Best used speakers £250 or less

[Bigman80]

Hi all,

Opinion time

What's the best speAker for £250 or less. Has to be mountable to a wall bracket

Oliver

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[walpurgis]

The Usher S520 is very nice!

[Bigman80]

I'll look then up. Thanks geoff

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[Bigman80]

http://www.whathifi.com/usher/s-520/review

They're not impressed lol

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[Roy S]

Try and hear a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 220s, I've got a pair of 155s (which I think use some of the same drivers) in a second system & they sound very good.

[hifinutt]

not used but the dali zensor 1 are wall mountable and they made great speakers

http://www.richersounds.com/product/standmount-speakers/dali/zensor-1/dali-zensor-1-blk

[walpurgis]

http://www.whathifi.com/usher/s-520/review

They're not impressed lol

I take everything in WTF with a pinch of salt. There are members here who have S520's and won't part with them.

I had a pair and thought they were remarkable, especially for the money. See if you can get a listen to some. I think you'd be impressed.

[struth]

been a few sold them and then tried to find another pair. Fancied a set once myself.

[Bigman80]

Ok, I'll see if anyone local has a pair I can listen too. Cheers guys.

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[Yomanze]

http://www.whathifi.com/usher/s-520/review

They're not impressed lol

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Most biased mag out there, wouldn't believe any of the ratings.

[Scooby]

I guess lots of this is down to taste. 520s did nothing for me. Sounded very ordinary and never once made music interesting. Good to hear others like them because somebody designed them and must have liked what they heard.

Wall mounting is going to limit you quite a bit. I'd suggest Royd Edens.

[Macca]

Most biased mag out there, wouldn't believe any of the ratings.

Review is a bit meaningless. What exactly is 'dynamic bite'?

'Bass doesn't go low enough' What? Not as low as some other teeny tiny 2 ways? Or not as low as a JBL 4365?

'There's simply not enough distance between the loudest and quietest notes' WTF? indeed.

[Bigman80]

Review is a bit meaningless. What exactly is 'dynamic bite'?

'Bass doesn't go low enough' What? Not as low as some other teeny tiny 2 ways? Or not as low as a JBL 4365?

'There's simply not enough distance between the loudest and quietest notes' WTF? indeed.
Haha I see what you mean now. I don't necessarily need small speakers but can't go above bookshelf range.

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[Yomanze]

I guess lots of this is down to taste. 520s did nothing for me. Sounded very ordinary and never once made music interesting. Good to hear others like them because somebody designed them and must have liked what they heard.

Wall mounting is going to limit you quite a bit. I'd suggest Royd Edens.
Yes, Edens pop up enough and are in budget. :)

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[JohnJo]

Rega RS1s are a very communicative, engaging little speaker although a little light-weight. A small sub really fills them out though.

Rega sell wall brackets for them too.

[Macca]

Are these to replace your Celestions? If so, what is the Celestions don't do that you want them to do? Might help narrow it down a bit.

[Bigman80]

Are these to replace your Celestions? If so, what is the Celestions don't do that you want them to do? Might help narrow it down a bit.
They are ported at the rear which I think is booming a little. Other than that I really like them. And I might just be imagining it lol.

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[struth]

Try making bungs from natural sponge. Will help a lot without killing the bass

[Gordon Steadman]

Or block them off altogether. I much prefer the sound of sealed speakers even if the bass gets slightly curtailed. I was always very sensitive to the chuff chuff of ports!!

[walpurgis]

I hate rear ported speakers. They are a pain to get working right in a room. Sometimes they never do.

I sold my Dynaudio Contour 1.3 Mk.II speakers simply because I couldn't get them to sound right at the bottom end.

[Macca]

For a wall mount situation you really need front port or no port. Not really a fan of just blocking the ports as this will have all sorts of deleterious side effects in exchange for one positive. Better to get a speaker that suits the installation in the first place.

[Bigman80]

For a wall mount situation you really need front port or no port. Not really a fan of just blocking the ports as this will have all sorts of deleterious side effects in exchange for one positive. Better to get a speaker that suits the installation in the first place.
That's pretty much how I feel in a nutshell lol, I bought the celestions because they were the right money when I started out, now I feel the setup deserves the right speakers. I do like bass though so the replacement should be capable.

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[Gordon Steadman]

For a wall mount situation you really need front port or no port. Not really a fan of just blocking the ports as this will have all sorts of deleterious side effects in exchange for one positive. Better to get a speaker that suits the installation in the first place.

Who knows until it's tried? Hardly a major surgery job! Bung a cork in it.

[Macca]

It offends my purist sensibilities ;)

[struth]

It offends my purist sensibilities ;)

You have sensibilities now?;)

[Macca]

They were on special offer at Lidl. I couldn't resist.

[webby]

You could try a used pair of dynaudio audience 42. They even make a wall mount version with a W suffix. Great little speaker.

