Speaker upgrade for a Qute 2

Posted by: magicaxeman on 18 December 2014

I wondered if the members would be good enough to give me a little advice on upgrading my speakers, but I must add my situation is a little different to most as I'm bed bound 24/7 and cannot sit up, this means I have to work within the limitations of the space I'm in.

 

My room is 14 ft x 11ft with a tiled floor, rugs/carpet can't be fitted.

 

My Current system is a Unitiqute 2, Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 speakers, 2 x 2 TB Linkstation DS410 NAS drives connected via Netgear switch and  cat 6e ethernet cable.

I'm using ALAC/MP3 320 kbps files on one NAS via itunes/itunes server and 24 bit FLAC files on the other. I'm gradually updating files to ALAC or 24 bit as and when I can.

 

I mainly listen to Choral, classical, folk, acoustic blues and a little rock, but primarily acoustic instruments.

The speakers are on Atacama Se 24's spiked and part filled but have to be placed hard against the rear wall with only 2.5 metres between each speaker.

 

I feel the speakers are letting the side down at present, the bottom end is "soft" in as much as it always sounds like a bass drum is being hit by a soft cotton beater  and wallows rather than being nice and tight with some detail/refinement.

 

I'm looking for a refined sound, smooth treble and midrange, tight bottom end (but it doesnt need masses of bass, 50hz will do) with plenty of detail, I cant emphasise the smooth treble and midrange enough, as anything a bit strident aggravates my tinnitus something fierce making listening a chore instead of a pleasure.

Also the ability for a wide and rich sound stage that fills the room rather than being limited to the speakers themselves.

 

I've been looking at speakers both old and new to replace the current ones and so far have been considering PMC's twenty 21's or some second hand Sonus Faber concerto's.

Budget is up to £1500 at the very most

 

Obviously my biggest problem is not being able to get to a dealer for a demo so I'm relying heavily on reviews and recommendations.

 

Finally I cant say just how much the Qute has changed my listening, its amazing, whereas with my old marantz streamer I struggled to listen once a week, I'm listening to the Qute every day.

 

 

 

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Klyde

I use my Qute 2, in bed, (not with the Qute, in the bed, althought it is warm, it would not be very comfortable!) with ATC SCM 7's. The sound is wonderfully musical, with not a trace of harshness, on all types of music. ATC's are not the most efficient speakers on the planet, but the Qute can drive them surprisingly well. I have rarely used the Qute on more than half volume, and the music fills the room.

 

I appreciate, that listening in bed, is a quite different experience. I have the speakers positioned at just above ear height, to clear the bed foot, to allow for humps, in the duvet, in various positions. That last sentence could easily be misinterpreted!

 

The SCM7's, work very well, fixed to the wall by swivel brackets, I find this lifts the bass a little which helps when listening at lower levels late at night.

 

Good look in your search for suitable speakers.

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Klyde

Forgot to mention the ATC, SCM 11's, which I have in my studio. These also make sublime music, with the Qute 2, but have a larger sound, as you might expect.

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by gary yeowell

Not exactly a 'recommended' partnership, but you should hear what a Qute2 does with my SL2's. If ever there was a simple fit and forget high quality system, this is it.

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Gale 501
Originally Posted by gary yeowell:

Not exactly a 'recommended' partnership, but you should hear what a Qute2 does with my SL2's. If ever there was a simple fit and forget high quality system, this is it.

Gary,

A Qute sounds OK driving SL2s but its a mullet.

They never get started because the need more power to really do them justice.

 

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by gary yeowell

Stu, i have had all sorts driving them, and in my small room, to around 55 on the volume they are stupid good. If i want more power i just put my 160 on the Qute, but quite honestly, it is not necessary. I didn't say it was the best use of them, but i defy anyone to put a better small system together where they are sited. 

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Gale 501
Originally Posted by magicaxeman:

I love Macassar ebony Dave, as long as its on speaker cabinets and not guitar fret boards

 

 

Well things got sorted for me yesterday, after chatting to Dan and Mark at my local Sevenoaks shop a wonderful lady I'm privileged to know appeared at my door last night lugging a couple of heavy boxes.

Contained within where a pair of PMC Twenty 21's, stands, a bucket of atabytes and some new speaker cables.

I'm one lucky guy and I know it..

 

I listened to Dans advice and had them placed 5 inches from the rear wall and slightly toed in, in fact they're in exactly the same spot as the MA's where, its just the larger stand base pushes the speakers themselves back 3 inches.

