Should I upgrade my speakers? Using Arcam A28 amp

[itsikhefez]

Hi all,

I've been setting up a HiFi system for near-field listening on my desk. I've had lots of components come and go (mostly used) in the past 3 months and I'm wondering if I should settle or upgrade the speakers.

My current system is: PC > HRT MS II+ > Atlas Equator IC > ARCAM A28 > Atlas element cable > Epos K5.

I know that I'm not getting everything I should from the Epos currently. I've recently put them on an impromptu stand on my desk and they have improved vastly, so I'm looking into building custom stands to elevate them to ear level. In addition, I will add some acoustic foam on the wall behind them.

Space is limited, the speakers are 80cm apart and 10cm from the back wall. I've check models of most brands to find models that match in regards to my space limit, they are:

Side-step: (but potentially better synergy)

Totem dreamcatcher, Focal 705, Dali Opticon 1

Upgade:

Neat Motive 3, PMC DB1i, ProAc Tablette

So what do you think? Would you go for a similarly priced speakers but better synergy to the Arcam, would you upgrade, or stay put?

Thanks for your time

 

[audiomagnate]

I'd get a nice sub. Or two. Or three or maybe four if you have the room.

 

[Designdweeb]

Hi all,

I've been setting up a HiFi system for near-field listening on my desk. I've had lots of components come and go (mostly used) in the past 3 months and I'm wondering if I should settle or upgrade the speakers.

My current system is: PC > HRT MS II+ > Atlas Equator IC > ARCAM A28 > Atlas element cable > Epos K5.

I know that I'm not getting everything I should from the Epos currently. I've recently put them on an impromptu stand on my desk and they have improved vastly, so I'm looking into building custom stands to elevate them to ear level. In addition, I will add some acoustic foam on the wall behind them.

Space is limited, the speakers are 80cm apart and 10cm from the back wall. I've check models of most brands to find models that match in regards to my space limit, they are:

Side-step: (but potentially better synergy)

Totem dreamcatcher, Focal 705, Dali Opticon 1

Upgade:

Neat Motive 3, PMC DB1i, ProAc Tablette

So what do you think? Would you go for a similarly priced speakers but better synergy to the Arcam, would you upgrade, or stay put?

Thanks for your time

I like my Rega Camber 2.5 speakers with my Arcam Alpha 10, after using Proac Response 2s for a while. Next I'll try a few different models of Energy monitors running with Technics vintage amp for the TV in one of the bedrooms now

 

[itsikhefez]

I like my Rega Camber 2.5 speakers with my Arcam Alpha 10, after using Proac Response 2s for a while. Next I'll try a few different models of Energy monitors running with Technics vintage amp for the TV in one of the bedrooms now

But would you change speakers or do you think it would be wasteful in my configuration?

 

[Designdweeb]

But would you change speakers or do you think it would be wasteful in my configuration?

Frankly, I'd first try out some subs to add to the limited range of any monitors. That said, the Proacs are now happy with the Macaintosh 1700, without a sub. It depends on what your ears are tuned to, and what type of music you prefer. My opinion is, not getting the performance 100% is not always a priority. If you can't 'hear' it, is it a priority for spending your money? I can't hear a lot of things in music I like, some genres get my scrutiny, some not so much

 

[CKDC]

I am not sure why the concept of adding a subwoofer came up when the op did not complain about a lack of bass. Those speakers go down to 65 kHz so, I would imagine they would do fairly well in a small room with many types of music.


I suggest you try some good speaker stands. Check out IsoAcoustics or something along that line. Even if you try another speaker, you want something like this to isolate the speaker.

 

[nexus]

Those speakers go down to 65 kHz so

 

[CKDC]

Oops! 65 Hz.

Power Handling
60 Watts unclipped speech and music

Frequency Range
65 Hz – 30 kHz

Impedance
4 Ohm nominal

Sensitivity
86dB / 2.83V@1m

Tweeter
Epos 25mm soft dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and neodymium magnet system.

Bass/Midrange Driver
x1 101mm Epos mid bass drivers, with 25mm high-temperature voice coil and polypropylene cone.



Internal wiring
18 AWG stranded oxygen free copper cable.

Finish
Painted White or Black

Grille
The K5 has an optional Snap-on grille.

Size
140 x 190 x 250mm (W x D x H)

Weight
3.35 kg per single speaker
9 kg per packed pair
Packaged two speakers per carton.

 

[bhunter]

I am not sure why the concept of adding a subwoofer came up when the op did not complain about a lack of bass. Those speakers go down to 65 kHz so, I would imagine they would do fairly well in a small room with many types of music.


I suggest you try some good speaker stands. Check out IsoAcoustics or something along that line. Even if you try another speaker, you want something like this to isolate the speaker.

There is music below 65Hz. A subwoofer, or preferably a distributed bass system, would be one of the best ways to upgrade his system. Obviously, upgrading the speakers to something closer to full range would also work; however, EPOS K5s are a nice speaker and upgrading would be much more expensive IMHO than getting a quality subwoofer. A properly set up subwoofer adds a significant amount of realism to the listening experience. A lot of people have a dislike of subwoofers because there are so many poorly designed HT subwoofers.

I do agree that if space permits a quality stand would be money well spent.

 

[audiomagnate]

I'd get a nice sub. Or two. Or three or maybe four if you have the room.

Frankly, I'd first try out some subs to add to the limited range of any monitors. That said, the Proacs are now happy with the Macaintosh 1700, without a sub. It depends on what your ears are tuned to, and what type of music you prefer. My opinion is, not getting the performance 100% is not always a priority. If you can't 'hear' it, is it a priority for spending your money? I can't hear a lot of things in music I like, some genres get my scrutiny, some not so much

There is music below 65Hz. A subwoofer, or preferably a distributed bass system, would be one of the best ways to upgrade his system. Obviously, upgrading the speakers to something closer to full range would also work; however, EPOS K5s are a nice speaker and upgrading would be much more expensive IMHO than getting a quality subwoofer. A properly set up subwoofer adds a significant amount of realism to the listening experience. A lot of people have a dislike of subwoofers because there are so many poorly designed HT subwoofers.

I do agree that if space permits a quality stand would be money well spent.

There seems to be a growing consensus. If you're on a budget and at all handy, Parts Express has some nice kits starting at $369.00 Even better, DIYAudio has a thread on DIY under $500 subs that's loaded with great options. As mentioned above, cheap HT subs have soured the reputation of subwoofers, but in truth a high quality sub or two would completely transform a bass limited system like yours. Upgrading the signal path - it's already very nice - would have little or no audible effect IMO.