Edit. On eBay now. http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262719971197

[julesd68]

Yes, Edens pop up enough and are in budget. :)

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I found Royd Merlins to be a miraculous little speaker.
Do wish I could have kept mine; they are very hard to find.
Ended up selling to a dude in Japan for a lot of money though ...

They are front-ported.

[Bigman80]

Ok. Thanks all. Keep the suggestions coming.

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[walpurgis]

Well if you want more. What about a vintage pair of KEF Corelli speakers. They were my favourite of the 'C' series and sound damn good. Good tight bass too from the sealed cabinets. Just about as big as you'd want to go for wall mounting.

[Gordon Steadman]

Have you tried the cork yet?:lol:

[Bigman80]

Well if you want more. What about a vintage pair of KEF Corelli speakers. They were my favourite of the 'C' series and sound damn good. Good tight bass too from the sealed cabinets. Just about as big as you'd want to go for wall mounting.
I'll have a look.

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[Bigman80]

Have you tried the cork yet?[emoji38]
At work mate. Can't try anything !!

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[TazSob]

Had some kef coda iiis many years ago and was really impressed with their sound, great bass.
They sell pretty cheap for what they are capable of on the bay

[Bigman80]

Well if you want more. What about a vintage pair of KEF Corelli speakers. They were my favourite of the 'C' series and sound damn good. Good tight bass too from the sealed cabinets. Just about as big as you'd want to go for wall mounting.
I like the look of those. Shame they're so rare

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[walpurgis]

I like the look of those. Shame they're so rare

They do come up for sale. The sound could be described as rather like the LS3/5a on steroids.

[Bigman80]

Lol ok !?

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[Firebottle]

How about some Goodmans Mezzo 3 like mine that wowed MiBO?

I might be tempted to part with them :rolleyes:

[Bigman80]

How about some Goodmans Mezzo 3 like mine that wowed MiBO?

I might be tempted to part with them :rolleyes:
They do sound great Alan, bracket mountable though ? I'm not sure.

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[walpurgis]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Celestion-Ditton-11-Speakers-/322328088918?hash=item4b0c405156:g:wQAAAOSw0OBYKc2 b

[Bigman80]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Celestion-Ditton-11-Speakers-/322328088918?hash=item4b0c405156:g:wQAAAOSw0OBYKc2 b
They are interesting, ever heard any ?

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[walpurgis]

They are interesting, ever heard any ?

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Over thirty years ago. Can't recall much. I think there are a few members here with them. These and the Ditton 10 have a bit of a following I believe.

[Yomanze]

Try making bungs from natural sponge. Will help a lot without killing the bass
Results may vary but I always felt it congested the mids a bit. Ports are very tricky to get right, and then adding extra sealing etc. will likely change the transient response of the drivers.

[Bigman80]

Try and hear a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 220s, I've got a pair of 155s (which I think use some of the same drivers) in a second system & they sound very good.
Will do.

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[Yomanze]

I found Royd Merlins to be a miraculous little speaker.
Do wish I could have kept mine; they are very hard to find.
Ended up selling to a dude in Japan for a lot of money though ...

They are front-ported.
Interestingly another forum member in some ways preferred the 'more musical' presentation of his Sorcerer SEs over the Harbeth P3ESR, any Royd speakers except for the 7s and Conistons (can do more with the budget) would be recommended, and easy enough to sell on if not to liking.

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[Bigman80]

Interestingly another forum member in some ways preferred the 'more musical' presentation of his Sorcerer SEs over the Harbeth P3ESR, any Royd speakers except for the 7s and Conistons (can do more with the budget) would be recommended, and easy enough to sell on if not to liking.

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Thanks. Roads are now high on the list as well as the KEF Corelli

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[Macca]

Had some kef coda iiis many years ago and was really impressed with their sound, great bass.
They sell pretty cheap for what they are capable of on the bay

Agree the old Coda III does okay against a wall. Lovely tone, rich, crisp bass. But not the last word in clarity. Although I suppose they could be modded to remedy that to a degree.

[Simon75]

I've got a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s, bought about 8years ago for about £200, think they are selling new these days for £140. I've always enjoyed them but I'm wanting to upgrade. Again they need to be wall mounted. I'm I going to get something sounding significantly better than what I already have in the £250 price range? I'm wanting to get the best sound I possibly can from a Schiit Mani phonostage.

[struth]

The wee schiit is quite good. I enjoyed mine immensely. Wall mounters are hard to come by as they really should be front ported or not at all. Maybe need to give a physical size too, and weight as the bigger ones can be heavy.

[Simon75]

Was thinking something front ported like the B&W 685 S2, not too worried about weight.

[struth]

biggish those, especially depth wise.. Need good brackets and wall. At that size, the sky is the limit standmount wise.

