Semi near field with big speakers

The biggest issue I've noticed with my setup is that sometimes the speakers sound "hard." By that, I don't mean harsh, but rather, almost as if the sound wave is too forceful, even at reasonable volumes (75 -80 db).
 
Had Boston Acoustics A100 at four foot triangle. I like the speakers, but the woofs were just too low while the tweeters were at ear level. Replaced with 17" high Canton Karat 200 (8" three-way) on stands. Much better, and still some upper base.
 
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Many would call that harsh.
I can see that, but I'm thinking of the harshness I heard with the Klipsch La Scala's I used to have. There was a harshness in the upper midrange, lower treble that was more like an actual distortion of the sound than too forceful a sound.
 
I have messed with near field in my office setup, sometimes with speakers too large for the space...sometimes you can almost get a headphones effect which is good assuming you like that effect. I like the headphone sound, but hate wearing them, so, aside from being cramped, it worked for me. The wife made me clear up the eyesore, but you probably don't have that problem in your basement.
 
I remember getting that headphone effect with a Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble set up with the woofer right in front of me and two sats left and right. The woofer is too big to leave on my desk like that,:music:
 
When working correctly, the bolted-down seats at some casino slot machines, with speakers built-in, sub and seat-shakers can make some gaming machines quite fun. Locally, some of the fun ones include Willie Wonka and DragonSpin.
 
Well, I finally decided I was lying to myself (at least a little). The setup sounded good, but not great, and the middle image suck-out you get on some early stereo recordings was emphasized with the big speakers. I bought a pair of KEF LS50's and they work much better in the room. They are plenty dynamic and cast a very nice soundstage. I can even listen sitting to the left or right of the sweet spot and feel I am hearing everything. They also have amazing bass for their size. They are spec'd at +- 3db at 70hz, but in my room, with judicious use of my equalizer, I have nice response down to about 40hz. I'm holding on to the Focals for now. We are talking about moving in a couple of years and I may end up with a room big enough for them.
 
Great choice! I love my ls-50s, listen to them daily.
How such a small speaker can output such prodigiuos bass I'll never know.
 
Great choice! I love my ls-50s, listen to them daily.
How such a small speaker can output such prodigiuos bass I'll never know.
I agree. I think I was wrong saying they're spec'd at 70hz. I think it is actually 79! However, the minus 6db spec is significantly lower.
 
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