear), never quite did. Very detailed in the top end, yet very smooth. Bass is strong, yet nuanced and very detailed. Holographic imaging. Definitely something missing in the mid-range, which makes them sound kind of lifeless/artificial to me.

Totem Hawks: Would be my first choice if I were building a purely musically oriented 2-channel system. Imaging is amazing on these things...they 'disappear' and recreate a (an intimate) concert experience better than any speaker I?ve heard. Extremely laid back and rather narrow soundstage though, and a poor choice for HT IMO.

Monitor Audio RX8: Probably a close second for me behind the CM9?s. Similar qualities to the CM9, but better imaging, and a surprisingly strong bass. A little bright and not as natural as the CM9's to my ears. Slightly better for HT than the CM9, but not nearly as good for music.

Sonus Faber Toy: Dealer led me towards these after I he let me demo the Paradigm Studios?.and that was the moment I decided to give up on the Paradigms. Very robust sound with a rich mid-range and extremely deep soundstage. Would have been higher on my list if they did not resemble my LSi9?s so much (not a bad thing, just want something different). Hearing these is what compelled me to upgrade the LSi9s.

Klipsch reference: One of the dealers insisted I listen to them even though I knew from the git-go they were not for me?.in hind-sight I think he did this as a means to gauge my taste in sound. They play loud, but are unrefined to me.



At any rate, I'm having fun just listening right now, and am looking for more speakers to check out. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

leroyjr1

For HT I would also add Def Tech Mythos ST Towers. Have you heard the new LSIm's? IMO the first speaker I've owned that I feel are equally good at both music and HT. Very dynamic and detailed.

mystik610

leroyjr1 wrote: »

For HT I would also add Def Tech Mythos ST Towers. Have you heard the new LSIm's? IMO the first speaker I've owned that I feel are equally good at both music and HT. Very dynamic and detailed.

I've been meaning to get my ears on both of these, but haven't had luck find a dealer. I think the Magnolia store by my house carries the Def Tech STS, and will probably check them out tomorrow. Less than ideal, but its the only local dealer that I know of that carries them.

Don't know of any LSiM dealers in the Houston area. If anyone knows of any, please let me know! The Polk website lists Fry's and Sara Audio (where I heard the totems and monitor audios) as dealers, but neither carry the LSiM's.

A little off-topic, but Fry's has really started to suck in terms of their audio offerings recently. They were never spectacular in the past, but they've recently started to **** themselves out to Bose at the expense of the rest of their offerings.

leroyjr1

You just missed the big audio show down there. That would've put you in a good place to audition tons of different company's.

LeftCoast

Some of the members have been raving about the KEF Q Series.

Geoff4rfc

I'm a little partial to my RTiA9's. IMO I have adequate power going to them and they sound great to me in both HT and 2ch music.

I've heard great things about the LSiM703 bookie, or have you considered the 705 tower. The 707 may be out of your price range but there are great reviews on this form about them, not to mention the write up in Home Theater mag.

tonyb

If the speaker is going to be used for both music/HT, get an ear on some Legacys. Others...Def techs, Wilsons, Salk HT3's, ZU's, Dyne Audio, Revels, and the list can go on. Since you have a sub, the lower regions shouldn't be that important to you even though the ones I mentioned can do low pretty darn good especially the Legacys. Some may have to be used to fit the 3 g criteria too. Also, when auditioning, take note of the associated gear. A speaker run on tube amps or high quality sand is going to sound different when you get it home on the Emotiva. Just sayin' is all.

mystik610

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Had a chance to listen to the Def Tech 8060 at my local Magnolia. Don't love these for music, but love them for HT. Very dynamic, and fills the room with sound without stabbing your ears like a klipschorn. Extremely visceral bass for a floor stander....very boomy though, but I'm betting it was more of a set-up issue than anything. I think these are pretty high on my list right now. The magnolia guys indicated that they can get the 8080 and the Mythos on special order, which I like, since I can take advantage of Best Buy's financing. (I wonder if they have access to the LSiM's?)

I need to get my ears on the Mythos one day. Apparently another Best Buy in my area has them in their showroom...which I'll probably check out this week.

leroyjr1 wrote: »

For HT I would also add Def Tech Mythos ST Towers. Have you heard the new LSIm's? IMO the first speaker I've owned that I feel are equally good at both music and HT. Very dynamic and detailed.

I saw that you owned the Mythos at one point. How do they compare to the LSiM's?

I'm intrigued by the LSiM's, but there aren't any dealers nearby that carry them. I went as far as calling Polk's customer service, who directed me to their regional sales director. There's a local distributor that sells the LSiM's, but they aren't accessible to the public. The regional sales director put me in contact with a local dealer who is willing to visit the distributor with me, but I don't want to put anyone through all that trouble unless I'm absolutely sure I want to buy from him.

PS: I was very impressed by my interaction with Polk today. They're a large, well established company that very much feels in touch with their customers. Would love to give them my business

VR3

I am one of the biggest Def Tech fans for HT... IMO dollar for dollar - no contest. Dynamics out the wazzooooooo without having to go to horns.

Also, Def Tech's customer service is right there with Polk - Chet (Lead CS rep there) is freaking incredible in every way!

CCNJ

I purchased a pair of Totem Hawks earlier this year. I agree with you that they excel with Music but I also enjoy them for two channel HT as well. They are not as laid back as my old LSI9s and they have great tight bass for a little floor stander.

erniejade

Rega rs 7 is also worth checking out. If you like the B&W sound or focal, the rega is on par with them.
Focal 826V is also worth looking at.

Also dont rule out tyler acoustics! It depends if you are looking for a fwd type studio monitor sound or something a little more laid back all day listening. The focal and rega are more fwd sounding and NOT forgiving of a bad recording. vs the tylers or even vandersteen 2 or 3A sig, are much more forgiving.

hockeyboy

Veinna Acoustics Baby Grands are terrific.

cinco

Mystik, did you finally pull the trigger? I'm out near you in Katy. Too bad I didn't run across your post sooner, we could have been hitting the demos together.

We must have similar ears because I've auditioned most of the speakers you mention with the same impressions. Check out my post on another forum.

I auditioned the Sonus Faber Toys recently (quite by chance) and was incredibly impressed. Did you ever get a chance to listen to the Polks? Do you still think these two brands sound similar?

pearsall001

Add the KEF Q series & R series to your list. You won't be dissapointed. Awesome contenders for both HT & 2 channel.

mantis

I'm also curious on what you did if you purchased the CM9's which I like the most on your list with a close run with the Totems.
Other speakers to listen to with your needs are the Mythos STS which at 3k they are truly an amazing double duty speaker. Like it's big Brother Mythos ST , the STS are a huge chip off the old block.

I fully hear you on the Paradigms , I tried many times to really like there lines but they fall so short for me especially for the money.

I'm one who actually likes Klipsch. If you hear as many pairs as I have with so many different receivers and amps , different rooms and even in extreme high end systems with Krell amps , you would retract your comments on how they sound.
Klipsch like any other speaker needs to be properly powered , setup and calibrated in a room. If you don't follow the rules , they like many others don't sound their best.
Now if you want to hear what theater is supposed to sound like your home , look no further. Klipsch theater systems are crazy dynamic and life like. I have Installed close to a million dollar theater systems and I still favor some of the Klispch theater I did that came in around 30 to 50k in overall price. What Klipsch does better then just about everyone else is impact , Dynamic range and life like scary chilling sound. Gun shots are life like with a chill you get in your back. Goose bumps down your legs etc.

I for one have been thinking of putting together a full Reference theater system. I have considered it many times and I'm getting close to going for it for a change.

B&W speakers are so damn good it's scary. You can really have a fully involved system that makes you feel like you are there. A recording escapes you and realism sets in. You think sometimes you smell the flowers and feel the rain. Temperature also comes into play as in hot scenes you may break a sweat. You also might want a sweater or snuggie when your watching a Blizzard.
B&W can be argued as the best overall speakers on the planet. There are little they do wrong if anything. Something when you like lesser quality recorded music , they tend to show you how bad those recordings are and you may not like some of your favorite music on them as maybe your last system didn't reveal all the flaws. But when you listen to something that is properly recorded , you think to yourself"can it really get any better then this?
Being a musican I listen to certian tones , finger , breath , picking scrapes , Slap bass rings etc and a lot of speakers don't bring out all the under tones like B&W speakers do. I can see why certain recording studio's use them as they really can listen to their work. It's something thats a incredible tool for a recording artist. B&W brings that refined to the table with grace and poise.

There is nothing I like getting more then new speakers , they are my favorite thing to buy ( I think LOL) . I so enjoy opening them up , setting them up , breaking them in and spending countless hours tweaking them to my perfection. B&W speakers will thrill one who loves this art. They are also another company that stays in my top 3 for my personal next adventure.

mesquitehead

Swan Diva 6.2...$1300 a pair.

whitecamaross

VR3 wrote: »

I am one of the biggest Def Tech fans for HT... IMO dollar for dollar - no contest. Dynamics out the wazzooooooo without having to go to horns.

Also, Def Tech's customer service is right there with Polk - Chet (Lead CS rep there) is freaking incredible in every way!

yes, the def techs are awesome for home theater..especially the mythos

whitecamaross

mantis wrote: »

I'm also curious on what you did if you purchased the CM9's which I like the most on your list with a close run with the Totems.
Other speakers to listen to with your needs are the Mythos STS which at 3k they are truly an amazing double duty speaker. Like it's big Brother Mythos ST , the STS are a huge chip off the old block.

I fully hear you on the Paradigms , I tried many times to really like there lines but they fall so short for me especially for the money.

I'm one who actually likes Klipsch. If you hear as many pairs as I have with so many different receivers and amps , different rooms and even in extreme high end systems with Krell amps , you would retract your comments on how they sound.
Klipsch like any other speaker needs to be properly powered , setup and calibrated in a room. If you don't follow the rules , they like many others don't sound their best.
Now if you want to hear what theater is supposed to sound like your home , look no further. Klipsch theater systems are crazy dynamic and life like. I have Installed close to a million dollar theater systems and I still favor some of the Klispch theater I did that came in around 30 to 50k in overall price. What Klipsch does better then just about everyone else is impact , Dynamic range and life like scary chilling sound. Gun shots are life like with a chill you get in your back. Goose bumps down your legs etc.