[Simon75]

Yeah would even get a joiner in to do a proper of it, was also looking at Kef Q300s.

[walpurgis]

Pair of classic Tannoy Lancaster 15" Gold? And before anybody says anything, I have seen these wall mounted. :D

[agk]

I shall roll out my old standard. Linn Kan mk1, can be found for that budget and are hard to beat for detail with surprising bass when near a wall.

[Bigman80]

Pair of classic Tannoy Lancaster 15" Gold? And before anybody says anything, I have seen these wall mounted. :D
Ok, I'll look them up

I shall roll out my old standard. Linn Kan mk1, can be found for that budget and are hard to beat for detail with surprising bass when near a wall.


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[ff1d1l]

JBL L40's are proper speakers, and, on a good day, might fall within your budget. Accurate, very clear and dynamic, they do the JBL thing of sounding clear at volumes other speakers would have given up at.

[walpurgis]

JBL L40's are proper speakers, and, on a good day, might fall within your budget. Accurate, very clear and dynamic, they do the JBL thing of sounding clear at volumes other speakers would have given up at.

Nice speakers, but a bit too big and heavy for wall mounting on brackets. Unfortunately, any you find will either be needing repair or have been repaired to unknown standards.

[ff1d1l]

Nice speakers, but a bit too big and heavy for wall mounting on brackets. Unfortunately, any you find will either be needing repair or have been repaired to unknown standards.
Actually my pair had been mounted on brackets, and still had the pivots attached. You'd want the wall fixing to be beyond reproach though. There was a pair on Gumtree recently that just needed a re-foam....but, yes a certain amount of doing up may well be required, esp with a cheap pair.

The pair at Mibo had cost nothing, I believe. Re foam and cabinet sand and re-finish needed.

Great speakers, though.
Playing as I write....

[Bigman80]

Actually my pair had been mounted on brackets, and still had the pivots attached. You'd want the wall fixing to be beyond reproach though. There was a pair on Gumtree recently that just needed a re-foam....but, yes a certain amount of doing up may well be required, esp with a cheap pair.

The pair at Mibo had cost nothing, I believe. Re foam and cabinet sand and re-finish needed.

Great speakers, though.
Playing as I write....
Oh, yes I saw those on the thread. Not sure single brick fixings would be enough to hold them. Might look at smaller ones

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[hermit]

For wall mounting I'd look at Acoustic Research AR-6, AR-7, or AR-4. There's a nice pair here (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1973-Acoustic-Research-AR-7-HiFi-Speakers-/282109356012?hash=item41af0727ec:g:UA0AAOSwtnpXkg2 G).

[Light Dependant Resistor]

The best present day material for vintage AR's surrounds is rubber, as thankfully are seen in the link above

We really need as a forum to Track One Beatles Abbey Rd :rolleyes:, and say NO to foam, as a year or two
from now you just have to do it again.... and did I forget a year or two from that again... er and again

The original surrounds were made from cloth, and certainly what I see last and last, but if you have to replace,
rubber as far as I can see is the best. Rubber surrounds lower the compliance even further, the only error they make per Edgar Villchurs
design is not being able to slightly breathe in the cabinets.

I have two pairs of AR7's both with rubber surrounds and it is the best they have sounded with extremely impressive bass delivery for size of cabinets
Lets put the silly refoaming business out of business.

Cheers / Chris

[Gordon Steadman]

Maybe it's the climate down there!! I've just refoamed a pair of AR18s. I got them from my neighbour who had them from new. He has used them continuously since then and the foams were only just starting to go. So that's 35+ years rather than the two you suggest!!

Silly bugger replaced them with a shiny new pair of narrow, ported boxes. He came in and listened to the refoamed ones and his face dropped a couple of feet. I almost took pity on him.....almost. They reside in bedroom 2 system making very happy noises indeed.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

I recall finding a refoaming business whom you would think would be the last to inform
but they quoted just 18 months before they typically perish.

Acknowledged here in a speaker review in the third paragraph
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0108/art_stiletto_6.htm

"Additionally, the woofers utilize a rubber surround, which adds to longevity: foam surrounds will deteriorate over time.
I have had to replace the woofers in my Infinity speakers for that exact reason."

It is false economy and supporting an industry that knows what they are selling will not last- thats the part I object to
Sensible alternatives are available, unless you really like doing surrounds, hands up who does.

[walpurgis]

It's four years since I replaced the foam surrounds on my Tannoy Cheviot II speakers. They still look like new. The originals were on their last legs, but still in one peice and functional over 34 years after manufacture.

[Gordon Steadman]

Different experiences out there obviously:)

[Bigman80]

They look very nice, (ar7). I'm watching them. Shame there's no where local to demo anything anymore.

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[walpurgis]

They look very nice, (ar7).