 

Ok so they aren't broken in by a long shot but the treble is as sweet as sweet can be with the UQ2 yet still full of detail.

In fact I was listening to the track September wine from Dando Shaft's Anthology album this afternoon and heard not only hitherto unheard Tibetan hand bells at the beginning of the track but also the drone type sounds that accompany them.

 

The mid range is a revelation after the MA's and the bottom end lovely and tight but the real surprises are the sheer level of detail at all frequencies and absolutely stellar imaging.

 

I can hear the variations in pick attack in a guitar piece,the variance of dynamics used by someone finger picking,whether they are playing with their nails or using the softer flesh of the fingers and thumb,even as far as hearing the scrape of a finger nail across a wound string!

 

Listening to the Tallis Scholars - Sacred music in the renaissance is like having angels in the room.

 

And as said the imaging is pinpoint, during Nelly Furtado's Powerless from the folklore album there's a moment when all is quiet save for a crescendoing swirl that emanates from well behind the speakers and then expands forward and outward to fill the whole room, in fact it sounds like it transcends the boundaries of the room!

 

These little babies work so well with the UQ2, I can now see why so many recommended them, and harsh treble? not at all, its as sweet as a nut and thats with only about 6 hours on them and the new cables.

 

Thanks so much to all of you for your help and suggestions, I don't think I've ever come across a more friendly forum... happy new year to you all.

 

Same to you and enjoy your new toys.

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Justin9960

It amazes me how many people refer to a system as a mullet. Yes, agreed that budget is not spread evenly over the components that make up said system. However, it comes down to the suitability of how each component interacts with the next, as opposed to the usual thinking that if you are spending X on one component, then you really should only spend Y on the others. Come on, it comes down to how everything sounds as a system. I have taken the ART Alnico8 off of the Mcintosh, and connected them to the Qute, as Gary says, it is probably not making the most of them, but the music still flows from them. Good on you Gary. Sure the Mullet Police will be along soon!!!

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by joerand

Hey man, they're just keeping it real

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Bart

I don't think that my NAP 100 robs my Qute2 of anything.  I really like what it brought; all the prat of the little Naim box, and some more oomph.

 

That said, there are plenty of speakers the Qute2 can drive.  But please be realistic when picking speakers, especially if you are buying them and they aren't something just laying around.  Something too tough to drive isn't doing you any favors.

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Justin9960

I personally prefer the Qute on its own, but take your point Bart. I agree that is surprising what speakers the Qute can drive, as I say, I have the ARTs plugged in, and it is doing a great job, mind you, they are recommended to be paired to an amp of 8 Watts minimum. I also have a pair of Magnepan MG12 on loan at the minute, and the Qute is doing great things with those as well.

 

Great little box.

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by Gale 501
Originally Posted by Justin9960:

It amazes me how many people refer to a system as a mullet. Yes, agreed that budget is not spread evenly over the components that make up said system. However, it comes down to the suitability of how each component interacts with the next, as opposed to the usual thinking that if you are spending X on one component, then you really should only spend Y on the others. Come on, it comes down to how everything sounds as a system. I have taken the ART Alnico8 off of the Mcintosh, and connected them to the Qute, as Gary says, it is probably not making the most of them, but the music still flows from them. Good on you Gary. Sure the Mullet Police will be along soon!!!

So what was your post about Chris Bells Titans about then ?

Just insulting ?

Posted on: 30 December 2014 by badlyread
Originally Posted by Justin9960:

I personally prefer the Qute on its own, but take your point Bart. I agree that is surprising what speakers the Qute can drive, as I say, I have the ARTs plugged in, and it is doing a great job, mind you, they are recommended to be paired to an amp of 8 Watts minimum. I also have a pair of Magnepan MG12 on loan at the minute, and the Qute is doing great things with those as well.

 

Great little box.

Should that be 80 Watts Justin?

Posted on: 31 December 2014 by hungryhalibut
Originally Posted by magicaxeman:

I love Macassar ebony Dave, as long as its on speaker cabinets and not guitar fret boards

 

 

Well things got sorted for me yesterday, after chatting to Dan and Mark at my local Sevenoaks shop a wonderful lady I'm privileged to know appeared at my door last night lugging a couple of heavy boxes.

Contained within where a pair of PMC Twenty 21's, stands, a bucket of atabytes and some new speaker cables.

I'm one lucky guy and I know it..

 

I listened to Dans advice and had them placed 5 inches from the rear wall and slightly toed in, in fact they're in exactly the same spot as the MA's where, its just the larger stand base pushes the speakers themselves back 3 inches.