I for one have been thinking of putting together a full Reference theater system. I have considered it many times and I'm getting close to going for it for a change.

B&W speakers are so damn good it's scary. You can really have a fully involved system that makes you feel like you are there. A recording escapes you and realism sets in. You think sometimes you smell the flowers and feel the rain. Temperature also comes into play as in hot scenes you may break a sweat. You also might want a sweater or snuggie when your watching a Blizzard.
B&W can be argued as the best overall speakers on the planet. There are little they do wrong if anything. Something when you like lesser quality recorded music , they tend to show you how bad those recordings are and you may not like some of your favorite music on them as maybe your last system didn't reveal all the flaws. But when you listen to something that is properly recorded , you think to yourself"can it really get any better then this?
Being a musican I listen to certian tones , finger , breath , picking scrapes , Slap bass rings etc and a lot of speakers don't bring out all the under tones like B&W speakers do. I can see why certain recording studio's use them as they really can listen to their work. It's something thats a incredible tool for a recording artist. B&W brings that refined to the table with grace and poise.

There is nothing I like getting more then new speakers , they are my favorite thing to buy ( I think LOL) . I so enjoy opening them up , setting them up , breaking them in and spending countless hours tweaking them to my perfection. B&W speakers will thrill one who loves this art. They are also another company that stays in my top 3 for my personal next adventure.

i had a pair of mythos sts and let me say that they will blow your mind. The problem is that their price fluctuates sooo much that you end up getting shafted if you pay full retail price on these..

whitecamaross

pearsall001 wrote: »

Add the KEF Q series & R series to your list. You won't be dissapointed. Awesome contenders for both HT & 2 channel.[/QUOTE

i have heard these and i agree they are an amazing purchase..very respectable in both regards.

jaritta

I seccond the kef q series, It is what i personally have and I love them. take a listen to some higher end dali's helacon, mentors ect. They are very musical speakers. I liked the martin logan's electrostatic speakers if paired with the correct amp they sound good. Audio Note is a good brand but they are hard to find.

whitecamaross

agreed, but the martin logans are a PAIN IN THE A.S..S to set up properly. Their sweet spot is very narrow and you need to take time to set them up properly. Not to mention, you must have a powerful amp for these.

Braddles

Check out the Tekton Pendragon speakers. There is a new model out with Seas drivers too. Outstanding value for money.

B Run

I just picked up a pair of Klipsch Rf-82's tonight and am very happy with them so far, incredibly dynamic and clear but I see how it's a love/hate thing with horn tweeters.

zingo

Where are located?

I love horn speakers, but like stated above, they have to be set up right with the right amplification.

Focal speakers are also great, just buy as high as you can because they are not cheap.

nooshinjohn

I wish I could be a fan of Bowers & Wilkins, but I have yet to hear a pair that hasn't sucked the passion from the music, They are far too analytical for my taste, as the soul seems to be stripped away from the listening experience.

I would be on a lookout for a pair of these...

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/magnepan-3-6r-planar-speakers-in-cherry

dorokusai

Just because you became a years later convert John doesn't mean you have to push them on every sole that enters the gates. I'm a long time Magnepan fan and advocate but don't care if they haven't heard them or not. It's just the right model that concerns me when folks get into Magnepan or dip their toes into planars. Relax on your rabid advocation dude.

nooshinjohn

That's hard to do when I am posting from the sweetest sweet spot I have ever heard, complete with a nearly naked hologram of Espiranza Spaulding dancing in a warm tube afterglow!

dorokusai

In that case, I totally agree with you but tubes have little to do with it. It's the overall package. Hoss....this is Polk and in regards to this brand and our original existence for the most part, the love will always be inside a monkey coffin....and if I could fit inside of it upon burial, a Polk Audio Monitor 7.

The bar for all manufacturers in a modestly priced, poor mans' time aligned loudspeaker circa 1970+. **** wish they thought of that and made it cheap when Polk figured it all out and then busted a hole in audio with the Monitor series....to be revealed, loved and lauded and subsequently snubbed with the SDA, then re-emerge into the pages of that dreaded magazine that droned of their inferiority for over a decade....ala the LSiM703 which only revealed that they actually....and always had, made a drop dead product, worthy of a review.

It's about time Stereophile....and for you too John, give some props to the grassroots of everything you know. I'm sorry....did I ramble? Of course I did. Who cares. Viva la Polk.

nooshinjohn

dorokusai wrote: »

In that case, I totally agree with you. But dude....this is Polk and in regards to this brand and our original existence for the most part, the love will always be inside a monkey coffin....and if I could fit inside of it upon burial, a Polk Audio Monitor 7. The bar for all time aligned loudspeakers circa 1970+. **** wish they thought of that and made it cheap.

Long live the SDA-SRS 1.2TL!!!!:cheesygrin:

dorokusai

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Long live the SDA-SRS 1.2TL!!!!:cheesygrin:

Nice to see your allegiance John, kudos.