If you like smaller AR speakers. Look for the AR4xa. They are very sweet sounding, offer better bass than the AR7 and have doped cloth surrounds that seem to last forever. The AR6 is even better, but has foam surrounds.

[Bigman80]

If you like smaller AR speakers. Look for the AR4xa. They are very sweet sounding, offer better bass than the AR7 and have doped cloth surrounds that seem to last forever. The AR6 is even better, but has foam surrounds.
I will investigate

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[Gordon Steadman]

I understand that the AR7 was the previous version of the 18 and considered a bit better. If so, they are cracking speakers and very compact for the performance offered, my 18s have lovely tuneful, surprisingly deep bass and very clear midrange. £200 does sound a bit much in all honesty but they have been 'professionally' refurbed so might represent good value as they are not exactly common nowadays.

[walpurgis]

There's a decent looking pair of AR7 speakers on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ACOUSTIC-RESEARCH-AR-7-SPEAKERS-KOTO-WOOD-RARE-/152320301173?hash=item2376ff5875:g:lVsAAOSwal5YJIQ U

They are in Windsor, although collection is not mentioned. Ending in under four hours. Opening price £139.99, no bids yet.

The same seller also has a pair of AR4XA on offer. Unfortunately the cloth cone surrounds appear to have been painted with white PVA, so I'd not touch them with a bargepole.

[Arkless Electronics]

I guess they are an "acquired taste".... I wouldn't touch any small AR's with a barge pole! Awful coloured things!

[Gordon Steadman]

There are those, like me, who love them because they make music enjoyable, sod the measurements which I don't understand anyway. I swap quite happily from the ARs to the Quad electrostatics and don't find the ARs to be that coloured, just have a different balance.

[Macca]

Isn't the 'different balance' due to them being more coloured? It's a small 2 way with a paper driver, it will be coloured, it will have distortion in the bass possibly 10%

But wheras we wold not live with a highly coloured amp or source, we can live with a highly coloured speaker and even prefer it to one that is much less coloured.

The KEFS Jez uses are quite coloured compared to a lot of contemporary speakers. So not sure what his point is really.

[Gordon Steadman]

Isn't the 'different balance' due to them being more coloured? It's a small 2 way with a paper driver, it will be coloured, it will have distortion in the bass possibly 10%

But wheras we wold not live with a highly coloured amp or source, we can live with a highly coloured speaker and even prefer it to one that is much less coloured.

The KEFS Jez uses are quite coloured compared to a lot of contemporary speakers. So not sure what his point is really.

Shows how difficult it is to describe sound. What is colour in this instance? The ARs are very slightly mid forward which I suppose could be called coloured. They don't honk or screech which I have always thought of as coloured, the bass, whilst not the deepest is very clean and musical.

Anyway, as you say, what Jez means might be something completely different.

[Macca]

Well strictly speaking 'coloured' means distorted from the original signal. Whether in a good way or a bad way, subjectively.

[Gordon Steadman]

Well strictly speaking 'coloured' means distorted from the original signal. Whether in a good way or a bad way, subjectively.

So a measurement is the only way something can really be coloured then as a subjective judgement means different things to different sets of ears.?

This means the Quads are coloured too then!

[Arkless Electronics]

Isn't the 'different balance' due to them being more coloured? It's a small 2 way with a paper driver, it will be coloured, it will have distortion in the bass possibly 10%

But wheras we wold not live with a highly coloured amp or source, we can live with a highly coloured speaker and even prefer it to one that is much less coloured.

The KEFS Jez uses are quite coloured compared to a lot of contemporary speakers. So not sure what his point is really.

I strongly disagree!!! Their low colouration and accuracy are amongst the things that I find attractive about the KEF's.....

What I don't want from a speaker is "musicality", "boogie factor" etc. I remember hearing the AR18 on a number of occasions and IMHO they are an example of a really crap speaker. YMMV obviously but to me things like full range driver speakers, many horns etc are totally unacceptable and simply not hi fi.
Others swear by such abominations of course!:D

[struth]

:wetkipper::wetkipper::lol:

[Macca]

So a measurement is the only way something can really be coloured then as a subjective judgement means different things to different sets of ears.?

This means the Quads are coloured too then!

If we are talking speakers then yes, they are all coloured and yes it is entirely subjective as to what colourations we perceive as good or bad. QUAD ESL are probably less coloured than most but they still distort the signal to some degree. Horns and such are the opposite end of the spectrum. Even what the drivers are made of (even if it is clingfilm) will add colouration. So it is a case of choose your poison. Except we don't really choose since we don't decide to like or not like something. What our favourite speaker will be is decided for us, possibly long before we ever get to hear it.

[fatmarley]

If we are talking speakers then yes, they are all coloured

Ageed.

If you take all the flagship speakers from every manufacturer. They will all sound different. There Is no perfect speaker (Until I finish building my next pair that Is :) )

Edit: Thought my old AR18s were very enjoyable but were a touch shouty on some material and lacked a bit of detail. The older AR6/7 and 18 (not 18s) were supposed to be better than later models.

