Hey everyone,
I’m pretty new to the Hi-Fi world but have been trying to learn as much as I can recently. I mainly listen to Metal and EDM, especially songs with strong melodic elements like in tracks by Amon Amarth, Parkway Drive, or Linkin Park. From the EDM standpoint, things like Infected Mushroom, Headhunterz, and the mix between the two, such as Electric Callboy and Combichrist are also very appealing and fun for me.
I’m looking to set up a nice audio spot in my living room, which is about 4m x 10m with one side (4m side) mostly glass opening to our balcony. Our sofa, where we’ll be enjoying the music and TV, is at one end of the room.
Right now, I’m trying out a Devialet Phantom I, but it’s just one speaker and I feel like the soundstage is lacking. I love its unique design, which sets it apart from a lot of other speakers I’ve seen, both floor-standing and bookshelf speakers. It’s almost like buying a speaker and an art-piece in one (Although I imagine it’s not to everyones taste). I like the sound, but I’m wondering/expecting that the lack of a stereo setup is what’s causing the soundstage issue.
I’m after a clear sound (Or can I describe it as “musical clarity”? I am not sure exactly how to describe it, but I tried to hear some demos at a HiFi shop, and quite a few of the speakers sounded “Muddy” when playing songs from the mentioned bands), with a good soundstage and a nice amount of bass for those times we feel like dancing around. I like the idea of being able to tinker with settings, but maybe adjusting the EQ is enough. I’m also open to simpler setups if they deliver on the sound quality.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has similar music tastes. What kind of setups have you found work well for these genres? Are there certain speaker models or configurations you’d recommend? And do you think having a stereo setup would solve the soundstage issue I’m experiencing with the Devialet Phantom I? I live in Denmark, if that plays any role with regards to what is available.
Thanks a lot for any advice or insights you can share!
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#jbl4life!
any jbl l52 and up. any jbl 4xxxx series.
For Metal, you want speakers that have a good lower end frequency response or smaller speakers with a subwoofer. I just recently upgraded my system, and I listen to 90% metal and classic rock. Having a subwoofer made a huge difference. It really adds to the impact feeling of the double kick drums or bass and helps fill out the lower end of the crunchy guitars.
You definitely need 2 speakers for a good soundstage. Adding a subwoofer also improves the soundstage as well.
My system is Polk Legend L600’s speakers (their cheaper brothers, the R7 are great sounding with metal as well). An Anthem STR integrated amp and a SVS SB3000 subwoofer. I just use a laptop to stream Amazon music and YouTube to my amp.
Honestly, it’s hard to get that concert feeling without floorstanding speakers with larger drivers in my experience. Need size to move the air.
I spent years listening to speaker manufacturers of all kinds to find the one that sounds beast with metal, and the winner was Canton. There’s just something about the tone that they just nail. Turns out they’re very good for EDM also.
Not cheap but built in Germany and top quality, will last a lifetime.
I think you’re describing Klipsch’s house sound. Depending on budget, I’d be looking at towers or heritage series. If Klipsch isn’t reasonably priced there, maybe JBL? It sounds like horns are going to scratch your itch.
You needn’t worry much about power as horns are generally super efficient.