Help me to upgrade my speakers

[sdg]

Hi all.
I have been following this forum since quite some time and let me first express my sincere thanks to the experts for their well considered suggestions.
I'm thinking of upgrading my present speakers (Aviano 2) for my Cambridge Audio 650 combo. My listening space allows me to keep the speakers about 1.25 to 1.5 mtrs apart and my listening seat is about 3 mtrs from the speakers. The room is about 4.0 x 3.5 mtrs. The ceiling is about 2.85 mtrs. The room is occupied with some light cane furniture and a divan.
Listening to my present setup since last one year has made me realize that I would rather prefer a warm sounding speaker with a fabric twitter. I prefer listening at low volumes and would like to have the bass extension at lower volumes without loosing the detail.
Please advise me,
(i) should I go for a floor stander or standmount. (My budget is about 80k max.)
(ii) What about epos elan 15/30 or quads?

Regards
sdg

 

[venkatcr]

First, you have to keep in mind that your amp's max output is 75 watts per channel. So you must look for speakers that have a specification of something like 20-70 watts at around 90db sensitivity.

Second, what is missing from your current speaker's? That will help us narrow down the new speakers in terms of BS vs FS, driver size, brand, etc.

Cheers

 

[jayantadak]

@venkatcr

I just went through your post suggesting for 20-70 watts and sensitivity 90 db for the speaker upgrade, keeping in mind the 75 RMS of the amplifier. I too have an avr denon 1604 which probably is 75 watts/channel and tower speakers about which I am confused about the specs since there is no mention of wattage range, but it shows a sensitivity of 90 db.

I have attached the brochures for your perusal. Pls give me your opinion on my speaker-AVR combination as to whether they are ok or mismatched. Shall be glad if you suggest me good tower speakers if you find them mismatched. I was considering Tsi 400 (Polk) or the Jamo S-606, or the Klipsch F-10 as an upgrade. Thanks

 

[sdg]

@venkatcr
Thanks for your inputs.
(i) The specifications are detailed below:
epos elan 15 (BS):Sensitivity 90dB / 2.83V@1m Amplifier Compatibility 20 120 Watts (Price INR 60k)
epos elan 30 (FS):Sensitivity 92dB / 2.83V@1m Amplifier Compatibility 12.5 150 Watts (Price INR 80k)
Quad 12L classic (BS): Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) 87dB Amplifier Compatibility 50-150Watts (Price INR 52k)
(ii) Aviano 2s are very transparent speakers and more so when connected to ca gears. I prefer listening at low to moderate volume. The volume knob remains between 8 & 9'o clock. At this level the deep bass is missing. Even if the volume is raised, the muscle and punch is not to my liking. Moreover, at raised volume the sound produces fatigue. The upper frequencies of mid-range of say a female voice or say a saxophone is not soothing.

I'm not very proficient in technical expressions of sound, so I don't know if I am able to convey my feelings. So, sir ask me more specific questions, if I'm not clear, but help me out, please.
sdg

 

[corElement]

I'd peronally go with the quad 12L for both value and sound quality.

 

[doors666]

First, you have to keep in mind that your amp's max output is 75 watts per channel. So you must look for speakers that have a specification of something like 20-70 watts at around 90db sensitivity.

Cheers

Not true, Even if your amp can give you true 50 watts per channel, you can still go for 100-150w speakers. you just wont get the full volume capabilities of the speakers, which might not be needed anyway as before that only you might hit deafening sound levels, depending upon the efficiency of the speakers.

 

[apk]

I would rather prefer a warm sounding speaker

Quad 12L classic (BS): Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) 87dB Amplifier Compatibility 50-150Watts (Price INR 52k)

The quads are definitely your speakers if you are looking for a warm sounding speaker. I have heard the Quad 11L classic, and found them to be very good for the money. Definitely very smooth sound that does not sound harsh at all. Have not heard the 12L, but I would expect them to be similar, albeit with a little more bass extension.

Best,
APK

 

[sdg]

@corElement
I haven't auditioned any model from quad. But, once I have auditioned epos m12i with ca gears. The sound was soothing. The bass had muscle & punch but, the metal twitter made me shaky. Meanwhile, epos has upgraded its mi series with the new elan series which has fabric dome twitter. So, I think, the new elans can do the trick. Now, taking into consideration my listening space constraints, should I go for a FS or BS. If BS, then quad 12L may be considered. But if I can go with a FS, then quad 22L is out of my budget.
However, do you think the quad 12L is warm sounding and can make the low end presence felt at low volumes?