[Bigman80]

Ok, so if we can't audition a pair is it worth looking at the numbers at all? I don't have a clue about Freq etc. I had some B&W that were very thin sounding and a pair of wharfdales that used to rattle my front door. Neither were particularly detailed but I like both for different reasons. The celestion DL6 I'm using now seem to do everything very well except they boom a bit due to the proximity to the wall and the fact they are rear ported. Maybe I'll just look for something front ported of similar size and hope for the best.

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[walpurgis]

is it worth looking at the numbers at all?

Not really. Specs tell you little that can guide you as to how a speaker will sound.

I'm sure you'd like the AR speaker by the way.

[southall-1998]

As some say....''Trust your ears''.

S.

[walpurgis]

Buy these. They are great little speakers!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mission-780SE-Speakers-/282251692256?hash=item41b78308e0:g:o0EAAOSwHMJYJOx i

Best small speakers I ever had. Should have kept 'em.

[fatmarley]

JPW P1, AP2 or AP3 can be had very cheap and sound better than AR18s. They are much more detailed, have cleaner mids and the bass on the AP2 Is as tight as you could ever want (never heard the P1 or AP3 though). If you don't fancy refoaming them, you can buy new drivers from Guy at Pure sound.

[hermit]

Not really. Specs tell you little that can guide you as to how a speaker will sound.

I'm sure you'd like the AR speaker by the way.

+1.

They may not be Jez's cup of tea but they were very popular in their day, worldwide best sellers, and are still much loved, particularly in the USA.

Also, slightly over budget iro £300, you might get lucky and find a well sorted pair of JR149s. They also do well against a wall.

[fatmarley]

Buy these. They are great little speakers!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mission-780SE-Speakers-/282251692256?hash=item41b78308e0:g:o0EAAOSwHMJYJOx i

Best small speakers I ever had. Should have kept 'em.

The Mission 731 and 731i were also very good for the money (They were only £130 brand new IIRC). I've only ever heard good things said about the Misson 760i as well.

[Bigman80]

I'm liking the missions too,. Hmmm starting to get so e viable options.

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[Macca]

These B&W 601 are worth considering.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47811-FS-B-amp-W-DM601-S3-in-Excellent-Condition

[fatmarley]

These B&W 601 are worth considering.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47811-FS-B-amp-W-DM601-S3-in-Excellent-Condition

I hope they are a big improvement on the mk1 601. A mate and I had a demo In a hifi shop comparing them to Kef Coda 8s. He has absolutely no Interest In hifi but even he thought they were terrible (I could tell by the way he looked at me and screwed up his face). God knows how a well established company could build something that sounds that bad (I wouldn't suggest Kef Coda 8 either because the bass is a bit flabby)

[Macca]

They are an improvement but I have owned the Mk ! and they were not a bad speaker. Tonally a bit dry, but low distortion, pretty clean sounding. I used them with a Cambridge P70, which probably took the edge of them a bit.

I sold them to mate, they were still mint and with all the original packaging and box, even the plastic bags that went around them. He got into a massive row with his lady as she had told him to spend no more than a ton and when he brought the boxes in and opened them up she went mad as she thought he had been to a hi-fi shop and bought them new.

[Bigman80]

These B&W 601 are worth considering.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47811-FS-B-amp-W-DM601-S3-in-Excellent-Condition
I had a pair of these. I liked them but there wasn't a lot of depth to be honest.

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[Macca]

Bass depth? No, but IIRC they were best in class for lack of bass distortion.

[Bigman80]

Bass depth? No, but IIRC they were best in class for lack of bass distortion.
That's probably right, I had them hooked up to a Sony tafe separate system, I think it was a big difference from the wharfdales which were quite bass heavy. Valdus I believe they were. 3 8" drivers. Maybe I've been a bit unfair on the B&W.

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[walpurgis]

Maybe I've been a bit unfair on the B&W.

Maybe not. I've never heard a pair of B&W speakers I've quite come to terms with.

[Bigman80]

Maybe not. I've never heard a pair of B&W speakers I've quite come to terms with.
If it was a choice between the B&W 601s3 I had or the celestion DL6s I'd pick the DL6 All day. I have had them on all day playing 24bit FLAC files and they've been great. I don't know how well they rate or what response they give, I presume they aren't very efficient but I've really enjoyed today's listening. Bit reluctant to move them out now lol

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[Gordon Steadman]

If it was a choice between the B&W 601s3 I had or the celestion DL6s I'd pick the DL6 All day. I have had them on all day playing 24bit FLAC files and they've been great. I don't know how well they rate or what response they give, I presume they aren't very efficient but I've really enjoyed today's listening. Bit reluctant to move them out now lol

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So just put the bung in and enjoy them.

