Floorstander choice

Sifus...Which of the following floorstanders should I choose?...

ATC SCM40
Proac Response D18
Spendor A6
Egglestonworks Fontaine II

Currently, this is my system:
Naim CD5 XS
Audio Research SP16L
Bryston 3BSST
Usher Be-718

Hi

For me Dynaudio beats them all, and better is the bookshelf. Just chose the model that suits you and add a good hifi sub if needed for the lower frequencies. You will get a best speaker, very fast and good on hi-amps, plus the flexibility of self fixing of your low freqs. By the way did you know the Sonus Fabers high lines like the Cremona uses Dynaudio drivers... check that online with photos.

Thanks for your comments San Sew. Unfortunately I really am not a fan of bookshelf and sub combination - I just think it comes with too many integration issues that I don't want to face. I am wanting to move towards a full range floorstander after hearing what speakers like the Wilson Audio Sophia, Dynaudio Sapphire and Naim Ovator can do. Of course none of my shortlist above is anywhere close to being "full range", but then again my room isn't really large enough to accommodate those speakers (even if I could afford them). So I guess if Dynaudio beats them all, I should also be shortlisting their floorstanders but unfortunately their Contour S3.4 is not within budget, and I don't think their Excite or Focus model range is that good. BTW, the Egglestonworks Fontaine II uses the Dynaudio Esotar tweeter, so I assume that will get your vote among the speakers I shortlisted.

You are right best is to go with a fullrange floorstander. I also try not go that route of Bookshelf and sub.... You save on the stands, good stands not cheap, money better spend on the floorstander. Btw what is you previous speaker and your music preference?

How come it's such a coincidence that all 3 of us in this discussion are 42 years old?

Currently using Usher Be-718. I usually listen to female vocals and some modern type jazz like Fourplay.

Not using the Usher matching stands, so the other pain in the butt with bookshelf speakers is trying to place the speaker perfectly aligned on the smaller top plate.

i am using the atc scm40 with bryston 4b sst.
quite happy with this combo.

currently using dynaudio focus 140. did someone say subwoofer required? it is more of the gears matching up to the speakers.

san sew wrote:Hi

For me Dynaudio beats them all, and better is the bookshelf. Just chose the model that suits you and add a good hifi sub if needed for the lower frequencies. You will get a best speaker, very fast and good on hi-amps, plus the flexibility of self fixing of your low freqs. By the way did you know the Sonus Fabers high lines like the Cremona uses Dynaudio drivers... check that online with photos.

I think the latest models no longer use Dynaudio drivers.

sflam wrote:i am using the atc scm40 with bryston 4b sst.
quite happy with this combo.

sflam, the ATC's usually quote a bass frequency response that does not go very low (I guess atrributable to their sealed box design). Do you find the bass lacking at all? Could you share what other speakers you auditioned before settling on the ATC, and what made you decide on the ATC? Thanks a lot!

hifikrazy wrote:Sifus...Which of the following floorstanders should I choose?...

ATC SCM40
Proac Response D18
Spendor A6
Egglestonworks Fontaine II

Currently, this is my system:
Naim CD5 XS
Audio Research SP16L
Bryston 3BSST
Usher Be-718

I'll take the Proac Response D18 but beware of ridiculous pricing from local dealer. Since you're already using Usher speakers why not also consider the Mini Dancer 1 or if your budget can stretch to it the Dancer Mini 2? The upgraded models with diamond coated tweeters have just been launched.

3 of the 4 speakers above are in the GBP2000 to GBP2200 range, and similarly priced here in Malaysia at RM12k to RM13K. Of course not as cheap as in UK based on current exchange rates but I guess that's understandable.

Somehow, the Ushers don't really turn me on...

I guess I"ll at least wait until the AV show next month and see if it helps me decide. I remember listening to the Spendor last year (which didn't impress me either) and have not heard them since.

hifikrazy wrote:

sflam, the ATC's usually quote a bass frequency response that does not go very low (I guess atrributable to their sealed box design). Do you find the bass lacking at all? Could you share what other speakers you auditioned before settling on the ATC, and what made you decide on the ATC? Thanks a lot!

i tried the proac studio 140 and d28. proacs are good speakers, but the d28 that i liked cost more (around RM25k) than the atc scm40 (around RM15k).

the atcs are good cos they can play any type of music - from rap to classical to rock.

as for bass, the scm40 goes sufficiently low, but not as low as the scm50 (which costs $$$$ - perhaps RM40k - more).

however, the atcs are not sensitive - mine is 85dB. they need powerful amps.

[quote="hifikrazy"]How come it's such a coincidence that all 3 of us in this discussion are 42 years old?

Yah! Btw i suddenly realize that my reputation rated at 5? What does it mean is it good or is it bad?

[quote="hoyhoysum"]

hifikrazy wrote:How come it's such a coincidence that all 3 of us in this discussion are 42 years old?

Yah! Btw i suddenly realize that my reputation rated at 5? What does it mean is it good or is it bad?

It's a good thing. Simply put, your comments have been rated positively 5 times.

From your list I prefer Proac but if you're not in hurry, try audition Harbeth SHL5 & Dynaudio 1.4. You don't need subwoofer for bass (music) with both speaker. I like both of the speaker coz reasonable price & high used price (easy to sell later) but most important very musical & easy to handle/setup.

I dun think the SHL5 super dun need a subwoofer! The monitor 40 maybe.

Have u listen to any good sounding systems with subwoofer(s) recently? Do share if u have.

jemmi, I don't think there would be much difference for me to move from one similar range bookshelf to another (Usher Be-718 to Dynaudio Contour S1.4). We get the Usher relatively cheaper in Malaysia, but both cost the same USD2800 over in the States.

Shoot, what have I done?? I kaypoh and clicked the "Thanks" button on sflam's post above and turned it light blue!!