 

[sdg]

The quads are definitely your speakers if you are looking for a warm sounding speaker. I have heard the Quad 11L classic, and found them to be very good for the money. Definitely very smooth sound that does not sound harsh at all. Have not heard the 12L, but I would expect them to be similar, albeit with a little more bass extension.

Best,
APK

Thanks APK. What about the sound detail/resolution/imaging of quad 12L?

 

[corElement]

@corElement
I haven't auditioned any model from quad. But, once I have auditioned epos m12i with ca gears. The sound was soothing. The bass had muscle & punch but, the metal twitter made me shaky. Meanwhile, epos has upgraded its mi series with the new elan series which has fabric dome twitter. So, I think, the new elans can do the trick. Now, taking into consideration my listening space constraints, should I go for a FS or BS. If BS, then quad 12L may be considered. But if I can go with a FS, then quad 22L is out of my budget.
However, do you think the quad 12L is warm sounding and can make the low end presence felt at low volumes?

The quad 12L is somewhat of a "textbook" speaker.
They are neutral and flat sounding with good transparency. Some people like myself prefer neutral/flat sound, while others find it boring and lifeless.
They are not very bass-heavy speakers so be warned if that's what you're looking for. Instead, you get more clean, balanced sound.
The woofer is kevlar and the tweeter is a soft dome, so it should be quite smooth to listen to, as against metal woofers or metal tweeters.

I would say don't bother with a floorstander. They are trouble and room dynamics become an issue with floorstanders.
While bookshelf speakers you can just turn it towards yourself, forget everything and enjoy.

 

[sdg]

@corElement
Thanks a lot for your opinion.
I'm actually looking for a speaker which can make the low end presence felt at low volume. And it should have a fabric twitter. Please advise accordingly.
Regarding your comments about a FS. let's see what venkatcr says.
sdg

 

[corElement]

That is my suggestion dude
Another option for balanced sound is kef q300 which is around 33k I think (somewhere around that)

Since you mentioned you have a restriction with room size, certain floor standers might get a bit boomy in small areas.

 

[mpw]

sdg - its tweeter and not twitter.

whats your budget ?

Its best if you can put up a picture of your current setup so that FM's may advise you on the positioning as pect. Sometimes the simple things can do the trick.

If you are open to a subwoofer.. you may try it too. That may give you what you are looking for.. the LF extension.

PS : There is a Wh 9.2 on sale with stands on this forum.
PS2 : YMMV

mpw

 

[sdg]

@corElement
The room size and setup is mentioned in my opening post. So, if there is any minimum benchmark or certain aspects to be considered for keeping a FS, please apprise me.

@mpw
Thanks for correcting me.

My current setup, concern for up-gradation and budget have been detailed in my opening and subsequent posts. If you can please go through the entire thread, I hope your considered opinion will be very much helpful.

How to insert an image of my current set up?

No, I'm not at all open to a subwoofer.

What does YMMV mean?
sdg

 

[corElement]

My room size is a little more than yours and I found floorstanders to be too much for me.
So I would definitely say look at a good bookshelf speaker instead of a floorstander.

 

[manoj.p]

SDG,

Your speakers are barely 1.25 meters away from each other and you are seating 3 meters away. That is too narrow listening angle. No matter which speakers you buy, your soundstage will be very narrow, it won't sound spacious and will not give enough detail. A wider soundstage is needed to perceive the detail, space effect and proper imaging.

Try spreading your current image to atleast 2.5 to 3 meters, tow those in to your listening position. See if it helps. As CorElement suggested, don't bother with floorstanders. FS will have placement limitations from each wall. You will be better off with a subwoofer.

But first try with your current speakers with bigger spread and give it a serious listening. If you still have to change, then audition till you like something. It's a bad idea to buy a speaker based on specs thinking you "will" like it.

 

[sdg]

@corElement
Thanks. So your vote is for a bookshelf speaker. Now do you think a capable BS can do justice to the deep bass at low volume. If yes, what specifications should I look for. Pleased suggest me some brands.

 

[sdg]

@manoj.p
Thanks dear. I'll certainly try your idea.

 

[denom]

@sdg,

I dunno what your definition of deep bass is, but if you are looking for speakers without a subwoofer to augment 'deep bass', then am sorry but the speakers discussed here minus a sub woofer will not give you satisfaction. Just my understanding from what you have written so far & hence my comments!

Best way out is to take demo's of all the speakers advised to you & post hearing them judge yourself whether they give you that 'deep bass' @ low volumes or not.

Best Wishes

 

[X man]

Agree Quad 12L are excellent speakers, good mid range/vocals.