I'll take commission on the £250 saved:)

[Bigman80]

I'll have an experiment with them, so,what to bung them with 🤔........

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[Firebottle]

Do they have removable grills Oliver?

Just thinking laterally, is there space on the front baffle to re-position the port at the front :idea:

[Bigman80]

Do they have removable grills Oliver?

Just thinking laterally, is there space on the front baffle to re-position the port at the front :idea:
I don't have any grills for them mate, could move the port to the front but couldn't hide the holes. Might have to search for some grills.

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[Bigman80]

Do they have removable grills Oliver?

Just thinking laterally, is there space on the front baffle to re-position the port at the front :idea:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161120/45f8658d738f1d9d12ebedd3ea8a4e37.jpg

I suppose where the DL6 badge is ?

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[fatmarley]

You could put the port in the side, like the Royd Minstrel. I haven't done any measurements but I wouldn't be surprised If there was less midrange leakage with a side mounted port.

I used a lightly rolled up piece of Monacor MDM3 to tame the bass boom In some Proac studio 100s. Worked well.

[Bigman80]

You could put the port in the side, like the Royd Minstrel. I haven't done any measurements but I wouldn't be surprised If there was less midrange leakage with a side mounted port.

I used a lightly rolled up piece of Monacor MDM3 to tame the bass boom In some Proac studio 100s. Worked well.
Ok, I'll probably try the bung before I start drilling holes lol.

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[pgarrish]

I hope they are a big improvement on the mk1 601. A mate and I had a demo In a hifi shop comparing them to Kef Coda 8s. He has absolutely no Interest In hifi but even he thought they were terrible (I could tell by the way he looked at me and screwed up his face). God knows how a well established company could build something that sounds that bad (I wouldn't suggest Kef Coda 8 either because the bass is a bit flabby)

If the coda 8s were as dire as the 7s that's as damming a description as you could give. I'd think twice about using coda 7s as doorstops in case I could still hear them.


I'd second the Jpw ap2 recommendation but they're hardly bookshelf speakers.... sonatas are nice but I'm sure you can do far far better with that budget.

[Scooby]

AP2s really need some space behind them to work IME. I've had sonatas too and they do work close to a wall. Not one of my favourite speakers though. That Audax tweeter isn't really up to scratch

[fatmarley]

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Hold on a minute - Have you got the speakers in top corners of the room, pointing down? If so, could you not move them further away from the corner?
Most speaker are going to boom in that position I'd have thought. Linn Kans would probably be the best bet if you can't move the brackets.

[Bigman80]

Yes, can't move them anywhere. It's a small room.

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[Gordon Steadman]

Perhaps you could try some absorbent material of some kind on the side wall and see if that makes any difference. Certainly, having them there is almost bound to mess up the bass and make them boom a bit. The bung still seems the easiest way of taming the bass a little. It has the advantage of being reversible too if it doesn't work. A big cork should do the job.

[Bigman80]

I'll look for a bung. Cheapest way first will do.

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[Conan]

I have a pair of JPW Sonatas for sale.
Im in walsall if you want to give them s go.

[Bigman80]

I have a pair of JPW Sonatas for sale.
Im in walsall if you want to give them s go.
I'll let you know, thanks Conan

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[dicy]

I have a few recommendations mate, I have owned all and they were all used on wall brackets.

1. The original Mordaunt Short MS10's - great little musical speaker and cost peanuts.
2. JPW Sonatas, sealed box and again brilliant little things.
3. Royd Sorcerer SE's - if you can find a pair, they may be the last speaker you buy.
4. Revolver R16's, although ported, I had a pair a few inches from the wall on brackets and they worked a treat. Lovely bouncy things.

My mum still lives up in Kidderminster Oliver, I'd be happy to leave my MS10's and Sonatas for you to borrow if you like?

[Bigman80]

I have a few recommendations mate, I have owned all and they were all used on wall brackets.

1. The original Mordaunt Short MS10's - great little musical speaker and cost peanuts.
2. JPW Sonatas, sealed box and again brilliant little things.
3. Royd Sorcerer SE's - if you can find a pair, they may be the last speaker you buy.
4. Revolver R16's, although ported, I had a pair a few inches from the wall on brackets and they worked a treat. Lovely bouncy things.

My mum still lives up in Kidderminster Oliver, I'd be happy to leave my MS10's and Sonatas for you to borrow if you like?
Wow, that's an awesome offer, thank you and yes that would be great. Drop me a PM and we can sort something out. I'm away next week so wouldn't be until after then. 😊

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[Yomanze]

I have a few recommendations mate, I have owned all and they were all used on wall brackets.

