Speaker options for recent cd upgrade

[kusum65]

Hi , ive just upgraded my arcam 72 to the 192 model and could do with some speaker suggestions . I have B&W 601s which are probably to big with my present small listening room and i listen to all types of music. The arcam has brought noticable improvements to the sound but i find that vocals , particulary female vocals , sound a bit forward and on some recordings a bit tiring.

From reading W HIFI im thinking a neutral monitor would be worth checking out. My local hi fi shop has a pair of pro ac tablette 8 signatures that look very pretty and have a £100 knocked of them but im a bit put of by the pushy salemen. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[John Duncan]

Ooo Proac Tablette reference 8 Signatures ooo.

Have you listened to them? They're my favourite standmount, like, ever (though couldn't afford them when I needed to). Consider also PMC DB1i or, controversially, AVI Neutron V if you a) like vocals and b) have a small room (as I do).

 

[John Duncan]

What's the amp btw? Joelsim will be along shortly I expect as he has the 192 pushing biamped arcams and a pair of signatures in the kitchen - I think he's delighted with them.

 

[Anonymous]

Listen to a few boxes as people always seem to be surprised when they hear what others have commented on. In particular the Proac Tab Ref 8 Sig actually evokes mixed feelings. It wasn't for me. Spendor are my favs at the mo so check them out.

 

[kusum65]

Sorry , had to go back to work, but thanks for the replys. My amps a rotel 1062 and yes ill have to check the pro acs as it seems some people seem to be very excited about them . I know i had the aug 04 issue with their review but it got binned a long time ago. Any idea what people mean by them sounding like " electrostats" by the way.

The spendor option does does sound an attractive proposition as you can get the old se3s for a good price these days

 

[John Duncan]

Comparison to electrostatics usually means really good imaging - like the voices float in front of you. Almost always used in the same sentence as "holographic". It was what I liked most about them, though I have found other speakers since that do that as well - the PMC DB1+ and AVI Neutron V for starters, both of which I have in my house.

You must always listen in tandem with your amp though - is igglebert says, you may find a particular combination gets 'too much' at one frequency extreme or the other - his SA1s didn't work for me, for instance (not at 1100 quid anyway

), but I'm sure in his system it's as stunning as he (and everybody else) says.

jd

 

[kusum65]

The PMCs sound great speakers but im a bit puzzled about room placement. Do they require toe in and are they best right up against the wall ? I know they have a unique base port but dont know how they would work in my small room and fire place in the way

 

[John Duncan]

Though they're rear ported, the transmission line doesn't work quite like a traditional port (it says here in the brochure). I personally have them in a bay window, so not actually up against anything behind them (unless you count a window sill at 45§) with excellent results - whereas a traditional ported design (AVI Neutron V) in the same position is robbed of a bit of bass.

Find a PMC dealer who will let you try a pair at home in the position you intend.

Oh, and mine are toed in, yes.

 

[crusaderlord]

I wrote a thread on some standmounts i demod last weekend including the signature 8's which may help.

http://whathifi.com/forums/t/123242.aspx

 

[kusum65]

Thanks for that , PMCs sound a safe bet , i know a place that does them. Their miles away but a lot nicer to deal with than the other place. I dont know any AVi dealers but im interested to track one down as you mentioned they were mellow with vocals

 

[John Duncan]

And are half the price of the DB1........

 

[kusum65]

Interesting thread . I love doing demos my self but always feel guilty when i dont buy anything. You put me right of the tablettes. My little B&Ws sound great, best £250 ive spent but its the female vocal thing i have a problem with and so like you , im a bit dissapointed about the tablettes if thats the case. Shame , they looked so pretty! The neat motives sound good though so ill add them to my list. Cheers.