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System Matching Help

forceof1

forceof1

Active Member
Once again it's time for upgrades, this time it's speakers. I currently have.......Marantz 250, 3250B preamp and turntables. Speakers, Revel F36 and a pair of B&W DM 1400's. I listen to a lot of different types of music, electronic, rock and "other". I value accuracy and clarity.

My objective is too sell my F36's and maybe the 1400's and go with a vintage speaker in the $1500 range. Thank you in advance
 
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That's a great question. Based on my room and it's problematic acoustics, I think they are too big and I just don't need that much speaker...........I could certainly be wrong though. I do like that they are 6 ohm. Part of me wants to stick with a vintage system too. Thanks for your reply.
 
Size relates to efficiency some times or bass extension. A really large baffle can help direct midrange sound for added clarity. The smaller speaker tends to be less clean or defined unless you move closer. There are so many many variables depending on the type of drivers that giving a clean precise answer can be very difficult. You might think horn loaded speakers would be cleaner, but different arrival times from three way horn systems can complicate the end result, too.

Have you heard another system with smaller speakers that you prefer? Or are you just looking for change for change sake. That last choice can real expensive real fast. How about moving slightly closer to your speakers or maybe you are to close. Tell us whats wrong with sound as best you can for us to help you.
 
What vintage speaker is worth 1500, especially if you want something not as big as the F32s?

Is that vintage speaker better than what you have?

Maybe some 90s era Vandersteens or something. But those get large, too.
 
Blue Shadow said:
Maybe some 90s era Vandersteens or something. But those get large, too.
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i just saw a pair of VMPS for sale recently. you don't really hear of those anymore. i never heard a pair but i used to drool over them in stereo rags in the 80s.
 
Sorry to say but it may be your amp. I had a Marantz 250 as my first big amp and they sure are cool looking. It just didn’t seem to deal with impedance challenges. At the time I replaced it with a Carver m1.5…seemed to be able to drive any speaker I threw at it and was much for transparent also.
 
twiiii said:
Size relates to efficiency some times or bass extension. A really large baffle can help direct midrange sound for added clarity. The smaller speaker tends to be less clean or defined unless you move closer. There are so many many variables depending on the type of drivers that giving a clean precise answer can be very difficult. You might think horn loaded speakers would be cleaner, but different arrival times from three way horn systems can complicate the end result, too.

Have you heard another system with smaller speakers that you prefer? Or are you just looking for change for change sake. That last choice can real expensive real fast. How about moving slightly closer to your speakers or maybe you are to close. Tell us whats wrong with sound as best you can for us to help you.
Click to expand...
twiiii said:
Size relates to efficiency some times or bass extension. A really large baffle can help direct midrange sound for added clarity. The smaller speaker tends to be less clean or defined unless you move closer. There are so many many variables depending on the type of drivers that giving a clean precise answer can be very difficult. You might think horn loaded speakers would be cleaner, but different arrival times from three way horn systems can complicate the end result, too.

Have you heard another system with smaller speakers that you prefer? Or are you just looking for change for change sake. That last choice can real expensive real fast. How about moving slightly closer to your speakers or maybe you are to close. Tell us whats wrong with sound as best you can for us to help you.
Click to expand...
 
twiiii said:
Size relates to efficiency some times or bass extension. A really large baffle can help direct midrange sound for added clarity. The smaller speaker tends to be less clean or defined unless you move closer. There are so many many variables depending on the type of drivers that giving a clean precise answer can be very difficult. You might think horn loaded speakers would be cleaner, but different arrival times from three way horn systems can complicate the end result, too.

Have you heard another system with smaller speakers that you prefer? Or are you just looking for change for change sake. That last choice can real expensive real fast. How about moving slightly closer to your speakers or maybe you are to close. Tell us whats wrong with sound as best you can for us to help you.
Click to expand...
I may be trying to solve a problem in the wrong way. My room is full of problems, big problems. I could have really great tactile bass but everywhere I need to be the bass drops out. A different room would be ideal but I don't have one. Now I've changed the subject, unintentionally. Thanks for helping me out!
 
wallacefl said:
Sorry to say but it may be your amp. I had a Marantz 250 as my first big amp and they sure are cool looking. It just didn’t seem to deal with impedance challenges. At the time I replaced it with a Carver m1.5…seemed to be able to drive any speaker I threw at it and was much for transparent also.
Click to expand...
This is where my knowledge drops off, can you tell me more? I don't know much about impedance, If I upgraded my amp, would I also have to change my preamp? In reality, it's my room that's the problem but like most of us here upgrades are always fun. Thanks!
 
At the time I had some newer approx 4 ohm speakers and the Marantz seemed to loose something…it was hard to describe but I felt it to be was mostly midrange and up. I already had the 2 Carvers and was running a sub with one ….gave it a try and sold the 250.
 
Well I did some reading about your point source speakers. Not all that efficient and in order to get significant bass extension you have to be very careful how you place the speakers in the room. I would use a spectrum analyzer with calibrated mic most of the time when I go into a new space. All speakers are easily influenced by room acoustics. Your investment won't be big money, just an app with Pink noise and the calibrated USB mic from Parts Express. It will also give you an excuse to get one of the latest iPad Pros if you don't already have one. Then there is a matter of finding the right listening position. If you do go this way remember its all right to have the highs start rolling off at 2.5 KHZ to suit your tastes. If your listening position is a fixed position getting the right results might be a challenge. It will be a learning experience for sure. Just don't get frustrated, and you better buy MOM and the kids some movie tickets.

Then sit down and listen. You might want to pivot your speakers a bit to get the right balance in the highs, also..
 
twiiii said:
Well I did some reading about your point source speakers. Not all that efficient and in order to get significant bass extension you have to be very careful how you place the speakers in the room. I would use a spectrum analyzer with calibrated mic most of the time when I go into a new space. All speakers are easily influenced by room acoustics. Your investment won't be big money, just an app with Pink noise and the calibrated USB mic from Parts Express. It will also give you an excuse to get one of the latest iPad Pros if you don't already have one. Then there is a matter of finding the right listening position. If you do go this way remember its all right to have the highs start rolling off at 2.5 KHZ to suit your tastes. If your listening position is a fixed position getting the right results might be a challenge. It will be a learning experience for sure. Just don't get frustrated, and you better buy MOM and the kids some movie tickets.

Then sit down and listen. You might want to pivot your speakers a bit to get the right balance in the highs, also..
Click to expand...
Well that's incredible information. I really appreciate you sharing that info with me. I've heard of an app called REW (I think). I'm excited to get started on this. Kids are gone and yes, I'll be treading lightly with my better half. Thank you again.
 
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