I am on the hunt for new or used speakers that will compliment the MA6850 amplifier.
Any suggestions?
Needs to be good for Classic Rock at higher volumes, hopefully with a more forward midrange.

Vandersteen 2ce.

I heard for rock they might not be a good choice for me. Plus I am looking for something that is a little forward sounding.

Some of the best speakers for the money are Magneplanars;(or Vandersteens) and many say they are not good with rock, I beg to differ; it just depends what aspects of the music you are interested in. I love my maggies with classic rock. Just be sure you give some an hour of your time, it might change your mind.

If the rush of air bass slam is definitely on the importance list, and are looking for forward bookshelves, check out some Energy Veritas.

Will the 1.6 be a good choice for my MA6850? I heard some years ago and they were awsome but I don't remember trying to crank them to Pink Floyd or Metallica. I like knowing the speaker can go low and 40hz does not sound that low.

Used ProAc D15.

KMC,

The Monitor Audio GS60s are within the pricing goal used?

Michael,

Yep, you can find them on AG for that price used. A great value on the used market, kind of an in your face speaker, but for classic rock type music nearly perfect.

Here's a picture of some MA speakers in my house about a year ago. I still have the Platinum line, but gave away most of the rest to a few friends.

Holy Cow, Keith.......That's a bunch of speakers in one room.

look into the totem line, one of the best value for the money and they get amazing bass from their cabs, plus you can always add damping to them. also they image like no other. and they really shine with mcintosh. most of their lines, compt with much higher price speakers and win on blind test. If you can find a dealer do yourself a favor just take a listen.

Keith,
What happened to your post and pictures?

Will the 1.6 be a good choice for my MA6850? I heard some years ago and they were awsome but I don't remember trying to crank them to Pink Floyd or Metallica. I like knowing the speaker can go low and 40hz does not sound that low.

Their sound is different. The low notes that they do grab are full of definition and detail, and not just the wallop of those bass notes. If you want room shaking bass there is only one way to get that; large diameter cone, to my ears that is not music, that is home theatre. Based on your comment, how low does it go, it sounds like you want a floorstander cone-type speaker, but read on...

There are two ways to describe Rock; there is the rock that Lars Ulrich has coming from his drum kit in the sound room they recorded the album in, when you are there live, 10 feet away from it, and then there is the sound of his drum kit at a concert played through thousands of watts and multiple 15 inch speakers before it comes to your ears, in say the 20th row. If the former sound is what you are after Magneplanar will do that as well as any speaker. They will not do the concert hall part as well as cone speakers.

The one thing that planars (and electrostatics) do exceptionally well is speed. The way the 1/16 double bass drum notes from Lars Ulrich and Mike Portnay come through on maggies makes cone woofers sound slow. The space I hear between those rapid bass drum notes makes it seem you can almost get up and go get another drink and come back back before the next one hits. When I hear many cone speakers now all I hear is overhang.

So bottom line is you will give up the "slam" for more "definition" or character in those lower frequencies. And I am not even talking about the midrange of the ribbon tweeter here, which is the strength of the magneplanar. You just have to try them with your favourite music, and hopefully the dealer will have them set up properly. A better option is visiting an experienced owner if possible.

I am look for detail, clarity with bass punch. Not lik my HT you mentioned. I like to crank ink Floyd, Supertramp, Chris Rea etc.. These have some great dynamics that I do not want to give up on. The reason I need something low is the wife likes(HIP HOP):thumbsdn: I do not want her to keep turning the voulume up because they lack the bass punch she likes.
The real question is does the MA6850 have enough juice to power these nicely?

I am look for detail, clarity with bass punch. Look for a pair of used JBL 4430's (http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/jbl/4430-35.htm). :thmbsp:

The real question is does the MA6850 have enough juice to power these nicely?

Subjective; some would say yes, others no. Hip Hop? probably not. :no:

Another option: check out those Aurum Cantus recently reviewed in Stereophile; (I just read it) ribbon tweeter with a 5 " woofer for $1900- best of both worlds.

yet another option: some MMG's (http://www.magnepan.com/_mmg.php) for Supertramp and Chris Rea, and $1500 left over for woofer hip hop speakers like Totem, JBL etc.

That is quite a bit of cash and there are many speakers that could fit this area...

