How are my speaker choices, for my budget up to $1500? help!

tigzstudio · « **on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:18 am »

1. Sapphire XL
2. Ellis 1801 /1801f
3. Von Schweikert VR-2 (used) or VR-1 (new)
4. Veracity HT1 (used)
5. A/V-2

Which would you pick out of these for a room that is 12' x 12',
using Odyssey front end and a very neutral awesome dac for source (secret). my dac is reviewed as besting Benchmark DAC1 and matching meridian g08.

Odyssey wise I have: Stratos Plus (newest version)
and Odyssey Etesian preamp
using groenberg UR6 revised interconnects.

For all the more experienced audiophiles and ears out there, which in this list or maybe one not in my list below $1500 would you recommend. Does anyone have any experience with these speakers and odyssey gear?

Thanks for any help! I am at my wits end trying to decide on which speaker to pull the trigger on.

Unfortunately its hard for me to demo anything. soo I put my trust in the experience of others and many many reviews.

p.s I am looking for the best 2 channel music I can get, meaning nuetrality, depth, soundstage, imaging without sounding analytical or harsh. (a reason why I was leaning to the ACI XL's, due to most people saying they rarely sound bright, and slightly roll of the high end)

Anyways,
Thanks guys for any suggestions!

Trevor

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:26 am »

12x12....could be a tough room. What type of music do you play most ?

tigzstudio · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:38 am »

I really like it all except for country. However mostly it will be Jazz, Vocal (norah etc.), Piano, Classical. These are first priority. Then Trance/Electronic, Rock, R&b follow after that.

I will most likely be adding some bass traps and room treatment as well, I cannot afford the TACT action =(... heh.

Is a square room a problem normaly?....in my past experience it seems to have reflection, but also makes bass sound really good in my listening position against the back wall. I do have mirror door closet on one wall (should i cover this with a blanket?).

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:47 am »

Quote

A perfectly square room is probably the worst room shape for most loudspeaker applications. In a square room, standing wave production is most efficient, and hence objectionable.

tigzstudio · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:59 am »

aw man that statement just made me quite sad =(....

Im located in Martinez California (near Walnut Creek if anyone know this city), I work in San Jose California in the bay area.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 07:07 am »

Quote from: tigzstudio

aw man that statement just made me quite sad =(....

Im located in Martinez California (near Walnut Creek if anyone know this city), I work in San Jose California in the bay area.

Never fear...acoustic treatments are here.

No interest in the Odyssey speakers ?[/list:u]

tigzstudio · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 08:16 am »

well I was looking at the odyssey epiphony series, my friend has these and I will most likely demo them soon (hopefully). But I was thinking that they are possibly not at the level I desire. Can these compete with the ones I have listen in my list?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 08:23 am »

Quote from: tigzstudio

well I was looking at the odyssey epiphony series, my friend has these and I will most likely demo them soon (hopefully). But I was thinking that they are possibly not at the level I desire. Can these compete with the ones I have listen in my list?

I've heard them...and I'd say yes. You don't need too large a speaker in your room.

zybar · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 12:29 pm »

Quote from: tigzstudio

1. Sapphire XL
2. Ellis 1801 /1801f
3. Von Schweikert VR-2 (used) or VR-1 (new)
4. Veracity HT1 (used)
5. A/V-2

Which would you pick out of these for a room that is 12' x 12',
using Odyssey front end and a very neutral awesome dac for source (secret). my dac is reviewed as besting Benchmark DAC1 and matching meridian g08.

Odyssey wise I have: Stratos Plus (newest version)
and Odyssey Etesian preamp
using groenberg UR6 revised interconnects.

For all the more experienced audiophiles and ears ...

I would add RAW HT3's to your list.

Unlike all your other choices, the RAW HT3's would give you basically a full range sound and not need any augemtation in the bass area. They have a small footprint and should go nicely with your gear.

Just a thought...

George

MaxCast · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 01:06 pm »

I will second the RAW HT-3's. I did demo them and you can too. See their circle for more info.
No matter what speaker you choose you will have a problem with your room. I will also suggest a spl meter and a cd with test tones...see the accoustics circle.

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 01:24 pm »

If you're near Walnut Creek, you ought to check out this place:

http://www.stereounlimited.com/

Very nice showroom, very enthusiastic, and friendly folks.

kfr01 · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 01:54 pm »

$1,500?

Without a question (in my mind) the Exodus Audio 2641 tower:

http://www.diycable.com/main/default.php?cPath=24&Cid=5d85d78782c04a03f8cbe6d7a2fda647

http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?cPath=24_92&products_id=571

I can't think of a better performer in that price range.

