Speakers at Bristol Show revisited

Posted by: Shropshire Hills on 14 June 2018

Some time ago I posted here and asked for advice on speakers for my Nova/250DR. The post and replies is no longer active but can be found here:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/t...-bristol-show?page=1

i received many helpful replies and recommendations and subsequently I have demoed ATC 11 & 19 and Kudos Super 10s at home and listened to Dynaudio Special 40s, Neat Iota Xplorer and a few others at dealers. 

I am pleased to say that the search is over (for now) and I have taken delivery of an as new 2017 pair of ATC 11s which work well in my small listening room and are great value for the price. I nearly went with the 19s with their superb mid bass driver but they are probably overkill in my room. The 11’s share the same tweeter which I think is very good - piano music sounds so realistic compared to some other similar priced and more expensive speakers and I can live without more bass in this room

I must admit to being tempted to listen to the ATC 19A or 40A active floor standers which might go well in our lounge if SWCBO can be persuaded 

Bob

 

Posted on: 14 June 2018 by nigelb

Cool. It is always nice to hear the conclusion to an earlier, unresolved equipment thread. Glad you are enjoying your new speakers.

I am not sure, but I think I might have contributed to the first thread citing the wonderful sounds coming from the mighty Nova driving the new Kudos 505s and the great noise the Special 40 s were making in the Dynaudio room at the Bristol Show. The ATC 11s are well regarded and obviously a great match for the Nova/250DR, particularly in a smaller room.

Posted on: 14 June 2018 by wenger2015

Congratulations, excellent choice 

Posted on: 14 June 2018 by Shropshire Hills

Thanks chaps it’s worked out well and Nigel yes you suggested that I might sell my 250DR (and my soul and savings!!) to purchase the Kudos 505s. I dared not listen to them in case I got fatally hooked!

Posted on: 14 June 2018 by pete T15

Great news Bob , the 11s are brilliant. I’m sure they’ll keep you entertained for a long long time. 

Enjoy . 

Posted on: 14 June 2018 by nigelb

Yes Bob, I did get a bit over-excited with the 505s driven by a bare Nova. It was mighty impressive though.

But you have made the right decision for your budget and room. I know you can manage with one kidney, but two has got to be better! 

Posted on: 15 June 2018 by ROOG

Good to hear a happy outcome, I myself took delivery of a pair of ATC SCM 40's just two days ago, and whilst i am  happy with them working from my SU, I will be looking for more 'amp' soon! 

Posted on: 15 June 2018 by Shropshire Hills

ATC make great speakers at fair prices but the speakers benefit from a reasonably powerful amp. When you upgrade you will certainly hear sonic improvements. The 40’s are very good and my 250DR would drive them but alas they are too big and have too much bass for my small room

Posted on: 15 June 2018 by ROOG
Shropshire Hills posted:

ATC make great speakers at fair prices but the speakers benefit from a reasonably powerful amp. When you upgrade you will certainly hear sonic improvements. The 40’s are very good and my 250DR would drive them but alas they are too big and have too much bass for my small room

Hi Shropshire Hills, yes that was the clincher for me, they would work ok with the SU, but I did take the opportunity to test them using the SU as source with a 250dr power amp and bass control plus overall definition were noticeably improved.

For fun, i tried the SCM 40's using the Naim as a source through a D'Agostino  Progression  amp. This was rather good! Naim as a source was not embarrassed and the speakers really showed what they could do!

Posted on: 15 June 2018 by Chag...

Great to read you have solved the equation. I remember your thread and doubted somewhat at the time whether you would find a companion for the 250DR in a 10m2 cubic room without bloating. We all have read excellent reviews of the 11s and 19s. Your feedback certainly add to them. Happy happy listening. I have considered them, and still do, for study and summer house.   ????

Chag -