Look on A'gon - Aerial 8's, Sonus Faber's etc - so you want stand or floorstand speakers? Little more info will help....

I am looking at Aerial 7b, Maggie 1.6, Vons VR-2. Hip Hop will rarely be played but I need the bottom end for bands like Pink Floyd that do have a lot of bass.

used Thiel CS2.3's...

check audiogon :)

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

Used Vienna Acoustics Mozart.

What can you tellme about them since you use them?

Nice speakers, Die Hard MA fan? I thought about a used pair of GR60's. What is your opinion.
I also have a line on some Usher 6371's. I used to have a smaller pair and absolutely loved them so I am leaning back towards them.

I am on the hunt for new or used speakers that will compliment the MA6850 amplifier.
Any suggestions?
Needs to be good for Classic Rock at higher volumes, hopefully with a more forward midrange.

This seems to be a difficult point to hit these days. :scratch2:

Listening to classic rock and wanting deep bass and smooth enough of a response so that the dynamic range compression present on so many of the CDs of that genre don't scorch yours ears off.

The problem is mostly with the media/recordings themselves. The combination of high resolution, high end gear and dynamic range compressed CDs is a bad, bad combination. :no:

I'd have to say that the advice of JBL or some older speakers out there may be spot on. They seem to be much more forgiving than modern speakers that are voiced with more refined gear of today vs the early roots of screechy and grainy transistor amplifiers.

You may want to ask this question on the speaker forum, those guys will point you in the right direction. :yes:

early roots of screechy and grainy transistor amplifiers

Confused?

How about Von Schweikert vr-4jr?

A pair of JBL 4333's just sold on the bay for $1500, which is about 1/2 of what they normally cost. If you find a pr in your price range jump on them.

after years I found which I think are my last speakers...Talon Raven C's....there is a pair on the audiogon, and their monitors are great...smooth, pobawerful, detailed, best bass I heard.

I would recommend a used pair of AAD 2001 speakers. They are excellent with rock and go down to 30hz. A pretty amazing feat considering they are small bookshelf type speakers. There's currently a used pair in maple on audiogon: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1238434778&/Aad-2001--in-maple-almost-full I have a pair in rosewood, great speakers.

Well I have narrowed it down to Von VR-4jr or Usher 6371. I loved my pair several years ago but they were smaller x719, but boy did they have the midrange forwardness I love. I am leaning that way again with the bigger 6371. I wonder how the Mac will do with them.

Used Klipsch Cornwall's will rock you. Work real well with McIntosh. Pink Floyd sound terrific on mine.

Their sound is different. The low notes that they do grab are full of definition and detail, and not just the wallop of those bass notes. If you want room shaking bass there is only one way to get that; large diameter cone, to my ears that is not music, that is home theatre. Based on your comment, how low does it go, it sounds like you want a floorstander cone-type speaker, but read on...

There are two ways to describe Rock; there is the rock that Lars Ulrich has coming from his drum kit in the sound room they recorded the album in, when you are there live, 10 feet away from it, and then there is the sound of his drum kit at a concert played through thousands of watts and multiple 15 inch speakers before it comes to your ears, in say the 20th row. If the former sound is what you are after Magneplanar will do that as well as any speaker. They will not do the concert hall part as well as cone speakers.

The one thing that planars (and electrostatics) do exceptionally well is speed. The way the 1/16 double bass drum notes from Lars Ulrich and Mike Portnay come through on maggies makes cone woofers sound slow. The space I hear between those rapid bass drum notes makes it seem you can almost get up and go get another drink and come back back before the next one hits. When I hear many cone speakers now all I hear is overhang.

So bottom line is you will give up the "slam" for more "definition" or character in those lower frequencies. And I am not even talking about the midrange of the ribbon tweeter here, which is the strength of the magneplanar. You just have to try them with your favourite music, and hopefully the dealer will have them set up properly. A better option is visiting an experienced owner if possible.

Exracer

Howe true writing, during my road I live with the maggies 2.7qr almost 14 years first 3 years with the 2.7 only after that with the full 5.0 (the 0.1 a rell).

I change for SF Cremona
For change of taste (in music)and appearance for me the puch off the cones are a winner now. the soundstage with maggies are the best, buth the punch with cones are the winner after all.

music for me is important, I like movies and movie music is dynamic as is 5.1 music.

