[rumatt]

Help choose my next speakers!

I own a set of Paradigm Studio 60 v2 (tower) and a pair of Totem Rainmakers (monitors).   Neither one does everything I need, so I am looking for recommendations on what to try next. 

The paradigms are just a bit too edgy and fatiguing for me. I've owned them several years and while I do like them, I find myself turning the volume down frequently.  The imaging and crispness of the sound is amazing, but compared to the Rainmakers the Paradigm's presentation is somewhat recessed and hard/glassy.

The Rainmakers are an odd mix. They are easier to listen to for sure.  Yet at the same time they are more forward and dry with vocals.  They're not harsh at all, but on some music they are too dry and I wish there were more midrange at times.  This may be an unfair criticism because room is way too big for the tiny 4" driver in the rainmakers (23'x15' and wide open into a dining room and kitchen).  They simply have no punch compared to the Studio 60's, even at moderate volumes. 

So: I want the best of both worlds.  I want the imaging, precision, and punch/power of the Paradigms towers, with non-fatiguing sound of the Rainmakers.  Suggestions????   I'm all over the map.  Here's a bunch of random thoughts:


- Although I like the totem sound, I believe they are all single driver and more at home in medium sized rooms.  I am leaning toward putting the rainmakers in the bedroom (which is why I got them) and going a different direction for the living room.

- I'm struggling with towers vs monitors.  I'm tempted to try a good monitor but based on the size of the room I'm thinking a tower is my only choice, even if I had a sub.  Does a kick-ass monitor (like a Totem Mani-2) even have a chance of providing the punch available from a multi-driver tower in a large room?

- I'm tempted by a Revel M22 or F32 (there's some for sale locally) but I've read they're relatively bright.   

Here's my current setup, subject to change:

- AMP: Outlaw 7125 7-channel amp (looking to replace with 2-channel once I pick speakers)
- DAC: CIAudio VDA-2
- Transport:  OPPO DVD player, or computer (lossless)

[JLM]

So what is your budget?

I’d start by trying the Rainmakers with a powered sub.  I think you’re right; the Rainmakers are too small and inefficient for that size of room.  Adding the sub will probably help with the midrange performance too, as you’ll be relieving the Rainmaker woofers of the “heavy (bass) lifting”.

When sub shopping for a space that size I wouldn’t be shy of going big or considering using two subs, depending of course on how loud and/or low you want to go.

BTW, the Rainmakers have 1 inch tweeters and 5.5 inch woofers.

[twitch54]

FWIW, are rooms are fairly close, I'm 14'6"x23'. Myself I'm a di-pole fan, my current setup is Martin Logan Vantage's which I enjoy very much, you may also want to consider Maggies and or the new Quads if you haven't looked/listened already.

[Zero]

Rumatt -

The Mani-2 can easily be considered a crowning achievement in the book-shelf class category. When done right, it will have absolutely zero problems filling your space with copious amounts of acoustic energy. It's not a question of whether of if it will have enough 'punch'. Instead, its a question of whether or not it will have enough authority down low to satisfy your needs. Some owners feel the bass is more than adequate, while others end up throwing a high quality sub or two into the mix. Unfortunately, an Oppo source and a Outlaw multi channel amp may slight the speaker of what it can do.

On Revel; They also make decent transducers. I'd classify them as having the same general bravado as Paradigm, being just a touch smoother and more refined.

One speaker that should warrant *serious* consideration would be the Dali Mentor 6. The Mentor 6's array of energy-efficient drivers will give you the effortless dynamic prowess you're looking for - along with very open and clear mids. The star of their show will be the hybrid silk dome / ribbon tweeter.  Can you say air? It is one of the only affordable monkey coffins I've heard at its price that can serious challenge a good panel in this regard. If you like detail and a slightly forward presentation - these may well be for you! The downside? While it doesn't take much power to achieve lots of volume from Dali's Mentor line of speakers, I notice that they tend to sound best on euphonic (tube) components. 

