speaker advice RWA

sugbob21 · « **on:** 2 Feb 2009, 02:53 pm »

new to the site and need some guidance. recently able to purchase RWA 30.2 amp along with a Blueberry Xtreme pre second hand. currently using quad 22L (older version) and want to go upgrade back to a good bookshelf. budget 2000-2500 and do not plan on using subwofer. room size is 13x15 and listen to mostly rock and jazz. would consider used or new.some thoughts were Harbeth p3-es2, Totem rainmaker,Green Mountain Callisto. any thoughts or ideas helpful. would like as full range as possible , not sure if any above provide that. tks

low.pfile · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Feb 2009, 04:10 pm »

Welcome to AudioCircle SugBob,

this thread http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=50808.0 is a running list of speakers being used with their RWA amp

ed

dewar · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 10:08 am »

Most of the speakers on the list tend towards the higher efficiency variety, but with a room of your size you would be silly to exclude almost any bookshelf, unless you really like to crank it. Have a listen to as many speakers as you possibly can would be my best advice. (also consider some second hand Harbeth compact 7's if you get the chance)

Profbratsch · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 02:37 pm »

Welcome to the RWA Forum!

Given your room dimensions and budget here are some possibilities that are for sale at present (not in any particular ranking):

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1236786159&/Omega-Super-8-Alnico-Monitor

This is currently Omega Loudspeakers' top of the line monitor. All reports of the Alnico magnet (which was used in several older vintage speakers) have been very positive. If you were able to talk the seller down a touch you could enjoy the Omegas and wait for a Deep Hemp Cube to come on the market and still be pretty close to budget (the Skylan stands would put you a bit over).

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1237696095&/Silverline-SR17.5s-with-dynaud
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1238329333&/Silverline-sr-17.5-series-2-wa

If you are totally against subwoofers one of these two Silverlines would be fabulous. This is probably the first I have seen two rosewood 17.5s for sale at the same time. Alan Yun has taken Dynaudio drivers and created wonderful designs and I think the size of your room would be ideal for the 17.5s. They are among the best full-spectrum monitors you can get anywhere near the price these are being offered for.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1238099273&/WLM-Diva-Monitor-

The WLM line impressed Vinnie to such an extent he is now carrying the Divas and LaScalas as the sole North American distributor for the company. Both Divas for sale have been listed since October and fall well within your budget. Given their efficiency and the synergy they exhibit with Red Wine Audio equipment you cannot go wrong with this choice.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1238812821&/Harbeth-super-hl-5-cherry-with

If you stretched your budget and negotiated the price down the Super HL5s would arguably be a huge upgrade over Harbeths' more compact monitors. The company is known for producing speakers that really capture instrumental timbre and balance in a compelling way. Vinnie has had favorable things to say about the RWA/Harbeth combination. The Harbeth 30 has a slightly leaner tonal balance than the Super HL5 and might be a better match for your room size but I could not find one listed right now.

Just to give you a couple of options with tower speakers these might be of interest to you:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1238274893&/Living-Voice-Avatar-winner-abs
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1238673007&/Living-Voice-Auditorium-
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1236626276&/Zu-Audio-druid--mk.iv-(4)-fini

Several posts on a number of forums have listed the Druid as a strong choice for rock music. Relatively small footprint and extremely efficient.

I guess I should let others chime in about now...

sugbob21 · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 05:24 pm »

thanx Profbratsch for the time for such a detailed response. i will look into your speaker choices. the Silverlines look real intriguing while the omega single driver concept has had me tempted for a listen. thanx again

bob

Profbratsch · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 09:10 pm »

You're most welcome but I am not done yet!

I just saw the following ad on the 'Gon. If you can live with minor corner damage on one speaker you can pick them up for a song. I guess I would describe the Tonian TL-D1 as a single-driver, semi-open baffle speaker with a super-tweeter. Everything I have read about the Tonian line has been terrific and you will not find any speaker that extends the upper end as high as the ribbon tweeter of the TL-D1 does for under $1500 (you might have to spend two or three times as much just for the tweeter alone). If I were still looking for speakers I would have already bought them out from under you!

