Hello,
I have a SuperNait 1, a TEAC VRDS-9, a Thorens TD145 and no speakers.
In this space
sofa, glass tables and lamps will eventually go. I’ll be left with a 3.85 x 3.60 space to be used for music listening. The sideboard hasn’t to stay or stay there perforce. The Scandinavian shelf will go along with its twin, now in the cellar.
The space opposite the French windows opens onto an 11 sq. mt. dining alcove:
So the room is asymmetric as far as reflecting surfaces are concerned.
In this room only damped speakers with controlled bass and detailed presentation have really worked. Naim SBLs and s-Sats were the best, but Sats were unpredictable and variable in voicing, plus they are fun but ultimately not the last word in refinement. Klipsch Heresy were ok but never optimally working in my space. S-400s did fine, but were a bit veiled and bass-y. Harbeth were the worst sounding (here). I kept all speakers along the wallpapered wall, at the sides of the sideboard, 10 to 40 cm. from the wall.
I like the size and proportions of stand mounts, such as Sats, Kans, LS5/9s and the like. But I don’t like speaker stands.
I do not like floor standing speakers a lot, but the two I liked most here - SBLs and Heresy IIIs - were de facto sitting on the floor.
What’s worse, over the years I have grown a deep, subtle distrust for many audio brands, convinced as I am that for the largest part they are improvisers trying to take advance of market’s trends and fashions. Pro’ brands offering speakers for the consumer market are of little interest to me - audiophiles do not really want pro gear, they want fancy gear with a serious look. It’s all about sound. When I want to hear music, I go to concerts or play myself some guitar or piano.
I cannot live without a stereo but I cannot make up my mind about the final part, speakers. SuperNait was an obvious choice - I’ve had three before, it’s powerful, sounds good, has a good DAC onboard. The TEAC is a fine mechanism, it’s ok. Thorens is reliable and a no-surprise TT.
But the damn speakers?
Compensations for Naim’s departure from speakers manufacturing, such as Focal, Kudos, Neat, PMC, no thanks. ATCs are unknown to my ears. Never liked ProAcs.
I am a fussy PITA, I know. But does a fussy PITA have a right to play music at home?
Thanks for reading,
M.