1. The original Mordaunt Short MS10's - great little musical speaker and cost peanuts.
2. JPW Sonatas, sealed box and again brilliant little things.
3. Royd Sorcerer SE's - if you can find a pair, they may be the last speaker you buy.
4. Revolver R16's, although ported, I had a pair a few inches from the wall on brackets and they worked a treat. Lovely bouncy things.

My mum still lives up in Kidderminster Oliver, I'd be happy to leave my MS10's and Sonatas for you to borrow if you like?
Dicy, how did your comparisons with the Sorcerer SE and Harbeth P3ESR end up?

[dicy]

Dicy, how did your comparisons with the Sorcerer SE and Harbeth P3ESR end up?

Much as I thought mate, the Sorcerers were 'almost' as beguiling as the Harbs, but much more fun and dare I say musical.

Just a lovely speaker to own, would I do a straight swap for a pair of Harbs? Hmmmm probably, but it would be a very close call, the Royds really are that good

[dicy]

Wow, that's an awesome offer, thank you and yes that would be great. Drop me a PM and we can sort something out. I'm away next week so wouldn't be until after then. ��

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Drop me a PM when you're back mate, I'm planning on coming up to Kiddy on the 17th

[Bigman80]

Drop me a PM when you're back mate, I'm planning on coming up to Kiddy on the 17th
Will do, should be back on the 9th.

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[petrat]

Not quite meeting the brief, but a chuffin' bargain non-the-less ...

The Tannoy Revolution XT6 in walnut trim is on sale at three hundred quid (half price) at Superfi and Nottingham Hifi. Using the new Omnimagnet driver, I've heard these and they are really good.

[Bigman80]

Not quite meeting the brief, but a chuffin' bargain non-the-less ...

The Tannoy Revolution XT6 in walnut trim is on sale at three hundred quid (half price) at Superfi and Nottingham Hifi. Using the new Omnimagnet driver, I've heard these and they are really good.
Bit over the budget but I will have a look. Got a few bits to sell off so might be able to make up the difference !

Cheers !

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[Michael loves music]

Dicy, how did your comparisons with the Sorcerer SE and Harbeth P3ESR end up?

I have the JPW sonatas on wall brackets a foot from back wall in spare bedroom 12feet by 12feet sound lovely with Nad 310 amp and Nad C541i cd player

[Bigman80]

Hi guys,

just a quick update. I've bought a pair of mission 780se for £51. Gonna give them a good run and see how they do. Thanks for your help and offers.

Oliver.

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[walpurgis]

You'll like those Oliver. They pack a surprising wallop for little speakers and mine did not disgrace themselves next to the big Tannoys I was using at the time. Let us know how you get on with them. That was a good price by the way.

[Bigman80]

Thanks Geoff. I have had to pay £23 shipping but I'm still happy. I will indeed update when I've had a run with them.

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[dicy]

That's a really good buy mate, let us know what you think.

[Bigman80]

That's a really good buy mate, let us know what you think.
Thanks, not expecting them until Wednesday.

Can't wait ! Lol.

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[Ninanina]

Thanks, not expecting them until Wednesday.

Can't wait ! Lol.

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I bet you are excited Oliver... I know the feeling very well when waiting for a new bit of kit :)

[Bigman80]

I bet you are excited Oliver... I know the feeling very well when waiting for a new bit of kit :)
[emoji1]

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[Bigman80]

The Missions arrived !! They are so small I'm not sure I'm gonna like them.

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They are in magnificent condition. I am really happy about that. Also. Very nice to look at. So let's put them on the wall and have a look.

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They look seriously small compared to the DL6. I also don't have the Sony amp at the minute due to it being repaired by Firebottle. In its place is a technics class A midi system which has never convinced me of its sound quality. In fact it's rather bass heavy.

Still id better give them a try.

First up is Voodoo Child from the electric ladyland album.

Ok, very crisp and defined MIDs here. Good bass too ! Not as deep or expansive as the DL6 but in such a small box it won't be. Superb treble. That's as good as I've heard from any speaker. The big thing I'm noticing I'd the vocals. They seemed to sit right back in the DL6 but the missions have pushed Hendrix right to the front. Guitar tone is accurate too. Sounds pretty much exact. So far I'm enjoying listening.

Next up Dig a pony - the Beatles Stereo remastered Let It Be.

The first note here with the DL6 is usually a bit of a thud in your chest moment which I really love. So let's try it

And.......hmmm the note is there and its good but it hasn't got the thud which is a shame, however it's actually sounding really balanced. I felt the remasters were done by a bass player who loved the bass so much he raised it to the highest level in the mix with the DL6. Now not so much. Its there, it's clear and it's at the right level in the mix. The song has a very rough kind of feel. Almost grungy in terms of style and the DL6 really produced that feel well. The missions can't really get down in that region so it kind of sounds too nice. A bit strange really. Still I'm tapping my foot and it is sounding rather good all of a sudden.

