My speaker upgrade audition plans

Make sure to place them as close to the rear wall as possible with no toe-in. My T505s (partnered with a NAP300DR) didn’t show their true potential until I set them up as per Kudos’ own recommendation in my room. I suspect that missing “something” you mentioned when demoing them in the store is likely because they may not have been positioned at their best. It’s not subtle either.

Either way, best of luck.

I had a tricky room and tried:

  • Kudos 505 and 6060 - Simply didn’t work in my room and expensive for what they deliver (tried these in 2 different rooms and still no joy)
  • Russell k 150 - good and right up there with other passives I tried
  • PMC fact 8 signature - simply didn’t work in my room
  • Focal Kanta - sounded good in my old house but epic fail in my new house
  • Passive ATC40 - best so far but still not enough to make be pull the trigger
  • Active ATC 40 - a clear winner by some margin

The active 40’s were a winner financially too as with the sale of nap300 super lumina speaker cable / connectors and my existing Focal Kanta’s meant I turned a profit whilst getting an upgrade in sound.

If budget is tight I would recommend at least exploring active speakers (PMC and ATC albeit I haven’t heard the active PMC’s)

Key learn here is home demo and a supportive dealer is king to get the right speakers for your room.

Also if you get the timing right a good dealer may have an ex dem option that could save a few pennies!

I did find the process a faff but it’s worth finding the time and being patient

Gary

2 Likes

I’m bit curious in trying other speakers and I’m looking at Proac D30S vs ATC SCM40. Any thoughts? The Proacs seems to be more to my likings when reading about them.

1 Like

At my dealer’s they were pulled out from the wall a little. If I have a home demo I’ll be sure to experiment with positioning.

1 Like

As I’ve only had the NC NAP 250 since February this year I would lose a lot if I traded it in to go active. My dealer doesn’t stock ATC or PMC, so I’d have to change dealer and the trade-in figure would likely suffer. I plan to exhaust his options first, but will move on if not satisfied.

Whilst choosing new speakers may be time consuming, in my view it’s essential to get right. I’ll take my time over it. Feedback here is useful, but my ears / my room will be the final arbiter.

3 Likes

that makes perfect sense but i would suggest once you have decided the best option at your dealer it would be worthwhile at least trying the active pmc atc options elsewhere and checking their trade-in

1 Like

Hi Blackbird. ProAc D30RS are really wonderful speakers. Very easy to listen to but not lacking transparency or detail.

2 Likes

A guy selling a pair told me he replaced them with Dynaudio Heritage Special which I see you use :slight_smile: The tweeter on the Heritage was the best he have heard ever. He had bit of a challenge with floor standing speakers in his room. Maybe the D30s low end require a bit bigger room to work out good.

I’ve got the T606s and used them with different set ups:

  • Naim 282 / 250 / SC (passive)
  • Naim 282 / 250 x2 / SC (active)
  • Linn Selekt DMS; Edition Hub / Stereo amp module x2 / Organik DAC x2 (active)

Must admit that I have never found them lacking. Of the different set ups, the Linn is definitely the best.

DG…

My dealer is keen to do the home demonstration …… if I dare :grinning:.

2 Likes

He who dares…

DG…

2 Likes

If you dare… At least you will have a much better understanding of whether they work in your room or not. Useful info in determining your future upgrade plan.

Don’t know/recall who your dealer is but if the answer is you like them but price is a limitation then you can always try the second hand route and your dealer may be able to help with that. A simple search shows that they are available second hand.

2 Likes

I’m already looking at an ex-dem pair. There would be no trade in though.

1 Like

How much are they asking. Would it be more or less if new with the trade in.

Could you sell your speakers on the bay, I’ve never had a problem selling Hi-Fi gear on the bay.

DG…

It would be a good saving on the new plus trade in price. My current speakers aren’t worth a great deal.

1 Like

Sounds like a no brainer. It’s good that you’re having the chance to demo the T606s, plus you can check them over for any damage, marks, etc.

Enjoy your home demo.

DG….

The ProAc’s do need to be out from the wall behind them or they can get bass heavy. The Dynaudio’s tweeter is amazing, as is the whole speaker. If you can find a pair I can’t imagine you’d be any less than thrilled. Keep in mind that you should get the Dynaudio Stand 20 and the special top plate that attaches the speakers to the stands. Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions

1 Like

OK, so I’ve now set up a home demo of the Kudos Titan 606 speakers. Also an NPX 300. We shall see ……

4 Likes

Oh my goodness. That’s exciting :flushed:

Fingers crossed. Really hoping those 606’s work for you in your room.
If yes, sounds like your in for a real treat…

Good luck
R

Kudos speakers are very good, tried with my NSC222 + NC250, but didn’t work out. Similarly NPX300 worked well in a demo system I set up, whilst assessing speakers. When relocated to another room where the NC kit is usually located, it wasn’t a great addition. Quirky rooms undoubtedly, not the kit!
Hope it all works for you. Do you have the NC250?