Here is the link:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1237821227&/Tonian-Acoustics/Labs-TL-D1-bi

RoadTripper · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 10:08 pm »

Check out the Gedlee Abbey kit speaker. There are some threads on it here on AC.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=56687.0

TONEPUB · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 11:40 pm »

I don't know if all the Harbeths work very well with the Sig 30.2,
but I have had excellent results with the Compact 7s (current models)
and the Monitor 40.1s....

Alwayswantmore · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Feb 2009, 11:43 pm »

Quote from: Profbratsch on 3 Feb 2009, 02:37 pm

Welcome to the RWA Forum!
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1236786159&/Omega-Super-8-Alnico-Monitor

This is currently Omega Loudspeakers' top of the line monitor. All reports of the Alnico magnet (which was used in several older vintage speakers) have been very positive. If you were able to talk the seller down a touch you could enjoy the Omegas and wait for a Deep Hemp Cube to come on the market and still be pretty close to budget (the Skylan stands would put you a bit over).

I own the 6" Super Monitor (smaller brother). The 8" moves more air and goes deeper. These speakers are 93db sensitivity, so they would play your rock loud and dynamic. Likewise they do very well at lower volume and with simple works, like female vocals (my fave). The price is only a few hundred more than the 6" Monitor. And I don't think this set is very old.

Even at retail, Omega is a great speaker for the money. At this price, IMO these would be tough to beat.

BTW: I went from Omega standard ferrite drivers to Alnicos. The Alnicos do better with overtones, and offer greater articulation (especially in the mid to low end).

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Feb 2009, 04:04 am »

Hi sugbob21,

Welcome to Audiocircle and the RWA forum!

Some good recommendations have been made above.

If you can spend a little more, I just got back a demo pair of WLM La Scala Monitors (from the CES show) that
are superb with the Sig 30.2. They are in like-new condition and you'll love this pairing! (and I offer
a 30-day trial period in case you are not 100% satisfied):

http://www.redwineaudio.com/wlm/lascala_monitor.html

These will fill your small room with BIG sound and you won't need a sub.

Please feel free to email me if you are interested: vinnie@redwineaudio.com

Good luck with your search!

Vinnie

JerryM · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Feb 2009, 04:25 am »

Quote from: sugbob21 on 2 Feb 2009, 02:53 pm

new to the site and need some guidance. recently able to purchase RWA 30.2 amp along with a Blueberry Xtreme pre second hand. currently using quad 22L (older version) and want to go upgrade back to a good bookshelf. budget 2000-2500 and do not plan on using subwofer. room size is 13x15 and listen to mostly rock and jazz. would consider used or new.some thoughts were Harbeth p3-es2, Totem rainmaker,Green Mountain Callisto. any thoughts or ideas helpful. would like as full range as possible , not sure if any above provide that. tks

Hey, Sugbob,

If I had your budget (and I wish I did) I'd get these.

Have fun,
Jerry

Mariusz · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Feb 2009, 05:05 am »

Quote from: JerryM on 4 Feb 2009, 04:25 am

Quote from: sugbob21 on 2 Feb 2009, 02:53 pm
new to the site and need some guidance. recently able to purchase RWA 30.2 amp along with a Blueberry Xtreme pre second hand. currently using quad 22L (older version) and want to go upgrade back to a good bookshelf. budget 2000-2500 and do not plan on using subwofer. room size is 13x15 and listen to mostly rock and jazz. would consider used or new.some thoughts were Harbeth p3-es2, Totem rainmaker,Green Mountain Callisto. any thoughts or ideas helpful. would like as full range as possible , not sure if any above provide that. tks

Hey, Sugbob,

If I had your budget (and I wish I did) I'd get these.

Have fun,
Jerry

85db.......??????
I wouldn't take that chance.

(nice speakers but for more muscular amp IMO)
Omegas are (new) nice, so are the Zus (floor-standers).
Vinnie has the WLMs.
I have used my AAD 2001 monitors with that amp and it did sound pretty good........ considering their 89db sensitivity.

If that was me - I would charge it up and visit couple local dealers. How hard can it be ?????

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Feb 2009, 10:31 pm »

Quote

85db.......??????
I wouldn't take that chance. (nice speakers but for more muscular amp IMO)
Omegas are (new) nice, so are the Zus (floor-standers).

