Speaker upgrade (using onboard): SP2500s or Solo8C's?

JediFragger · 20 Jan 2016 at 11:32

Hi all. Got an itch to improve the quality of my speakers (currently ML B77's) and have narrowed it down to the two in the title.

Am currently leaning towards the Solo's, mainly because I'll be using onboard sound and they have a Toslink connection (and I have an Asus X99-A mobo).

Am I right in thinking this? Will a digital connection give me a touch more quality?

Thanks for your thoughts

Si

JediFragger · 20 Jan 2016 at 11:58

No matter, decided on the Solo's (as mainly it'll save me getting a seperate s/card)

Marsman · 20 Jan 2016 at 13:05

Yeah, using optical will bypass the onboard audio. DAC in the Solo 8C main speaker will convert the digital audio data into analogue sound signal.

If you've got no problem with the size of the speakers, I think they will be a very good choice. A friend of mine has the 9C and I thought they were very good indeed when I had a listen to them.

easyrider · 20 Jan 2016 at 16:35

Get some Adams

Westie · 20 Jan 2016 at 21:45

Got solo 8c's too absolutely love them but u need a decent size room and a few feet between them

Demon · 21 Jan 2016 at 07:28

In this case, the x99-a has pretty decent on board audio, the alc1150 is an OK DAC and Asus have put some effort into the audio on that board. By far it's the speakers that probably make the biggest difference once you are in the middle ground of DAC performance (IMO)

The SP2500 is very different to the 8c, they are designed for near field and are exceedingly good at imaging and soundstage with exceptional clarity and their low end extension is excellent with the large sub. The 8cs sound much fuller , but with much less separation and imaging. The funny thing is, both sound signatures appeal in different ways, the fuller more detailed upper mid from the 8cs really adds a nice amount to some vocals, and the separation of the sp2500s makes you feel like you are right in the middle of a 20ft stage with an almost 3d effect.

I was a/b'ing the sp2500s to more full range speakers last night, and can't quite make up my mind which appeals more to me, near field the sp2500 effect on how you perceive music is unrivalled I'm, stand back a few feet and without the soundstage and imaging, it starts sounding a bit average, then of course some vocals can sound better with a warmer presentation, but others sound more 'muddied'..