[darkclouds]

Recently, it has occured to me that I've been using my speakers 90% of the time. Eventhough my headphone system sounds better, speakers tend to get me more envolved and engrossed with the music with their imaging and soundstaging. So, it's time for me to get into a nice pair of speakers.

For the last couple of months, I've been reading and researching on a pair of bookshelf/standmounted speakers to purchase. I've managed to narrow it down (priority being soundstage and ability to dissappear, imgaging and tonal balance) to a pair of B&W N805 (used, $1700) or a new pair of Von Schweikert VR-1 with stands ($1300).

Purchasing the 805 would be a rather expensive endeavour since I'll have to get a new amp for it, which will most likely be a Conrad Johnson CAV 50. The VR-1 can and will be driven with my 300B amp.

Now, I listen mainly to vocals, acoustic, and Jazz with a preference for a bit of warmth rather than bright. When it comes down to it, I'd rather have a more romantic sound than down right neutral system. I suspect that the VR-1 may be more to my liking, sonically. But I do love the way the N805 looks, and their reputation. Unfortunately, I will not be able to audition either of them, or much of any other brands.

Also note that I'm not at all knowledgeable about speakers (just from what I've read). And, I don't have to stick to the VR-1 or 805, but I have to stay within that price category.

So, what do y'all think? Recommendations?

 

[pigmode]

Shouldn't you stick with SET friendly speakers of at least 93dB and up? I got my 4 month old pair of Galante Rhapsodys (96 dB) for almost half off. I haven't heard the Von Schweikert VR-1, but it just doesn't strike me as a speaker that will complement the philosophy of DHSET.

 

[darkclouds]

I'm looking for something that has a smaller foot print. Aren't the Rhapsody large bookshelves?

Furthermore, I've checked with Tuberoller, and he said that the VR-1 sounded quite good with his 2A3s.

 

[darkclouds]

By the way Pigmode, how do the Rhapsody sound to ya?

I've always had a feeling that high efficient speakers/horn tend to be a bit shouty or aggressive.

I'm looking for something with a little more bottom end (w/o a sub) and a rich, fuller sound.

 

[pigmode]

The Von Schweikert VR-1 is in-room tested (not in an anechoic chamber) at 89 dB, which means it is closer to 86 dB. I'm not trying to sell you on a particular speaker, but I think you would do well to look for a higher level of compatibility.

 

[darkclouds]

Quote:

Originally posted by pigmode The Von Schweikert VR-1 is in-room tested (not in an anechoic chamber) at 89 dB, which means it is closer to 86 dB. I'm not trying to sell you on a particular speaker, but I think you would do well to look for a higher level of compatibility.

I know you're not trying to sell anything and was just giving me some opinions I've asked for.

I'm not particularly worried about power issue since the speakers are going to be in a smallish room. Listening position will only be about 6-7 feet or so away. Also, if I end up with the VR-1 and find out that 300B lack power, I'll pick up some 845. I've always wanted to try them out anyways and that would be a good excuse.

Edit: Can you give me an opinion on how your Rhapsody sounds?

 

[pigmode]

My timing is off today. Look at my profile for my system description. The Rhapsody is not in the least shouty, and has a very sweet midrange that excells with vocals and acoustic instruments. It does not strike me as aggressive or laid back. The 8" woofer can't reach the lower depths, but has a nice tight sound just the same.

If interested, PM Vertigo1. He had a pretty good audition of my system and is better able than I to convey audio impressions.

I guess the VR1 could work with 300b. Jim Ricketts of Wavac used the 300b to drive his LS3/5a for quite a while, although I don't know what he is using now.

The problem is smaller speakers tend to be less efficient. Have you thought about The Horns? They offer a 30 day trial period.

 

[darkclouds]

Someone give me their impression of the N805!

I'm still not sure what they sound like from the professional reviews.