The soundstage off the maggies are bigger, the punch (bass) not really.
The brand Is not the most important look for the tast (colour) you like.

Eduro

Just my opinion but all the Klipsch I have heard are bright. Plus I love foward sounding midranges. The choices I think have been narrowed down to the 2 I mentioned. I will keep you posted and thanks to all for all the advice.
This has been fun as I did not think I would be changing speakers so quickly after just getting the Mac.

used Thiel CS2.3's...

check audiogon :)

Keep them spinning,
Bert.


Very good speaker compare with the maggies, hard to dicide when I buy 15 years ago between both.

I go with the maggie 2.7, butt many times I want to actualy like the thiel as well

Well I have narrowed it down to Von VR-4jr or Usher 6371. I loved my pair several years ago but they were smaller x719, but boy did they have the midrange forwardness I love. I am leaning that way again with the bigger 6371. I wonder how the Mac will do with them.

Both are good speakers after all. You can not go wrong. good upfront speakers.

can the Von Schweikert's really be found for $1500-2000?

I would recommend a used pair of AAD 2001 speakers. They are excellent with rock and go down to 30hz. A pretty amazing feat considering they are small bookshelf type speakers. There's currently a used pair in maple on audiogon: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1238434778&/Aad-2001--in-maple-almost-full I have a pair in rosewood, great speakers.

I always wanted to try those! Phil Jones knows his shiat about monitors...:thmbsp:

I always wanted to try those! Phil Jones knows his shiat about monitors...:thmbsp:


Yeah, Phil Jones does know s"**t about monitors from all his awards. I wanted to replace my beloved Heybrooks last year and listened to about 50 pairs of speakers until I heard the AAD 2001s. They just blew me away. I'm very happy with their performance.

I have a deal for either pair at 1800.00. Now just need to decide.

Well I have chosen to go with the Vons to give it a try. I will have the Sunday March 1st. So I guess I will see what happens.
I chose them of the Usher 6381 this time because the Ushers were in white and I did not realize how BIG they really are. I hope I made the right choice, if not I will try again.

What made you eliminate the 1.6s? Lack of bass response?

Good luck on Sunday!

Part lack of bass response and part the room needed for them to breath. I am hoping that they sound as good as many say. If not I will hunt the Usher in black and give them a try.

I think you have chosen well for your own particular listening needs. I am a dedicated Maggie owner and we are a very opinionated bunch. However, 1.6s really need a sub and the other thing is the are VERY revealing of source material.

I have a few cds that I cant listen to anymore as the recording is just not up to it. And it is Simon and Garfunkel, vocals and acoustic music can be amazing with Maggies and you just cant listen to them when they are recorded in a substandard fashion.

They are also the tweakers paradise as they are so sensitive to issues like placement, crossovers, stands..etc.

The main thing is to let your ears decide. Good Luck!

Thanks and I will see soon enough. If not the hunt is on again. I hear the Vons are very revealing as well. I have a McIntosh integrated amp and Pioneer Elite dv59avi player. I just ordered Paul Speltz anti cables to biwire the speakers using the 4ohm tap and 8ohm tap. So I guess my ears will tell all.

Well I have chosen to go with the Vons to give it a try. I will have the Sunday March 1st. So I guess I will see what happens.
I chose them of the Usher 6381 this time because the Ushers were in white and I did not realize how BIG they really are. I hope I made the right choice, if not I will try again.

I will be very surprised if you don't love the Vons. :music:

I hope I do. Looking forward to see them on Sunday.

Well I got the VR-4jrs speakers. Very nice sounding. I am waiting to biwire them with Anti Cables hopefully tomorrow. I am interested in hearing the sound difference. :music: I would say the midrange I was looking and hoping for is not in these speakers as they stand. They are very neutral and very revealing with cable choice and electronics. I tried 2 cables sets and the sound changed with each. I tried a cheap cd player and then my Pioneer Elite Dv59avi player and the sound change was huge. That could be both the unit and the speakers but the cables were obviously the cable. So I will see what sepaker cables can do. Maybe I can find a more forward sounding cable. Anybody know of any forward sounding cables if the Anti Cables do not work for me?

Then again maybe I should just accept the fact that the music should be just that and not just a sound. I know this will sound weird but I love music, but I am finding myself picking apart the sound and not just sitting back to enjoy the music like I did before I started reading things and changing gear.:thumbsdn:

Well I hope to install the cables tomrrow. No time today.

Cables installed but no time to really listen. It does sound like the highs opened up a bit. I will have more time tomorrow to listen to them.

Look for a pair of used JBL 4430's (http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/jbl/4430-35.htm). :thmbsp:

:thmbsp::thmbsp::thmbsp:

-Mike

I did have the 6850. Sold it, wish I didn't. I also had the Magnepan 1.6's. I thought jazz & new age sounded fantastic. It was really the first time I had friends over that were not in to this hobby and they were extremely impressed. I don't know if I've heard anything as good as that combo for jazz & new age. Magnepan's are relatively inexpensive too.
However, almost all rock sounded bad. Really bad.

I will say this, I've come to find that the more expensive speakers do not always sound better than the less expensive one's. I now have cremona's. They're ok, but I miss my NHT 2.9's & vt3's. Those were fairly inexpensive and sounded great.

If I were in the market for some new speakers in the 15,000.-20,000. range today, I would want to buy a set of Wilson Audio Sophia's. But after a year I'd probably want to try something else. Isn't that the way it is?:scratch2:

Hey Rilands. I was using the NHT Classic 4's for a short time. They sounded great on somethings and others not so great. Now I have the VR-4jr's, but have not had time to play with them yet. Tomorrow is my day off:banana:
So I hope to play some music to really see how I feel. I also just added Anit-Cables to biwire them using 4ohm and 8ohm taps. I will see how I like this when no one is home:music:.

Braminator..... Good choice:thmbsp:

Its very important that the speakers is proparly breaked in if the speakers is new. Try using the 4 ohm tap combined together since the speakers are rated in 6 ohm average. But you can allways experiment. Play them loud and let them sing.

Pink Floyd sounds fantastic thru my speakers, deep bass and dynamics:music::thmbsp:

Thanks

This seems to be a difficult point to hit these days. :scratch2:

Listening to classic rock and wanting deep bass and smooth enough of a response so that the dynamic range compression present on so many of the CDs of that genre don't scorch yours ears off.



YES! Exactly. Its even worse with metal. My speakers are so pleasing with everything EXCEPT rock/metal. And highly compressed recordings..which the majority are, are just... well.. scorching...to steal your word.

I said to the dealer when I bought my speakers that I always loved the sound of metal/rock cassettes in my car system as a kid. He thought I was nuts! :D They just had punch and power without bite... I always felt that it was (at least partly) because lower resolution hides the poorer production.

So high end gear and bad engineering are a poor mix yes. I believe that someone with a rock/metal taste would not want the ultimate in speaker resolution. Forgiving is a word that comes to mind. If I could have been given one piece of advice years ago when I started this quest....THAT would have been the most valuable.

I cant tell you how many times ive listened to gear and the dealer wants to throw in some jazz or classical. Rock/metal has a different speaker requirement IMO. But when you bring Overkill into the stuffy world of most Hi Fi shops...or RMAF...you get some interestng looks and comments. Tends to clear the room though! :D

I think speakers make a bigger difference with rock/metal then other components. I see the my speaker hunt being a long and drawn out one but KEY to finding what works :no:

sorry to ramble..........:boring:

Vandersteen 2ce.

FAIL. If there is one thing Vandy's CANNOT do it is loud rock music....Everything else, yes..

Well I must admit I sold the VR-4jrs already. I just never fell in love with the sound.
I got a great deal on a new in the box pair of Wharfedale OPUS 3's that I figured I would give a try.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/wharfedale/opus23.html

I will say that the finish alone on the OPUS 3 is absolutley amazing. 10 coats of clear over a real maple veneer and it looks like glass. They are only a few hours old as I write this. They sound good so far, but I have read they need many hours of break in also. So only time will tell.

Velvet Elvis likes them.:banana:

The greatest thing happen just a few minutes ago with these speakers. I am playing Pink Floyd The Wall at a Moderate volume level. On track 5 a helicopter comes thru the speakers. My son came running to my bedroom to tell me a helicopter was outside.:D He was very upset when he got to my room and realized it was on the speakers and not outside. :tears: Now that is clarity and bottom end punch with dynamics to match.
:banana: