[AVReceiver101]

Hi, I'm choosing speakers for my new set-up and being a noobie, would like to hear some views before I make my purchase.


Here's the shortlist:


1. Harman Kardon HKTS 11



2. Mordaunt Short Alumni - Alumni 2, 5 and 9



3. PSB Images Series comprising T45 towers, C40, B15 rears and 5i sub



4. Wharfedale Diamond 9 series comprising 9.1 in front, 9.CS as center, 9.SR as rears + Velodyne CH8R as sub



Let's assume price to be the same. Which do you think is better sound quality wise for someone who would probably use the Denon 1910 or 2310? Will be used 60% for music/ 40% HT. Appreciate any guidance.

 

[blued888]

Best would be to audition them because some speakers sound laid back, some speakers sound neutral and sound some forward.

 

[AVReceiver101]

I did audtion them. Now being a total noobie, I don't know if I'm discerning them well enough. The HKTS 11 and the MS Alumni sounder quite "bright" and the songs appeared more "cheerful". The PSB, probably because the fronts are floorstanders, had a more "enveloping sound", but the songs sounded a bit "duller" and "less cheerful". My wife said if I buy that she may turn suicidal listening to sad songs .. For Wharfedale, I could not really gauge the character ... doesn't seem as distinctive.


Now the descriptions above are what I felt auditioning but I don't know if they truly depict the characters of these speakers, or the different AVR/ amps/ cables used in the stores had some impact, or it is just me. Any views on the above?


Btw, what do you mean by "laidback", "neutral" and "forward"?

 

[blued888]



Quote:
Originally Posted by AVReceiver101 /forum/post/16844677


I did audtion them. Now being a total noobie, I don't know if I'm discerning them well enough. The HKTS 11 and the MS Alumni sounder quite "bright" and the songs appeared more "cheerful". The PSB, probably because the fronts are floorstanders, had a more "enveloping sound", but the songs sounded a bit "duller" and "less cheerful". My wife said if I buy that she may turn suicidal listening to sad songs .. For Wharfedale, I could not really gauge the character ... doesn't seem as distinctive.


Now the descriptions above are what I felt auditioning but I don't know if they truly depict the characters of these speakers, or the different AVR/ amps/ cables used in the stores had some impact, or it is just me. Any views on the above?


Btw, what do you mean by "laidback", "neutral" and "forward"?

Based on my personal experience:


American/Canadian speaker manufacturers (such as Infinity, Polk, JBL) make "neutral" speakers. Neutral meaning the sound although not perfect, is quite balanced.


UK speaker manufacturers such as Wharfedale, I find to be "laid back." Laid back in that they sound sort of muddy and like their sound is being trapped somewhere inside.


For "forward/bright" speakers, the best example would probably be Klipsch, due to their horn-loaded speakers.


Based on your statements above, it would seem that you would be pretty happy with the HK or MS. But if you can, try to audition more brands because there are a lot out there.

 

[AVReceiver101]

I would prefer the more cheerful sounding speakers but my wife may not keen with me having a 5.1 set up, which would rule the HK and MS out.


Came across Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 ... any idea they would sound closer to the HK/ MS or the Wharfedale?

 

[blued888]



Quote:
Originally Posted by AVReceiver101 /forum/post/16845797


I would prefer the more cheerful sounding speakers but my wife may not keen with me having a 5.1 set up, which would rule the HK and MS out.


Came across Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 ... any idea they would sound closer to the HK/ MS or the Wharfedale?

Haven't really heard Mordaunt Shorts so I wouldn't know how to compare it to the others.

 

[mbyrnes]

I would go listen to more brands. You'll know when you find something great. You'll want to go back and re-listen shortly after wards. Take your time and enjoy this. Getting it right is what is important, not how fast. Right now it seems like you are settling for one of the above mentioned. If that is the case you will be wasting your money.