Easier to improve sound stage or bass...? Which to invest in?

[zac92]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to weigh up the benefits of two sets of speakers I tried today - the Tannoy DC6T and the Monitor Audio RX6.

The Tannoys' soundstage was amaaaaaaazing - I felt like I was surrounded on all sides. However, the bass was lacking (though they were brand new and hadn't been broken in....)

The Monitor Audios' bass was soooooooo great, but I felt the soundstage was lacking slightly.

My question is: if I get the Tannoys, will the bass improve once they're broken in (especially if I get a warmer-sounding amp)? It seems to me that it's easier to improve bass than it is to improve soundstage, so maybe I should go with the Tannoys....

Advice much appreciated! Thanks,

Zac

 

[Craig M.]

Both the soundstage and bass are something that can vary considerably not only between speakers but also the rooms they are in and their positions in that room. If you haven't already, it would be best to demo at home before deciding. If you pay up front a decent dealer will let you take them home to try.

 

[Al ears]

Craig M has a very valid point. I am assuming you tried these speakers at a dealers. If you did try to get them to commit to a home demo (they might if they are any good and you commit to buying either/or of the speakers from them at the end of the demo). I don't think Tannoy's bass will improve much, if at all. However, as you rightly say, it is easier to improve on the bass, not so the soundstage. My advice would be to concentrate on the one with best soundstage or possible keep looking until you find a speaker that will offer both to your required level.

Perhaps the DC6T SE might have more of what you are looking for.

 

[jaxwired]

Tough call this one. My advice is to go with the tannoys IF the bass is close to what you want. Because, yes, a warm sounding amp can really help that problem but only within limits. Also, I agree a home demo would really help you decide because the room can seriously change the sound of speakers. A smaller room or placing the speakers closer to walls will increase bass quantity (but not necessarily quality).

 

[MakkaPakka]

A room is the sound of the speakers. Most of what you hear is reflected sound.

 

[zac92]

Thanks guys!

I think you're right.....my heart is telling me Tannoy! And I'm hoping that, with my fairly small room and a warm amp, my ears will be in agreement!

Zac

 

[Craig M.]

I take it that means you're not going to home dem? Hopefully it will work out for you. Why don't you ask the dealer to put some more hours on the Tannoys and go listen again to see if they sound fuller?

I have to say though that if I had to choose between a speaker with a tonal balance that I liked or one with better imaging, I'd go for tonal balance every time. Otherwise, imo, you'll end up only listening to certain recordings that suit or changing your speakers down the line.

 

[zac92]

Hmmm you are the voice of reason, Craig...I'm going to listen again today to see if the bass is really satisfying....I'll try not to kid myself!

Thanks!

Zac

 

[BenLaw]

Soundstage is more a product of the recording and the room acoustics. ie if you have a problem with soundstage at home, it's either unfixable because it's not on the recording, or it's fixable with acoustic treatment. Acoustic treatment can have some effect on bass (and as a knock on on the midrange) but can't fundamentally extend the FR of a pair of speakers. So for slightly different reasons, I'm with Craig.