Am I stupid to get big speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud?

kazaam
kazaam Posts: 92
edited August 2011 in Speakers
I ordered two Monitor70s and a CS2 and that's what everyone keeps telling me...that it was a waste to get huge speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud. These people are NOT audiophiles and none of them have good speakers. I thought nicer and bigger speakers offered more range, clarity and depth.

So who's wrong?
Post edited by kazaam on
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Comments

  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,156
    edited July 2011
    kazaam wrote: »
    I ordered two Monitor70s and a CS2 and that's what everyone keeps telling me...that it was a waste to get huge speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud. These people are NOT audiophiles and none of them have good speakers. I thought nicer and bigger speakers offered more range, clarity and depth.

    So who's wrong?

    Owning those is all the more reason for turning up the volume, if you dont turn up the volume on those you, could of bought on a pair of Tsi 100's and a CS10 center. I myself would keep what you have and turn them up and enjoy, not an audiophile myself but like big speakers that get loud and have some clarity enjoy those monitor 70's and crank them. I look forward to each waking Day, and start the morning off right by turning up the volume on one of my rigs there is nothing better.
    Home Theater
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited July 2011
    You don't have to turn them up loud. Louder is not better, better is better. Enjoy what you have.
    Main Surround -
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited July 2011
    No. You're only stupid if you allow others to tell you what you think. :wink: Now, quit your little buyer's remorse posting and start preparing yourself for the experience. You've got some nice gear on the way! You should be excited, not second-guessing! :smile:
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,887
    edited July 2011
    The size doesn't matter, it's how you use it.:tongue:



    The 70's will serve you well at whatever volume you decide to use, and will be clearer at lower volumes and more impactful at higher ones. You made a good choice, so be happy.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

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  • Esreuter
    Esreuter Posts: 176
    edited July 2011
    Yeah to what mdaudio said.

    stop with the buyers remorse, remember if you wanted big an loud you would have bought cerwin vega's.

    you have crossed the line into quality not quantity.

    as a experience with your speakers, when the wife is away i can play as loud as i like. when she is home she keeps me in check, and when she sleeps its even lower, but it all sounds good.

    relax and enjoy.:cool:

    ESR:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
    AVR: Sony 5600ES
    Center: CS2II (Clarity Caps PX, Perfect Lay coil, Mundorf resistors)
    Front: Monitor 70 II (Clarity Caps PX, Perfect Lay coils, Mundorf resistors)
    Surrounds: Monitor 40 II (Clarity Caps PX, Perfect Lay coil, Mundorf resistors)
    Rear Surrounds: Monitor 40 II (Clarity Caps PX, Perfect Lay coil, Mundorf resistors)

    More to come :biggrin:
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,437
    edited July 2011
    I have found my RTA11TLs are able to fill the room with full sound at low volume, low enough to carry on conversations . Smaller bookshelf speakers don't seem to be able to to this at low levels. BTW, the listening area is fairly large, roughly 30x16.
    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
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    HT:
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    Other stuff:
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,200
    edited July 2011
    Believe me buy the best the first time and don't look back.
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,500
    edited July 2011
    From song to song, artist to artist, and genre to genre....you will find those tunes that just sound great...some at lower volumns some higher...enjoy your new speakers

    Yo will find your friends hanging out and maybe they will take a moment and remove the buds out of their ears
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,995
    edited July 2011
    gudnoyez wrote: »
    Owning those is all the more reason for turning up the volume, if you dont turn up the volume on those you, could of bought on a pair of Tsi 100's and a CS10 center. I myself would keep what you have and turn them up and enjoy, not an audiophile myself but like big speakers that get loud and have some clarity enjoy those monitor 70's and crank them. I look forward to each waking Day, and start the morning off right by turning up the volume on one of my rigs there is nothing better.


    The only thing your right about is your not an audiophile!!
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,995
    edited July 2011
    Good clean power and they will fill the room with sound at low volumes. I have huge speakers and I very seldom put the spurs to them as I did when I first got them, they fill the house with sound at moderate levels and IMO sound better anyways..
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,156
    edited July 2011
    The only thing your right about is your not an audiophile!!

    Never have claimed to have been one, thats why I mentioned that in the first post on this subject, however I do beleive that when one purchases a bigger speaker over a smaller one, is that they wish to be able to play them at louder volumes, otherwise they could of purchased a smaller pair like the TSI 100's or the RTI A1's wich would of sounded good at louder volumes also, it shouldnt take an Audiophile to know that is the reason for purchasing bigger speakers. so much for words of encouragement on his choice of the Monitor 70's:tongue:
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
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    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited July 2011
    It really is not the size that matters in regard to sound quality. You can easily spend 5 figures on a pair of high-end bookshelf speakers. Usually, but not always, you are getting a little more bass with the larger speaker. Think LSi15 versus LSi9.

    Anyway, it certainly does not hurt to have a larger speaker. It will not sound worse than its smaller brother, and will probably sound better, even at low volume.

    One thing to keep in mind though is you do not need volume for sound quality. Good speakers, big or small, sound great at both low and high volumes levels. Small, cheap speakers at low volume will never sound as good as larger, better speakers at the same low volume level. To think sound quality is proportional to the volume and speaker size is just wrong. The better the speaker, the better the sound, regardless of size or volume.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,887
    edited July 2011
    gudnoyez wrote: »
    Never have claimed to have been one, thats why I mentioned that in the first post on this subject, however I do beleive that when one purchases a bigger speaker over a smaller one, is that they wish to be able to play them at louder volumes, otherwise they could of purchased a smaller pair like the TSI 100's or the RTI A1's wich would of sounded good at louder volumes also, it shouldnt take an Audiophile to know that is the reason for purchasing bigger speakers. so much for words of encouragement on his choice of the Monitor 70's:tongue:

    Your beliefs could not possibly be more wrong.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson


    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,156
    edited July 2011
    Your beliefs could not possibly be more wrong.

    Thanks for the clarification, I always played my A3s at low levels when the wife was sleeping I would turn down the A5's as I always thought they would not sound as good as the smaller A3's at lower volumes, the same with the AR-18s I thought better at lower volumes than the AR-58s I will try that next time I have to play at lower volumes, thats what I like about this forum us newbies learn a lot from your inputs.:smile:
    Home Theater
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    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    The only thing your right about is your not an audiophile!!
    ..and you are?...What is it with some of you guys?..The guy was trying too help out.You know this person?..What make's an Audiophile?..:tongue:
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited July 2011
    For me I had to go out and buy a martin logan stage not so I could play it louder but instead play it lower and have more clarity for low level volume .But that was a mistake now because when I tried to hook it up to my power amp the banana's dont fit in the binding posts lol
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    kazaam wrote: »
    I ordered two Monitor70s and a CS2 and that's what everyone keeps telling me...that it was a waste to get huge speakers if I don't turn my volume up loud. These people are NOT audiophiles and none of them have good speakers. I thought nicer and bigger speakers offered more range, clarity and depth.

    So who's wrong?
    ..No you are not.If that was the case why would any one built a big speaker in the first place?..I am sure when Matthew Polk started out with his speakers he didn't go oh wait?..these are too big no one will buy them because they will have too play them loud?.And you are rigth about them having more range and clarity and depth they do.And will sound good at a low volume..good luck Sir.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    For me I had to go out and buy a martin logan stage not so I could play it louder but instead play it lower and have more clarity for low level volume .But that was a mistake now because when I tried to hook it up to my power amp the banana's dont fit in the binding posts lol
    ..LMAO!!...HI-5 bro!!
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  • rebuy
    rebuy Posts: 695
    edited July 2011
    :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    Yeah!..some people!..:eek::eek::eek::eek:..lol...
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,630
    edited July 2011
    ctank wrote: »
    ..No you are not.If that was the case why would any one built a big speaker in the first place?..I am sure when Matthew Polk started out with his speakers he didn't go oh wait?..these are too big no one will buy them because they will have too play them loud?.And you are rigth about them having more range and clarity and depth they do.And will sound good at a low volume..good luck Sir.

    I am guessing that you have never listened to any high end bookies right? :rolleyes:
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,995
    edited July 2011
    ctank wrote: »
    ..and you are?

    Someone that knows that BIG speakers can be played at low volumes and sound fantastic. Just because they are big does not mean they are to be played as loud as they will go..:rolleyes:

    ctank wrote: »
    What is it with some of you guys?

    I just asked myself the same thing..

    ctank wrote: »
    What make's an Audiophile?..:tongue:

    Not sure but they do know that BIG speakers can be played at low/moderate levels and fill the room with dynamic sound, and that a good bookshelf speaker with a sub will/can sound just as good/if not better as a BIG loud speaker.


    ctank wrote: »
    ..No you are not.If that was the case why would any one built a big speaker in the first place?..I am sure when Matthew Polk started out with his speakers he didn't go oh wait?..these are too big no one will buy them because they will have too play them loud?.And you are rigth about them having more range and clarity and depth they do.And will sound good at a low volume..good luck Sir.

    You should get your learn on then you will be in the know..:rolleyes:

    And IMO the Monitor 70's are not BIG speakers..

    To the OP enjoy your new toys, they will sound just fine and give you lots of permagrin setting them up and enjoying your movies and tunes. keep us updated as you move along..
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    Someone that knows that BIG speakers can be played at low volumes and sound fantastic. Just because they are big does not mean they are to be played as loud as they will go..:rolleyes:




    I just asked myself the same thing..




    Not sure but they do know that BIG speakers can be played at low/moderate levels and fill the room with dynamic sound, and that a good bookshelf speaker with a sub will/can sound just as good/if not better as a BIG loud speaker.





    You should get your learn on then you will be in the know..:rolleyes:

    And IMO the Monitor 70's are not BIG speakers..

    To the OP enjoy your new toys, they will sound just fine and give you lots of permagrin setting them up and enjoying your movies and tunes. keep us updated as you move along..
    ..Lol...What you guys think your the only ones who know about speakers?:rolleyes:..But yes i have had highend speaker before...Too him the M70's may be big.Not to me.I have had much big and better built.Dude i know you know a lot about audio.Get my know on?..Really?...Lol..Blows kiss at him.lol..its all in fun man..can ya dig it.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,995
    edited July 2011
    Then do share ctank cause your posts tell otherwise.
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    ToolForLifeFan...B
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  • Outfitter03
    Outfitter03 Posts: 563
    edited July 2011
    Kazaam what are you powering these with? One word of caution when you receive your speaker is that with the Monitor 70's, break in time is real. You will need at least 100 hours on them for the sound to really develop.

    That was my experience at least and they kept improving until I had them for about one month. I played them all day at moderate levels while at work. If I hadn't read about this on the forum, initially I would have been disappointed. Then they woke up.:smile:
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    ToolForLifeFan..Since when an opinion is mistaken for expertise in any subject?..But since some of you oldtimers in here think you are?.seem's to think you are? Then i guess you speak the truth?...lol..
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2011
    Guys this goes out too the oldtimers in here..Us younger Polk Club people are new here..Most of us really do respect you guys..We just poke fun at you oldtimers because you guys do know alot and have been there and done that..have a great Sunday..I am going crankup my system.And thanks for all the great tips!
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,156
    edited July 2011
    ctank wrote: »
    ..and you are?...What is it with some of you guys?..The guy was trying too help out.You know this person?..What make's an Audiophile?..:tongue:

    I now have had my hopes and dreams crushed by one of the more knowledeable elders on the forum, so much for wanting to get some Rti'a9s and a good powerful amp to push them, silly me for thinking that because they are bigger that they would sound better at louder volumes, than MY Rtia5s, I guess some Audiophiles like bigger speakers playing at low volumes and holding the reigns on them, I for one wont be holding back the Rti'a9s back they will be playing at the volumes they were desiged for, which Iam sure is not low volumes. I can proudly say that I dont have to get all technical when it comes to listening to good music on good equipment , that is probably deemed not worthy by a tribal Audiophile elder (give me a break)
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,156
    edited July 2011
    ctank wrote: »
    Guys this goes out too the oldtimers in here..Us younger Polk Club people are new here..Most of us really do respect you guys..We just poke fun at you oldtimers because you guys do know alot and have been there and done that..have a great Sunday..I am going crankup my system.And thanks for all the great tips!

    Ctank just dont crank them to loud those speakers of yours were designed to be played at low volumes so you can sit right next to them and savor the clarity no need to move around the house as you wont hear them, should you decide to leave the room they are in, perhaps one of the forum elders will chime in on this one, and be little you for cranking them up:smile: we newbies do appreciate all the advice but lets have some fun here.
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)