 

Ok so they aren't broken in by a long shot but the treble is as sweet as sweet can be with the UQ2 yet still full of detail.

In fact I was listening to the track September wine from Dando Shaft's Anthology album this afternoon and heard not only hitherto unheard Tibetan hand bells at the beginning of the track but also the drone type sounds that accompany them.

 

The mid range is a revelation after the MA's and the bottom end lovely and tight but the real surprises are the sheer level of detail at all frequencies and absolutely stellar imaging.

 

I can hear the variations in pick attack in a guitar piece,the variance of dynamics used by someone finger picking,whether they are playing with their nails or using the softer flesh of the fingers and thumb,even as far as hearing the scrape of a finger nail across a wound string!

 

Listening to the Tallis Scholars - Sacred music in the renaissance is like having angels in the room.

 

And as said the imaging is pinpoint, during Nelly Furtado's Powerless from the folklore album there's a moment when all is quiet save for a crescendoing swirl that emanates from well behind the speakers and then expands forward and outward to fill the whole room, in fact it sounds like it transcends the boundaries of the room!

 

These little babies work so well with the UQ2, I can now see why so many recommended them, and harsh treble? not at all, its as sweet as a nut and thats with only about 6 hours on them and the new cables.

 

Thanks so much to all of you for your help and suggestions, I don't think I've ever come across a more friendly forum... happy new year to you all.

 

That's wonderful. I'm so pleased you like them, and hopefully you were able to take advantage of the free stands. It's always a bit scary recommending speakers, but in your case it's worked well. Don't forget that the speakers will take a few months to open up properly. If you get the opportunity, ask your dealer to solder an extra set of pins to the speaker wires, so you can go away with the supplied links. And finally, the speakers sound considerably more open without their grilles. Have fun!

Posted on: 31 December 2014 by DavetheBass

Congrats on the new Speakers Magic.  Now just relax and enjoy the music  

Posted on: 31 December 2014 by hafler3o
Originally Posted by magicaxeman:

Thanks so much to all of you for your help and suggestions, I don't think I've ever come across a more friendly forum... happy new year to you all.

Glad you had a chance to try those little beauties, joyeaux nouveau ans!!

Posted on: 31 December 2014 by Justin9960
Originally Posted by badlyread:
Originally Posted by Justin9960:

I personally prefer the Qute on its own, but take your point Bart. I agree that is surprising what speakers the Qute can drive, as I say, I have the ARTs plugged in, and it is doing a great job, mind you, they are recommended to be paired to an amp of 8 Watts minimum. I also have a pair of Magnepan MG12 on loan at the minute, and the Qute is doing great things with those as well.

 

Great little box.

Should that be 80 Watts Justin?

No, 8 watts minimum recommended. The little Qute really does drive them well.

Posted on: 01 January 2015 by Justin9960
Originally Posted by Gale 501:
Originally Posted by Justin9960:

It amazes me how many people refer to a system as a mullet. Yes, agreed that budget is not spread evenly over the components that make up said system. However, it comes down to the suitability of how each component interacts with the next, as opposed to the usual thinking that if you are spending X on one component, then you really should only spend Y on the others. Come on, it comes down to how everything sounds as a system. I have taken the ART Alnico8 off of the Mcintosh, and connected them to the Qute, as Gary says, it is probably not making the most of them, but the music still flows from them. Good on you Gary. Sure the Mullet Police will be along soon!!!

So what was your post about Chris Bells Titans about then ?

 

No, lost me there old chap!!

Posted on: 01 January 2015 by joerand

Justin,

Lost me too. Maybe the cost of frivolous replies? Not the first time.

Posted on: 01 January 2015 by Justin9960

Have to laugh!! Happy New Year to all 

Posted on: 01 January 2015 by Solid Air

@Magic - I'm delighted you've found the solution! 

 

My experience of the Qute was it sounded better with the NAP100. That was the Qute 1, so it may be different with the 2. The biggest difference was made when switching the Qute to 'no speakers', allowing the little fella to focus on its other duties. However, a lot depends on the speakers, I imagine, so with other speakers it may well have been different.

 

I also tried bi-amping and that was a definite no-no. 

 

Personally I wouldn't use ATCs with a bare Qute.With the NAP100 they're fine in my room, but perhaps at the limit. It's not just about the volume of the music, its about the level of control.  I'm no expert, and I haven't tried them at home, but from memory the KEF LS50s aren't easily driven either, and they're certainly sensitive to the room.

