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Best bookshelf loudspeakers under 10,000 for the pair

I had the elac Navis I thought they were very good until I heard the Elac vela Which was much better In almost every aspect I’ve also listened to the Revel  126Be which were absolutely destroyed by the Elac’s.I am downsize my system from Martin Logan electrostats and quad 2905 And would like a bookshelf that would have some of the same attributes of the quads. I listen primarily to jazz and would like to stay under $10,000. (Fast transient  response, resolution/detail, musicality)
I’m driving the system with a PS audio direct stream dac directly connected to a primaLuna evo 300 Power amp. I’m thinking of switching that out possibly for a pass labs 25/30.8, or possibly a benchmark power amp.
jcwaudio
john1
114 posts
 
Surprised no one's mentioned THE (well) under 10k bookshelf that has it all - transparency & bass plus higher efficiency, then all competitors  - the B&W 805D3.  Less than half the price of the TAD ME-1 & quantifiably better in some respects.

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/bw-805-d3/
https://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-wilkins-805-d3-loudspeaker
The continuum mid is better then the driver it replaces & that one was better than the one in current kevlar drivers in the current floor standing 800 series range.  Musical as all get out too.   Can't beat a great diamond tweeter, on top of all its other virtues. See for yourself,
spoutmouzert
75 posts
 
I'm no expert but i have been to NY audio twice and Sonner was always the monitor highlight:  https://www.monoandstereo.com/2019/10/sonner-audio-allegro-unum-speakers.html#more

Be interested if anyone has got suggestions that sound similar for a smaller price as they never come up used!  Cheers
jacahn
28 posts
 
I have the B&W 805 D3s, which I use with an MJ Acoustics Reference 200 subwoofer.  Very musical and very enjoyable.
tim_p's avatar
tim_p
361 posts
 
Not sure if mentioned, Monitor Audio Platinum PL100 II, very nice. 
audiokinesis
2,746 posts
 
Jcwaudio wrote: " I am downsize my system from Martin Logan electrostats and quad 2905 And would like a bookshelf that would have some of the same attributes of the quads. "

Quads are a very tough act to follow. Aside from their articulation and freedom from coloration, imo much of what they do well comes from their dipole radiation pattern. That spectrally-correct rear radiation is imo quite beneficial given proper setup.

The little MBL 126 comes to mind, though I’m not sure low-powered Pass amps would be adequate.

Boenicke was mentioned, and while I have yet to hear a pair, their somewhat unorthodox approach makes sense to me.

And I have ALWAYS been impressed by Fritz speakers at audio shows.  

I have a few questions, if you don't mind:  

Will your new speakers be placed on a bookshelf, on stands, or somewhere else?

If they will be placed on stands, will you be able to pull them out into the room somewhat?

Roughly how large is the room?

How important is sweet spot width?

If acoustic treatment (perhaps diffusion) is called for, would it be feasible? Thinking about how to set up MBL’s in a small room...

Duke
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