Speaker Selection Fun...

[Feanor]

I'm just going to say for what it's worth that modern digital equalization has the ability to salve speaker selection angst in many cases. Smallish frequency response differences can drive speaker choice, sometime seeming to forcing a person to more frequent & expensive speaker swapping than really necessary. Of course, frequency response isn't everything: design factors, (e.g. dipolar vs. monopolar), and distortion can be important, but frequency response is very big according Floyd Toole and others.

Hardware devices and, potentially much cheaper, software can correct frequency response. Software works great for me. Since I listen to almost all my music via computer, I use Foobar2000 with AIXcoustic Solutions' Electri-Q plug-in.

The difference correcting for response anomalies inherent in my speakers + room combination is certainly as great as swapping speakers of comparable design would be.

Of interest, maybe, is my description of my equalization written up HERE.

[JohnMichael]

I have been switching back and forth again. This time I have been paying attention to dynamics. The RS6's have the best bass and dynamics while the OML 1's have good dynamics with less bass. The JBL's have the least dynamics.

Even though the RS6's were the best with dynamics the overall sound was not superior to my OML 1's. The sound of the OML 1's is more to my liking. This time setting them up I have them no wider than my equipment stand. They are almost 6 ft apart so plenty of room from side wall reflections.

It dawned on me that I had not tightened the drivers in the OLM 1's in too long a time. I brought out my tools and torqued down the drivers. The right mid/woofer needed the most tightening followed by the left and even the tweeters needed snugged up. My previous complaints of additional sounds was extra vibrations from the drivers. Once tightened down everything was sounding
great. After the warranty period I will use a product to prevent vibrations from loosening the screws. I am surprised by the increased clarity. The RS6's drivers also needed to be tightened.

Still having fun switching speakers and deciding which characteristics are most important to me. Dynamics are important. Minimal vibrations from cabinets. Paper and silk drivers. Good midrange clarity. Bass tuneful but does not have to be deep. Highs that are silky and sweet but not in a colored way. Good imaging and soundstaging.