Hi Mariusz,

If sugbob21 doesn't play too loud, it'll probably work ok (he's in a small room). Otherwise, I have to agree with you -
those are probably going to want more power.

In a room his size, a good pair of monitors is probably the way to go over floorstanders...

Vinnie

sugbob21 · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Feb 2009, 03:57 pm »

due to change in finances have to downsize my options. i have read about the Omega 6 monitors and RWA. Can anyone comment on Totem Rainmakers or any other monitor in the $1000-1500 range?

saisunil · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 Feb 2009, 04:02 pm »

GR Research has come up with Neo 3 kits and speakers ... they are killer monitors and since they are sealed - they work great in small to medium rooms and above all the price is right - only three figures!

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #15 on:** 25 Feb 2009, 05:01 pm »

Hi Sugbob21,

Also take a look at these (they fit your budget):
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1240610005&/Devore-Fidelity-sell-or-trade-

and these:

http://www.omegaloudspeakers.com/products/super6series

Best regards,

Vinnie

sugbob21 · « **Reply #16 on:** 25 Feb 2009, 05:32 pm »

Hi Vinnie,

funny you should put on the Alnico 6's. Just happen to have ordered a pair in cherry from Louis on Friday. Should have them in a few weeks. Looking forward to hearing them with the RWA amp. This has been the best amp i have owned since getting in to this hobby and both of you guys have been very helpful. thanks again.
Bob

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 Feb 2009, 08:29 pm »

Quote from: sugbob21 on 25 Feb 2009, 05:32 pm

Hi Vinnie,

funny you should put on the Alnico 6's. Just happen to have ordered a pair in cherry from Louis on Friday. Should have them in a few weeks. Looking forward to hearing them with the RWA amp. This has been the best amp i have owned since getting in to this hobby and both of you guys have been very helpful. thanks again.
Bob

Hi Bob,

Congrats on your Omega Alnico 6 purchase! Please keep us posted!

Enjoy,

Vinnie

Alwayswantmore · « **Reply #18 on:** 26 Feb 2009, 09:59 pm »

Quote from: Vinnie R. on 26 Feb 2009, 08:29 pm

Quote from: sugbob21 on 25 Feb 2009, 05:32 pm
Hi Vinnie,

funny you should put on the Alnico 6's. Just happen to have ordered a pair in cherry from Louis on Friday. Should have them in a few weeks. Looking forward to hearing them with the RWA amp. This has been the best amp i have owned since getting in to this hobby and both of you guys have been very helpful. thanks again.
Bob

Hi Bob,

Congrats on your Omega Alnico 6 purchase! Please keep us posted!

Enjoy,

Vinnie

Congrats Bob. Cherry looks very nice -- my fronts are Cherry.

PaulFolbrecht · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Jul 2009, 04:16 pm »

Quote from: Profbratsch on 3 Feb 2009, 09:10 pm

You're most welcome but I am not done yet!

I just saw the following ad on the 'Gon. If you can live with minor corner damage on one speaker you can pick them up for a song. I guess I would describe the Tonian TL-D1 as a single-driver, semi-open baffle speaker with a super-tweeter. Everything I have read about the Tonian line has been terrific and you will not find any speaker that extends the upper end as high as the ribbon tweeter of the TL-D1 does for under $1500 (you might have to spend two or three times as much just for the tweeter alone). If I were still looking for speakers I would have already bought them out from under you!

Here is the link:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1237821227&/Tonian-Acoustics/Labs-TL-D1-bi

I thought I would reply to this older thread to point out something important: the TL-D1 is not really a single-driver speaker. This is because Tony does use a crossover on the Foxtex, the details of which are under wraps.

His crossover is definitely what makes this speaker so utterly amazing. Anyone can stick a Fostex in a box (even though this semi-open-baffle cabinet is special) with a super tweeter on top - and end up with the standard peaky, shouty Fostex sound. But this speaker is anything but. Yes, I picked up a pair recently and they are *amazing*. They are so completely open, transparent, fast, and pure, but not the tiniest bit shouty. In fact I measured them and they are flat as a pancake - as flat as I have ever measured in my room.

I don't say this lightly - this guy is a genius.