 

My opinion on this probably won't be universally popular, but . . . most speakers with a back-firing reflex port to support the bass seem to be very sensitive to positioning. Given that smaller standmounts are often used in smaller rooms, I think it's a fundamental problem - they sound great in the dealers's listening room, but less good at home where you can't necessarily put them a metre out from the wall. A few manufacturers (such as Guru) seem to be considering that, but I'm not sure that many are.

 

I think that @Magic has the right idea and made a wise choice - transmission line or infinite baffle (if you have the power) are more flexible in a smaller room. The PMC 21 and ATC SCM11 were my final short-list, and they're both top class IMHO.

 

Posted on: 01 January 2015 by Gale 501
Originally Posted by magicaxeman:

I love Macassar ebony Dave, as long as its on speaker cabinets and not guitar fret boards

 

 

Well things got sorted for me yesterday, after chatting to Dan and Mark at my local Sevenoaks shop a wonderful lady I'm privileged to know appeared at my door last night lugging a couple of heavy boxes.

Contained within where a pair of PMC Twenty 21's, stands, a bucket of atabytes and some new speaker cables.

I'm one lucky guy and I know it..

 

I listened to Dans advice and had them placed 5 inches from the rear wall and slightly toed in, in fact they're in exactly the same spot as the MA's where, its just the larger stand base pushes the speakers themselves back 3 inches.

 

Ok so they aren't broken in by a long shot but the treble is as sweet as sweet can be with the UQ2 yet still full of detail.

In fact I was listening to the track September wine from Dando Shaft's Anthology album this afternoon and heard not only hitherto unheard Tibetan hand bells at the beginning of the track but also the drone type sounds that accompany them.

 

The mid range is a revelation after the MA's and the bottom end lovely and tight but the real surprises are the sheer level of detail at all frequencies and absolutely stellar imaging.

 

I can hear the variations in pick attack in a guitar piece,the variance of dynamics used by someone finger picking,whether they are playing with their nails or using the softer flesh of the fingers and thumb,even as far as hearing the scrape of a finger nail across a wound string!

 

Listening to the Tallis Scholars - Sacred music in the renaissance is like having angels in the room.

 

And as said the imaging is pinpoint, during Nelly Furtado's Powerless from the folklore album there's a moment when all is quiet save for a crescendoing swirl that emanates from well behind the speakers and then expands forward and outward to fill the whole room, in fact it sounds like it transcends the boundaries of the room!

 

These little babies work so well with the UQ2, I can now see why so many recommended them, and harsh treble? not at all, its as sweet as a nut and thats with only about 6 hours on them and the new cables.

 

Thanks so much to all of you for your help and suggestions, I don't think I've ever come across a more friendly forum... happy new year to you all.

 

magicaxeman ,

This hifi stuff can be a bit solitary at times and in your situation even more so.

Are you in the Sevenoaks area or are they just one of the chain near you?

Lots of people on here would be happy to help you out with music man.

Happy New year.

 

Posted on: 01 January 2015 by Gale 501
Originally Posted by Justin9960:

Have to laugh!! Happy New Year to all 

Justin you give me shite for posting mullet??

You said Chris Bells Titans looked like something you knocked up.

noticed your double talk on that post now.

Both have a laugh and Happy New Year.

One thing i have always done on here for almost ten years Is keep it real.

 

Posted on: 02 January 2015 by Justin9960
Originally Posted by Gale 501:
Originally Posted by Justin9960:

Have to laugh!! Happy New Year to all 

Justin you give me shite for posting mullet??

You said Chris Bells Titans looked like something you knocked up.

noticed your double talk on that post now.

Both have a laugh and Happy New Year.

One thing i have always done on here for almost ten years Is keep it real.

 

I think someone is getting a tad confused here. I don't wish to get into a debate and subject innocent forum members to this. However just to clear this up once and for all, please see my post, as follows.

 

"seem a bit "cheap" when compared to the flawless finish of those beautiful S600s that you had. The Titans look like something I'd knock together. But I'm sure they sound great". THIS WAS WRITTEN BY WINKYINCANADA.

 

"That photo does not do them justice, they are exquisite when physically in front of you!!" THIS WAS MY REPLY, WHICH IS BASICALLY SAYING THEY ARE BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED SPEAKERS.

 

Sorry for the capitals but I wanted to make this clear, and hence clear up your confusion. Hope this makes sense. Thanks.

Posted on: 02 January 2015 by joerand
Originally Posted by joerand:

Hey man, they're just keeping it real

Told you Justin

 

 

 

  

Posted on: 02 January 2015 by Justin9960