Hello all,
After pretty much a month of umming and ahing, and countless home demos, my wife has now decreed that I simply must make a decision on our living room speakers, or I will drive her mad! Fair enough really, I have taken indecision to hitherto unseen levels on this issue!
Had a lengthy home demo of Dali Zensor 3s and I really enjoyed them, but they were just a little bit too big for the room (physically and in terms of sound) and there were some issues with the placement, which is either side of TV in corner of room. Dali do stress that speakers need to be parallel to rear wall, which is impossible in our situation.
So, I have since been trying out the Zensor 1s. These are very good speakers in many ways, although very occasionally they strike me as sounding a bit chaotic. Not sure they've been fully run in mind, and I could live with it.
However, I have since been offered the opportunity to pick up a set of Q100s for around £250 (RRP £399). Have only had a brief in store demo of these, but they sound really impressive. From what I've read, they're unfussy about placement, which is perfect for us.
As for the Diamond 220s, again, I've only heard these in store. They seemed fine, although a bit muddy. However I'm not convinced they were fully run in and wonder if the muddiness would clear with use? Obviously have read the stunning reviews in this august publication.
I listen to a broad range of music, a lot of a cappella choral music and chamber music, as well as indie rock and acoustic rock. Also will be used for everyday tv and movies. My priority is a very strong mid-range for rich, lifelike presentation of vocals, particularly in choral music. My ear also seem to be sensitive to excessive treble, so a mannered but sparkling treble would be great. Don't need pounding bass, just a good, supportive, well-timed foundation.
So, as I'm clearly incapable of making this final decision, I'd be grateful for feedback. Which is most likely to suit my needs, KEF, Dali or Wharfedale?
After pretty much a month of umming and ahing, and countless home demos, my wife has now decreed that I simply must make a decision on our living room speakers, or I will drive her mad! Fair enough really, I have taken indecision to hitherto unseen levels on this issue!
Had a lengthy home demo of Dali Zensor 3s and I really enjoyed them, but they were just a little bit too big for the room (physically and in terms of sound) and there were some issues with the placement, which is either side of TV in corner of room. Dali do stress that speakers need to be parallel to rear wall, which is impossible in our situation.
So, I have since been trying out the Zensor 1s. These are very good speakers in many ways, although very occasionally they strike me as sounding a bit chaotic. Not sure they've been fully run in mind, and I could live with it.
However, I have since been offered the opportunity to pick up a set of Q100s for around £250 (RRP £399). Have only had a brief in store demo of these, but they sound really impressive. From what I've read, they're unfussy about placement, which is perfect for us.
As for the Diamond 220s, again, I've only heard these in store. They seemed fine, although a bit muddy. However I'm not convinced they were fully run in and wonder if the muddiness would clear with use? Obviously have read the stunning reviews in this august publication.
I listen to a broad range of music, a lot of a cappella choral music and chamber music, as well as indie rock and acoustic rock. Also will be used for everyday tv and movies. My priority is a very strong mid-range for rich, lifelike presentation of vocals, particularly in choral music. My ear also seem to be sensitive to excessive treble, so a mannered but sparkling treble would be great. Don't need pounding bass, just a good, supportive, well-timed foundation.
So, as I'm clearly incapable of making this final decision, I'd be grateful for feedback. Which is most likely to suit my needs, KEF, Dali or Wharfedale?