I didn't like the Dalis when I auditioned them, but a lot of people do, so it may be a personal thing. The Vandersteen 2CEII signatures sure did sound room-filling when I auditioned them, and they're right in your budget... I think if you go used, you can get the 3As. At that budget, I really like ProAc speakers, too, but I can't help but think that Vandies might do the trick for you.
Magnepan 1.6QR have an extremely wide and deep soundstage so they will "fill the room" in that sense. They are absolutely amazing with piano, violin, Guitar, and vocals. However, they lack bass and don't "fill the room" in that sense so it really depend on what you mean by "fill the room." The most expensive thing to do well is bass. One of the best ways to save money when putting together a system is to sacrifice bass.
The room is 14ftx 16ft with a high vaulted ceiling.
Scarificing bass is not an option, the room filling sound im looking for is particularly important for my new found deviations into orchestral music. Im not looking for really deep bass but i definetly want that punch and attack that ive worked hard to find in the Quads.
I you are happy with your current speakers, other than their ability pressurize to the room with bass I'd recommend looking at a REL subwoofer. Their ability to expand the soundstage is remarkable. They integrate more seamlessly than any other sub I've heard. When properly set up the sub is not a source of audible sound, it just sounds like the left/right speakers have had a major increase in bass extension. Of course that sounds like a description of what ALL subs do, unfortunately they don't. RELs are the perfect sub for those who want musical bass, that perfectly matches what a great speaker can produce.
From my experience, the ProAcs definitely had punch & tuneful bass that was surprisingly deep, especially considering they weren't the Response line but the more affordable Studio line. Primare electronics. I heard them in a room much bigger than yours, although it didn't have high high ceilings.
Then I think you should give Vandies a chance, Alan. Vandy 2ceIIs' soundstage was fantastic. No surprise, considering their time-tested, proven design... read Art Dudley's take on the Vandies, re: time-aligned, phase-coherent design.
Hello there. The KEF REference 109s(aka The Maidstone)can sound immense with the right material and I enjoy being transported into the musical performance, rather than looking through a frame or window at it. Some speakers with which I'm familiar and that you might consider auditioning include Tannoys (Prestige series or even the TD12), KEF 207/2, Dynaudios Confidence C4, Wilson Maxx 2/WP/or Sophia (model really depends on what you want to spend). Also, when it comes to big full-scale sound don't forget to consider 'Horns' which are not everyone's cup of chai, so its mighty important to extensively audition them before buying. The AvantGarde horn speakers (especially the trio) sound big with ease.
Quote: I you are happy with your current speakers, other than their ability pressurize to the room with bass I'd recommend looking at a REL subwoofer. Their ability to expand the soundstage is remarkable. They integrate more seamlessly than any other sub I've heard. When properly set up the sub is not a source of audible sound, it just sounds like the left/right speakers have had a major increase in bass extension. Of course that sounds like a description of what ALL subs do, unfortunately they don't. RELs are the perfect sub for those who want musical bass, that perfectly matches what a great speaker can produce.
I totally agree!! I must add that, The REL subs add much more to the sound than just what we would call bass. When I turn off my REL Storm, Listening to my speakers(stand mounted monitors), it is a very enjoyable experience. When the sub is then turned on, WOW, the music, all of a sudden is IN THE ROOM! The drums become real! The singers are with you! When I shut my eyes, it becomes a real experience, when I open my eyes I am startled by the sight of electronics and speakers! The REL sub gave me that quality of music that I chased for 25 yrs!
I didn't like the Dalis when I auditioned them, but a lot of people do, so it may be a personal thing. The Vandersteen 2CEII signatures sure did sound room-filling when I auditioned them, and they're right in your budget... I think if you go used, you can get the 3As. At that budget, I really like ProAc speakers, too, but I can't help but think that Vandies might do the trick for you.
Wait, how big is the room again?
Magnepan 1.6QR have an extremely wide and deep soundstage so they will "fill the room" in that sense. They are absolutely amazing with piano, violin, Guitar, and vocals. However, they lack bass and don't "fill the room" in that sense so it really depend on what you mean by "fill the room." The most expensive thing to do well is bass. One of the best ways to save money when putting together a system is to sacrifice bass.
Hi
The room is 14ftx 16ft with a high vaulted ceiling.
Scarificing bass is not an option, the room filling sound im looking for is particularly important for my new found deviations into orchestral music. Im not looking for really deep bass but i definetly want that punch and attack that ive worked hard to find in the Quads.
Alan
Obviously im British so im intrigued by the Proacs, they dont look like they would have a big sound ? are appearances deceptive ?
I you are happy with your current speakers, other than their ability pressurize to the room with bass I'd recommend looking at a REL subwoofer. Their ability to expand the soundstage is remarkable. They integrate more seamlessly than any other sub I've heard. When properly set up the sub is not a source of audible sound, it just sounds like the left/right speakers have had a major increase in bass extension. Of course that sounds like a description of what ALL subs do, unfortunately they don't. RELs are the perfect sub for those who want musical bass, that perfectly matches what a great speaker can produce.
From my experience, the ProAcs definitely had punch & tuneful bass that was surprisingly deep, especially considering they weren't the Response line but the more affordable Studio line. Primare electronics. I heard them in a room much bigger than yours, although it didn't have high high ceilings.
Hi
Its just bass that im looking for though, I originally thought that but im not sure now.
Its an overall scale, im after a much bigger soundstage. Im not sure im putting into words very well
Alan
Then I think you should give Vandies a chance, Alan. Vandy 2ceIIs' soundstage was fantastic. No surprise, considering their time-tested, proven design... read Art Dudley's take on the Vandies, re: time-aligned, phase-coherent design.
http://stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/107vandy/
Hi
Are these the same ones ? you mention CE II ?
is the II critical ?
These are local and should sell pretty reasonably
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vandersteen-2Ce-Spea...1QQcmdZViewItem
Alan
Hello there.
The KEF REference 109s(aka The Maidstone)can sound immense with the right material and I enjoy being transported into the musical performance, rather than looking through a frame or window at it. Some speakers with which I'm familiar and that you might consider auditioning include Tannoys (Prestige series or even the TD12), KEF 207/2, Dynaudios Confidence C4, Wilson Maxx 2/WP/or Sophia (model really depends on what you want to spend). Also, when it comes to big full-scale sound don't forget to consider 'Horns' which are not everyone's cup of chai, so its mighty important to extensively audition them before buying. The AvantGarde horn speakers (especially the trio) sound big with ease.
I only heard 2CEII Signatures. I think you should PM jackfish on how the 2CEs sound.
I totally agree!! I must add that, The REL subs add much more to the sound than just what we would call bass. When I turn off my REL Storm, Listening to my speakers(stand mounted monitors), it is a very enjoyable experience. When the sub is then turned on, WOW, the music, all of a sudden is IN THE ROOM! The drums become real! The singers are with you! When I shut my eyes, it becomes a real experience, when I open my eyes I am startled by the sight of electronics and speakers! The REL sub gave me that quality of music that I chased for 25 yrs!