[audioman999]

My system consists of a Bryston B100SST with DAC.  I use a Rotel RCD991 as a transport and am driving Totem Model 1 Signatures.  I also do some streaming to a Squeezebox Touch that i run through the Bryston DAC.

I've enjoyed my Totems for several years in a small dedicated listening room.  Recently, i have had to move my speakers into the main family room which measures 15x20x9.  Almost one half o the room is open to a large foyer, and open concept eating area and kitchen.  I find the Totems seem to get lost in that size of room.

So, I am looking for speakers to replace the stand mount Totems and am looking for some suggestions.  I would like more bass than the Totems provided, and speakers whose backs can be placed up close to the wall.  I plan on keeping my current set up but am not opposed to to purchasing an additional Bryston amp if needed to power the speakers (likely biamp with the integrated). I'm also looking for a BCD1 as well.

I listen to classical (symphonies, piano sonatas, string quartets) instrumental guitar, jazz, vocal, and some pop.

I am open to all recommendations and suggestions.  i will consider new and used.  My budget is up to $7500 but am happy to spend less and invest in more music or the BCD1 

I am also curious about PMC recommendations given their synergy.

Thanks

[mkaiser]

Hi Audioman999,
If i were you i would purchase a 3BSST and bi-amp that with your B100SST. Also look at one of Totems subs like the Storm to take the load off the Model 1 Signatures as that will provide you with alot more bass extention and fuller sound you seek. Then buy the Bryston BCD-1.

Your budget is $7500.00. So, here is the breakdown to the above;

3B is 3700 new or cheaper if used.
Totem subs: Storm is 1100
BCD-1 is 2900

Total is 7700.00 CAD new or cheaper if you buy all used

So, if you could slightly stretch your budget buy a bit you can really improve your systems performance and keep your speakers close to the wall.

Just a thought for a slow night at work. 

Mark

[mclsound]

I think PMC/Bryston is a great combo with actual ""SYNERGY"".This word can be difficult to find sometimes,but PMC will do it
BUT
Dont get caught up in the ""i"" series tweeter hocus pocus.Save yourself lots of money and pick up a nice set of earlier models.I have/had the

AB1/ AB2's and they are great with a 9" Dynaudio woofer or even the IB1's if you want to spend a few more dollars.The TB2' may be a little small if you are after a little more bottom.

[sfraser]

I would suggest listening to some larger PMC's as well. I have a pair of older TB2 monitor's and they have amazing bass (for monitors). Ask them to pair it up hardware similar to what you have. Most important, have fun with the demo's

An alternative might be PSB speakers.

[PRELUDE]

Hi,Audioman999
If I were you,This is what I would do.
Remember that in order to get a nice bass you have to move a lot of air gently and this is cannot be done by most of the 8" drivers and speakers are the weakest and most over priced item that you can see in any system, so if you buy it used for the money you want to spend would give you the most out of your pocket.
I would say if you want to keep your electronic,you could look for DYNAUDIO (CONTOUR S3.4) with PARADIGM (SUB 25)used and it woul be around $6,000
for total.Buy a Y connector and run a single wire from your BRYSTON's pre out to the sub and you can control the bass from 35Hz to 150Hz.
Now if you want to buy a power amp for bi amping.I would not say that 3b would not work but if you get the 4bsst2 I can tell you you will hold on one of the best power amps that even in the future it would play almost any speaker in its best way.So you can get the brand new 4bsst2 and look for used VON SCHWEIKERT vr4 mk1 juniors and you can by amp the system and let the 4bsst2 drive your bass drivers.This option will set you back around $7,700.
You can look for this speakers at www.audiogon.com
This is just an idea ok.Good luck.

[Diamond Dog]

I would suggest listening to some larger PMC's as well. I have a pair of older TB2 monitor's and they have amazing bass (for monitors).

Good idea here IMO. Your model 1's are a smaller speaker and going to a bigger cabinet ( plus in the case of PMC a transmission line design to maximize the low end and give you the placement flexibility you want ) should help out if it's bottom you're looking for. A mid-sized PMC like the FB1i has cabinet dimensions more akin to a Totem Forest. It can make a difference. Hearing is believing so go listen to some speakers, sir!

D.

[Anonamemouse]

Depending on how scared you are of powertools: build them yourself!
There is NOTHING like the satisfaction of building your own loudspeakers! There are MANY examples online, I doubt there is any loudspeaker that has not been cloned and improved in some or many ways.
Also, it will save you at least 50% on the pricetag.

[Laundrew]

A most biased recommendation ensues 



Try to audition a horn based speaker, they may - or may not be your cup of tea. My JBL 1400 Project Arrays are most definitely my little slice of nirvana.

Be well...   

[audioman999]

Thanks for the information and keep it coming.  I will add the dynaudio and JBL's to the research list.  However, i am not handy at all so making my own will not work.

I am excited to demo the FB1i's and the OB1i's.  I am worried the dealer only has the FB and PB in stock which will make it a tough comparison.

Can the OB1i be run off a B100SST?

[Viajero5000]

FWIW I owned the FB1+s, and while they were enjoyable in many ways when positioned properly, I found the mid-range to be slightly recessed and not very well defined - I always got the feeling that something was missing. Plus I wasn't particularly happy with the build quality.  The PMC mid-range unit allows vocals to come through in a much clearer and articulate manner, and I would surely pick the OB or above over the FB if I had to take that decision again. 

Thanks for the information and keep it coming.  I will add the dynaudio and JBL's to the research list.  However, i am not handy at all so making my own will not work.

I am excited to demo the FB1i's and the OB1i's.  I am worried the dealer only has the FB and PB in stock which will make it a tough comparison.

Can the OB1i be run off a B100SST?

[Daniel Datchev]

Hi,
I own B-100SST and PMC OB1i for over 3 years, so if you able to find second hand ones is a good opportunity.

[alexone]

Depending on how scared you are of powertools: build them yourself!
There is NOTHING like the satisfaction of building your own loudspeakers! There are MANY examples online, I doubt there is any loudspeaker that has not been cloned and improved in some or many ways.
Also, it will save you at least 50% on the pricetag.

 

al.

[werd]

Hi

Try Acoustic Zen Adagios, they are transmission line like the ob1 and they are significantly cheaper. They also use a mtm speaker configuration with a ribbon tweeter.  I like them better in midrange and high frequency extention. The ob1 have better bass though, they are 1/2 the price when to compared to new. I am not sure about the B100 but i have used them with the 4B and 14B and both