 

[sacd lover]

N 805= bright. I think the treble is unnaturally shimmery and detailed compared to the rest of the frequency spectrum. The treble is delicate but always to prominent; the treble sounds 2-3 db to high compared to the frequencies below them. These speakers are actually about 85 db sensitivity and need lots of power to sound their best; atleast a 100 watts or they sound slow and dead and bright. I live with a 25 watt true class A amp and it couldnt drive them. I had to borrow a McCormack dna-125 and it still didnt seem to be quite enough. I dont like bright or to listen loudly so you can imagine my opinion of these. They just dont come alive at low volumes. I like more efficient speakers and I find a high sensitivity speaker to give you natural dynamics at lower volumes and with low power amps. I really like JMLab speakers. Their inverted dome tweeters are smooth and sweet sounding for a metal dome. JMLab is the parent company for Focal drivers that are some of the best sounding you can get. You can pick up a JMLab electra 906 monitor for $2000 new but they are on audiogon for $1200-1500. I saw a pair of new chorus 707's go for $325 tonight by auction. 19x8x12/ 91.5 sensitivity/3.6 ohm min impedence and the characteristic house sound; which is clear, open sounding, with speed and punchy dynamics plus good bass and a refined treble. Check some of these out.

 

[papabear]

Have you had a chance to audition Dynaudio 42's. Or possibly some Sonus Faber. I find these work very well in small rooms and both have a warm sound. The Sonus Faber Concerto are wonderful speakers that do jazz vocals well. The Dyn's would be a good less expensive alternative. I've found the larger audience 52's can do well in small rooms as well as long as you watch the distance from walls since the Audience series is rear ported.

 

[darkclouds]

Thanks sacd lover. I was a bit suspicious of the 805 being a little on the bright side, something I would not enjoy. And you've confirmed that for me. So, the N805s are out.

I can't seem to find any review of the JMLab electra 906. The Dynaudio 42 can only go down to the low 50s and that's not low enough for me.

I'm looking into a pair of Concerto. They look promissing. Although I'm still leaning more toward the VR-1. As I've said, I want something that sound rich and warm without losing details plus a nice soundstage. The VR-1 seems to provide that, at least from the reviews. Another plus would be that I can get a new pair with stands for a little less than what the others cost used.

I'm not in a rush and will not be buying until next month. So keep the suggestions and opinions coming.

Thanks

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Well, if I had insane money to throw around, I'd get a pair of Dynaudio "Special Twenty-Five" (I think they're already discontinued, though). A pair of bookshelf speakers with useable output down to 35Hz (which probably means it's like -10dB down). Nice unique look, too.

The current issue of TAS has the JMLab 906's in it as an "Editor's Choice" component. There's probably a lot of good suggestions there.

 

[yidimsum]

Hey darkclouds, my setup is fairly close to the 6-7 ft. listening distance you describe. The Proac speakers I'm using are rated at 86 db w/ a very flat and easy to drive impedance, and using ~18 watts SET 300B is plenty for my relatively small room. If you ever head up to KY, you're welcome to drop by. By the way, the Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables are a bargain, they really sound great. I think pigmode uses the AZ Satori also.

 

[darkclouds]

The Dynaudio special 25 are out of my price range.

From what I can gather, the 906 only go down to 50 hz.

The Proac, on the other hand looks like a good candidate. Even the Response One SC looks to be pretty good. Apparently they sound quite good, according to wes phillip, with cary 300 sei. I can only imagine that the Response 2 will be much like the One SC but with a heftier lower end.

So, the candidates thus far are: Von Schweikert VR-1, Proac Response one SC or 2 S (these are readily available used on audiogon), Sonus Faber Concerto. At the moment, I'm leaning more toward the Proac. The Response One SC is the perfect size but I think I may like the lower end much more on the 2 S version.

Also, I'm looking at some Tyler audio Taylo reference monitors. They seem to be well built with excellent drivers.

 

[yidimsum]

The Proac Response 1SC and the 2S (back port) need a bit more juice then the original version of the 2 (front port). For a small room, they the Response speakers should be able to play loud enough however.