Looking for audiophile quality recordings of traditional Hawaiian music. The music itself is wonderful, but many recordings don’t have the depth, imaging and microdetail. A lot of Hawaiian music available on streaming services is either older archival material, tourist-oriented compilations, or recordings with fairly modest production.
I am looking to upgrade from my KEF Q150 to a larger bookshelf speakers now I am in a larger living space 54sq of which half of is partially partioned by this out of nowhere fireplace that seperates lounge from dining but really it's all one space. Floor standing speakers are not an option due to other constraints. So far auditioned
KEF R3 Meta - yes clarity but did not excite me
Wharfdale Super Denton - warmer but loses some clarity
Wharfdale Evo 5.2 - larger and did not mind them but they are bug speakers for stand mount
Dynaudio evoke 20 - these are nice and well rounded but I didn't try them with more energetic or rock music. They are also $$$ (for my budget) so I really would need to live them. They also would blend into my living space the best
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G - I thought these could be the ones but found them a bit flat.
I plan to audition the Dynaudio Evoke 20 and the Wharfdale Evo 5.2 again.
The worst part of it all is that I know they will sound different again when I bring one of them home.
Other speaker suggested is the Focal Aria Evo X No.1 but may be too bright and not sure if suitable for larger space
Within budget looking at the Yamaha R-N1000 because of aesthetic because it can't find the S801 in silver (only black)
Any thoughts or input appreciated🙂
Every once in a while I will watch a movie or a tv show set in a small town in the US where everyone knows everyone and there is a general feel of goodness and community, and people know each other. The most recent a Netflix film Remarkably Bright Creatures with Sally Field set in a small costal town in Washington state.
Do these places exist? Did they ever exist ?
Location: Australia | Budget: $4K
I’m looking to upgrade my setup from KEF Q150s and a Wi-Fi streamer powered by an external power amp to something like the Wharfedale Super Dentons or the Wharfedale EVO 5.2, paired with either a NAD C389 or the Cambridge Audio EXA100.
My current setup includes a Technics SL-1500C turntable and an external phono preamp.
My new living space is quite large and somewhat awkward, with furniture constraints and a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass.
I visited a local hi-fi store and auditioned the KEF Concerto Meta, KEF R3 Meta, Wharfedale EVO 5.2, and Wharfedale Super Denton. My preference was in that order, with the Concerto a clear last. The EVO 5.2 sounded better to my ears than the R3 Meta, and I may have been marginally swayed by the perceived bass performance of the Super Dentons.
All speakers were played through a NAD C3050.
My dilemma is:
I don’t fully trust the audition conditions. The room was relatively small, and the speakers were placed on shelves. I’m concerned that in my much larger living room, a larger speaker like the EVO 5.2 may deliver better scale and room-filling performance, while the Super Dentons may carry some “heritage tax” in the pricing.
The smaller form factor of the Super Dentons works better for my space and preferences. The hi-fi salesperson suggested there was still plenty of headroom in the Super Dentons for a larger room.
My other decision is the amplifier.
I was initially considering the NAD C3050 (because it looks fantastic), but also the NAD C389 (which seems technically superior) or the Cambridge Audio EXA100.
I want to use my external phono stage via a proper analogue bypass / minimal signal path, which the C389 offers, and I understand the EXA100 does as well. I also want to connect a WiiM streamer via digital input. The Yamaha 2000A would be nice but out of budget.
There’s a lot going on here, so I appreciate your patience.
Sense check considering the Shimano Zodias 7.0 4-8 ML rod to pair with a Shimano Ultegra hg 2500. Fish Sydney Middle Harbour (for now) mainly soft plastics but occasionally bait. Likely go with a 10lb braid line ( with a leader)
Are there any other considerations or alternatives to the Zodias I should also consider.
Thanks in advance.🙏