Next - Taxman

treble sounds a bit harsh here. I have to turn the volume down a bit but that's probably due to the LP. Bass is spot on here. MIDs are lively and very rhythmic. I'm enjoying myself. I'm now looking at the speakers wondering if my ears are adjusting to the sound. I have used the DL6 exclusively for three years.

Now off to work. I'll have a good listen over the weekend.

Very surprised how much I like them so far.


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[walpurgis]

Told ya! :)


They'd probably sound better on tallish stands, not too far from the back wall. Mine did.

[Gordon Steadman]

Considering you think the amp you are using is rubbish, they must be pretty good!! When do you get the Sony back?? You should then be able to assess them properly.

[Yomanze]

Replace those brass links replaced with some bits of speaker cable.

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[Bigman80]

Considering you think the amp you are using is rubbish, they must be pretty good!! When do you get the Sony back?? You should then be able to assess them properly.
I'm hoping for a short turn around. I know Alan (Firebottle) is working on it now so hopefully Saturday? I also need some banana plugs so they're ordered now.

They are impressive. I think once the sony is back I can judge them Properly.


Yes Geoff, they are about 4" away from the wall, slightly toed in to avoid the chimney breast.

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[Bigman80]

Replace those brass links replaced with some bits of speaker cable.

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Why ? Is there a musically science based reason or does that just make it easier to get the speaker wire in lol

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[Yomanze]

Why ? Is there a musically science based reason or does that just make it easier to get the speaker wire in lol

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Copper is much more conductive with significantly less grain boundaries - the links are made of brass. It's very cheap to see if it makes a difference for you, and simple to revert. I will say that dedicated jumpers are a waste of time, when bare wire is way cheaper and less complicated.

[Bigman80]

Copper is much more conductive with significantly less grain boundaries - the links are made of brass. It's very cheap to see if it makes a difference for you, and simple to revert. I will say that dedicated jumpers are a waste of time, when bare wire is way cheaper and less complicated.
I'll try it thanks !

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[Yomanze]

Won't change the world, might sound a bit better, might sound the same, won't sound worse. [emoji14]

[Bigman80]

A good day of listening to the Missions has taken place. I fetched the sony from Alan. And it's all systems go!

Everything from Papa Roach to Carly Simon has gone through them today.

Biggest change I noticed was the swap from TT to 24bit FLAC. Wow. The sound these little speakers make is truly astonishing. They are so small ! How is this possible? They are filling the room with floorboard shaking bass. And they slam it at you too! Just so much depth In That little cabinet it doesn't make sense to me ?

The vocals are amazingly clear. They are so clear in fact that I can hear breathing through them between lines. It's astonishing really.

Treble is also very very very good. Little Symbol trills In Hotel California jump from left to right like it's actually being played in front of you.

So, why do they perform so differently on the TT ? Well I presume it's what Walpurgis told me about. This is a very polite cartridge. The DL304 is VERY DETAILED, tonally neutral, produces crystalline treble and produces taught, deep bass BUT it appears it doesn't kick your head off which it seems I quite like.

So, new cartridge needed me thinks, that or floor standers.

Found some KEF Q5s lol.

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[Firebottle]

Aren't you going to have to earn some brownie points from the better half before you can move to floor standers :rolleyes:

If you give me the cartridge I can give your head a quick kicking, but you'll have to bend down a lot :lol:

[Bigman80]

Aren't you going to have to earn some brownie points from the better half before you can move to floor standers :rolleyes:

If you give me the cartridge I can give your head a quick kicking, but you'll have to bend down a lot [emoji38]
Lol, yes Alan. Brownie points indeed. I tested the water last night and I'm still alive so that's a yes as far as I'm concerend 😂

Typically I helped you sell a pair or floorstanders I'd have loved to have tried but that's how it goes.

I may put the Denon DL304 up for sale and see if there's any interest. Bit reluctant to sell it though as its so good.

Hmmm what to do.

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[topoxforddoc]

How about a pair of EPOS ES11? well within your budget. You can wall mount them at a pinch.

[Bigman80]

How about a pair of EPOS ES11? well within your budget. You can wall mount them at a pinch.
I'll have look.

They look nice but rear ported. That was an issue with my celestion DL6

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[Gordon Steadman]

How about enjoying what you have for a while?

Then you get properly used to the sound and don't make instant judgements about spending some more dosh, you only just changed the speakers after all. If you want to change the cartridge, buy the Technics EPC205 that is for sale on this forum. Then you will know you don't need to upgrade that in future and concentrate on the speakers.

[Bigman80]

How about enjoying what you have for a while?

Then you get properly used to the sound and don't make instant judgements about spending some more dosh, you only just changed the speakers after all. If you want to change the cartridge, buy the Technics EPC205 that is for sale on this forum. Then you will know you don't need to upgrade that in future and concentrate on the speakers.
I could do that. Yep.

We'll see. Lol.

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