The Raw HT3 would get my second pick.

Karl

budyog · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 02:11 pm »

You can't go wrong with the ACI Sapphires. They have a 30 day return policy! I had an older version in a 12 x 15 room for many years that sounded great. I am sure the XLs are even far superior and look much more attractive.

dwk · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 02:51 pm »

Quote from: kfr01

$1,500?

Without a question (in my mind) the Exodus Audio 2641 tower:

Wow - in a 12x12 room?? That has all the makings of a disaster - 4 Extremis's could overwhelm a room that size. The 641 or HT3 would probably be far more appropriate while sticking to WR125 based speakers.

I have the Sapphire XL's set up nearfield in a small room, and for 'small scale' program material I find them absolutely superb. No need for bass augmentation unless you're expecting concert levels or are a full orchestral fan. I haven't heard the other contenders here, but I can't imagine you being disappointed in the XL's.

kfr01 · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 04:29 pm »

Quote from: dwk

Quote from: kfr01
$1,500?

Without a question (in my mind) the Exodus Audio 2641 tower:

Wow - in a 12x12 room?? That has all the makings of a disaster - 4 Extremis's could overwhelm a room that size. The 641 or HT3 would probably be far more appropriate while sticking to WR125 based speakers.

Good call. I didn't read his original post, just the title.

Gordy · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 04:36 pm »

Hi all,

Ignoring manufacturers for the moment... give his 12 x12 room, what would be the 3dB down point Tigz should be looking at to best minimize his main bass node? 55hz?

drphoto · « **Reply #16 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 05:37 pm »

I'll cast my vote for Merlin TSM-M(M). You can find the M version all the time for around $1100-$1200 used and the MM for around the $1500 mark.
Fabulous, neutral, transparent speaker. While the others mentioned may be as good or better (not heard any of them), the Merlin is well known and in demand, so you can always sell them for nearly what you pay, if they're not your cup of tea.

I'm running mine w/ Odyssey gear and love 'em.

I highly recommend Gregg Straley's Reality speaker wire to use with them, or with whatever you choose. His wire is very good sounding and almost dirt cheap, compared to anything in it's class.

konut · « **Reply #17 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:22 pm »

12X12 room? Headphones & a subwoofer!

Barring that, some that are more in tune with acoustic modeling could tell you what frequency(ies) would specifically be a problem and recommend treatments to address those. Will make any speaker sound better no matter which you choose.

tigzstudio · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 06:57 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!..

Sounds like I really need to somehow get my room analyzed, and do some acoutic treatment soon! At least before I seriously start trying to find the right speaker.

Alright so my list has slightly changed now,

But, a quick question on the Raw HT3,

What is the max power you can throw at them? If I want to crank my odyssey with the HT3, can they easily handle it?

my list is now:

1. Sapphire XL
2. RAW HT3 (moving up) - nice bass response!
3. ????
4. ????
5. Exodus look interesting!

As for, Merlin's (used) - I have always been interested in these, just thought they might end up being too much for my room for some reason. Or end up being more like a studio monitor in my room and make me analyze music instead of enjoy it...But I could be waaay off, would need to hear it in my setup to know, just really dont want to deal with having to sell and ship speakers every other week until I find "the one" hehe..

Any thoughts on Totem Mani-2, Totem forrest for my room size? anything else before I take the plunge!

Thanks again!

toobluvr · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Mar 2006, 07:04 pm »

Quote from: MaxCast

.....No matter what speaker you choose you will have a problem with your room.......

Not necessarily.
To prevent bass overload, you need to choose wisely and not get a "too large" speaker.

In rooms this small you basically have no choice but to listen nearfield. But this is not such a bad thing as it is easier to load the room, and it allows you to buy "simpler and smaller". Since you are sitting closer, you can listen at lower SPL, and to a degree, this takes the room out of the equation. The result is a greater ratio of direct to reflected sound.

My 2nd system is set up in an almost square 10 x 11 room.....not very different from the OP's dimensions.
I have zero acoustic treatments in the room.
I use Spendor S6 (a small floorstanding 2 way) + tubes, and sit about 5-6 feet from the speakers.
The sound is VERY well balanced....deep, full, detailed, and hugely musical. I find myself just melting into the music, and not critically analysing the gear. I have no problem whatsoever with bass boom, bloat or overhang. Nor is it confused or aggressive sounding d/t excessive reflections.

Get something too big with too much bass and/or treble energy, and you are asking for trouble.