There are tons of options out there. Good luck in the search !

[Dan Driscoll]

The Rainmakers are 2-ways, as are all of Totem's monitor/bookshelf speakers. I've listened to Rainmakers quite a bit, driven by both SS and tube gear. Lack of mid-range is NOT one of their faults. The 'dryness' is likely a combination of the amp and source,  plus there's no question they will be straining hard to fill a space that size. Totem does make an excellent 3-way/4-driver tower speaker, the Wind. IIRC, they are in the $7K-$8K range, depending on finish.

Since I have no idea what your budget is, a less expensive option would be a pair of Vandersteen Model 3A Signatures. For $4K I don't think you can find a better full-range tower speaker and they will have absolutely no trouble filling your space. An upgrade of the amp and source will make them sound even better.

[bpape]

I'd agree with either a tower or a monitor with a sub in that room.  The Mani-II's are certainly a wonderful speaker that perform in the bottom end much larger than their size, they image like crazy, and have a wonderful balance to them - given the right equipment feeding them.  They are a difficult speaker to drive.

Other options:

Odyssey Loreleis

ACI Sapphire XL's with one of the ACI subs

Bryan

[Audio-den]

If you can listen to the Usher BE718 you will find it to do what you are looking for no sub needed. Enjoy the music  Alan

[Stu Pitt]

I just heard the Audio Physic Yara Compact and Yara Evolution (tower) a few days ago.  I was very impressed with them.  Excellent bass, dynamics, imaging, and on and on.

I honestly didn't hear much bass difference between the two, but in a larger room and at higher SPLs, I'm pretty sure the tower would be a better fit.  They both have the same drivers - 1" tweeter and 7" mid/woofer.

Audio Physic can be difficult to find, but if you have a dealer within a reasonable distance they're definitely not a waste of time IMO.  I'm currently trying to figure out how to get rid of my PSB towers and bring in the Yara montiors without my wife suspecting anything   

http://www.audiophysic.de/yara_evolution_floorstander/index_e.html

BTW, the brushed aluminum finish is awful.  The wood veneers look so much better.

The other recommendations are pretty good as well.  I too think that the Revel Concerta tower is very similar to the Paradigm Studio 60.  It'll probably be more of a lateral move than anything else.  I didn't find them bright at all.  To my ears, they were warm and laid back.  They have tons of bass, and if this is what you're looking for they may fit the bill.  When I heard them they were being driven my a McIntosh MA 6900 and CD player, which may account for the warmth and laid back-ness.

[rumatt]

Hey, thanks for all the replies.  I'm looking into all of the suggestions.

Sorry I forgot to include a budget.  Ideally I'd like to spend $2K used or less on the speakers.  I can see going up to $2500 if I'm convinced it's a great match.

I currently have two options for towers for sale that are local to me for $2500:

1) Dynaudio Contour S3.4

2) Revel F32.

If anyone has thoughts on these, I'd love to hear them.  Thanks!

[Dan Driscoll]

Sorry, I haven't hear either of those.

Used 3A Sigs in excellent condition can be found for about $2K.

[Midnite Mick]

FWIW I have heard the Be718 and the 6381's and prefer the 6381's.  Better bass articulation and tweeter seemed a little softer..more holographic.....granted both speakers were straight out of the box and needed some time.

Mike

[sbrtoy]

IMHO I would stay away from both the speakers you mentioned, the Dynaudio and Revel are not known as warm or forgiving speakers, and if this is your main complaint I would look elsewhere. 

I agree with the previous post, the floorstanding Ushers are nice sounding speakers with more than a touch of warmth but I would hesitate to recommend the BE718 based on your electronics and room size. 

Another speaker you may want to listen to is the Vienna Acoustics Beethoven (or Mozart) both are very forgiving and warm sounding and have excellent bass.

[Rocket]

Hi,

Have you thought about Salk Sound Songtowers?  Currently $1500us.

Regards

Rod

[griller]

ACI Sapphire XL, pure magic!