From pro to hi-fi and a little confused...


I didn't want to bother you guys with another "which speaker" thread, but I've been on the fence for three weeks and could really use some advice.

Right now, I have an HSU VTF-2 ready to backup whatever loudspeakers I find and because I already have pre outs on my soundcard and mixer, I'm really looking hard at active speakers. My budget runs up to $2,000 and I'm setup in a mid-sized room that won't allow for floorstanders. Also, I listen to everything from classical to rock and need something that will not bust my eardrums, but allow me to be on-stage with the band to feel the music as well as hear it.

The Dynaudio Focus 110a's seem to have the sound quality I need, but I just don't know if they can represent rock music well?
mtnrnr3
84db 1 watt 4 ohms you can bet that 3in coils near melting point at peaks. I do think its a fine sounding loudspeaker but its not without flaws or weakness like all things. To me I hear smaller designs compress dynamics and when played loud I here the effects of thermo compression. Maybe I'm just jaded but to me small is a compromise I do not want to make in my main system.
The smaller designs definitely compress and also suffer from port chuffing ( non linear port effects at large excursions). John is correct that big really is better in this case, however, small near fields are practical and bring aesthetic advantages over big bad boys.

There are measurements for focus 110

There is significant thermal compression at the low impedance points when playing loud. As volume increases from 90 to 95 dbSPL you lose as much as 3db at 50 and 150 Hz!

Provided you listen at a distance of 3 feet or less and do not require concert listening levels that should not be a huge problem. If these are used for mixing then a second pair of larger monitors will be required for bass checks.
Honestly, if your looking to maximize your $2k budget, I don't think powered speakers are what you should be looking at. The most "bang for your buck" is going to be a reasonable mix of an amp & speakers... preferably used. If my suggestion of Klipsch Haresys was too big, maybe something like Linn Kans, or Spicas, either one would sit on a desk top, or stand in a small room, and mate well to your subs. With all the money you'd still have, an amp should be no problem. Maybe a small Bryston, or even a Spectral DMA50... if you can find one. Point is, I don't think a powered speaker is really the most musical choice, given your budget.
Hi JohnK & Shadorne,
I'm not arguing that there aren't benefits to sensitivity or size and John, I really don't think your opinion is necessarily jaded. You argue your preference. Shadorne, I still think you overstating negativity about the Focus 110 or maybe smaller speakers in general(you need to listen from 3 feet away?) There is no doubt that many 84 db speakers will sound compressed in dynamics compared to a 98db speaker and not to start a tube/solid state debate, tubes can be wonderful, but put reasonable solid state on those big bad boys and many times they don't sound so smooth(not always)... next small cabinets image wonderfully in small to medium rooms, I imaging Ipaul could tell you more. I'm really not an advocate of small or large speakers, tubes or solid state, I've tried it all and have always been able to achieve some very nice results, I have built 99 db 15" 3 ways that I loved and am currently using an 86db 4 ohm 7" mtm... I just feel like there could be a little more balance to the conversation. What do you tell a guy that has a 12X15 room, or is tight on funds and already own an Adcom or something. The op already owns a HSU sub, how about some friendy advice for his inquiry?
I agree with Timlub. This guy is asking for help. How about giving something positive. He states he can't use floor standing speakers. I don't think anyone here is saying large speakers aren't any good. I have big and small, as the room, and situation allows. So where is the help?