Hello to all. I'm not very active on WBF, but wanted to make this the main place of reference and updates in my quest for new speakers. Something tells me that I'll get valuable input here.
Currently I have the Evolution Acoustics MicroOnes, which I like very much. The have great tonal balance, well integrated highs and mids and very decent LFs for their size. They are very, very fast and clean, very detailed and have excellent micro dynamics. And then there's the price which made these an absolute no-brainer at the time. Nonetheless, I've lived with them long enough to know about their shortcomings: they tend to get shouty rather fast, though luckily I rarely listen to music loudly, macro dynamics are limited, tone, texture and body are not their towering strengths and then there is the main issue: I miss low frequency extension, that last octave, especially when I listen to full orchestral works (crazy about Mahler, Brahms, Rachmanninoff, etc.) and pop.
I know that the EA MicroTwo would be the natural upgrade, but I've officially given up waiting for it.
I have already listened to many different systems and have a good idea of what I'm looking for. I just need to find it within my budget, which shouldn't go over $8-$10k. I have no problem buying used.
A little about my musical and sonic preferences: I prefer a more neutral system with excellent sound stage. I normally tend to a faster sound, detailed sound and also prefer excellent HF decay and "air" which makes me think that AMT or Ribbon tweeters will probably be the way to go. I also believe in a trickle-down effect from HFs way above the listening range and have actually some empiric evidence that harmonics not only work from the fundamental up, but also from the HFs down, but that's a whole different thread. I also use my system to evaluate mixes and masters for albums and DVDs, so it has to show me the warts. I still seek a coherent musical experience and do know that, at the moment, my system has the tendency to be slightly monochrome. I studied classical composition and write vocal and instrumental arrangements and orchestrations, too, so I know how instruments should sound. I would welcome more body, texture and colour with excellent HF decay and room depiction.
In other words: I'm looking for a love-child between Rockport lows and mids and Raidho highs.
My current amp will probably be able to take care of almost any load, so I'm not worried about speakers that are difficult to drive. However, they should be able to play equally well at low listening levels. Another important factor is that I normally move every 5-6 years, so I need the speakers to be versatile regarding placement and space.
I am extremely aware that this might be a tall order for a speaker within my budget, but who knows, right?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Best
Andre
Currently I have the Evolution Acoustics MicroOnes, which I like very much. The have great tonal balance, well integrated highs and mids and very decent LFs for their size. They are very, very fast and clean, very detailed and have excellent micro dynamics. And then there's the price which made these an absolute no-brainer at the time. Nonetheless, I've lived with them long enough to know about their shortcomings: they tend to get shouty rather fast, though luckily I rarely listen to music loudly, macro dynamics are limited, tone, texture and body are not their towering strengths and then there is the main issue: I miss low frequency extension, that last octave, especially when I listen to full orchestral works (crazy about Mahler, Brahms, Rachmanninoff, etc.) and pop.
I know that the EA MicroTwo would be the natural upgrade, but I've officially given up waiting for it.
I have already listened to many different systems and have a good idea of what I'm looking for. I just need to find it within my budget, which shouldn't go over $8-$10k. I have no problem buying used.
A little about my musical and sonic preferences: I prefer a more neutral system with excellent sound stage. I normally tend to a faster sound, detailed sound and also prefer excellent HF decay and "air" which makes me think that AMT or Ribbon tweeters will probably be the way to go. I also believe in a trickle-down effect from HFs way above the listening range and have actually some empiric evidence that harmonics not only work from the fundamental up, but also from the HFs down, but that's a whole different thread. I also use my system to evaluate mixes and masters for albums and DVDs, so it has to show me the warts. I still seek a coherent musical experience and do know that, at the moment, my system has the tendency to be slightly monochrome. I studied classical composition and write vocal and instrumental arrangements and orchestrations, too, so I know how instruments should sound. I would welcome more body, texture and colour with excellent HF decay and room depiction.
In other words: I'm looking for a love-child between Rockport lows and mids and Raidho highs.
My current amp will probably be able to take care of almost any load, so I'm not worried about speakers that are difficult to drive. However, they should be able to play equally well at low listening levels. Another important factor is that I normally move every 5-6 years, so I need the speakers to be versatile regarding placement and space.
I am extremely aware that this might be a tall order for a speaker within my budget, but who knows, right?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Best
Andre
Last edited: