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Compact Floor-standing Speaker Recommendations under $4k

Hello All, 

I'm continuing to build up my first HiFi system and am in need of some advice for my next speakers.  My current system is as follows: 

  • Belles Aria Integrated Amp
  • ClearAudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon Tonearm
  • Nagaoka MP500 cartridge 
  • Graham Slee Reflex M phono stage
  • B&W 705 stand mount (the original series circa ~2004)

Generally, I'm very happy with my setup, however I do sometimes find it a bit bright   & fatiguing after longer listening sessions.  I believe the speakers may be the cause so I'm looking for recommendations based on my current system. 

I'd like to find a neutral speaker that's non-fatiguing and hopefully a bit more full range.  So I've been considering changing to floor-standing speakers to maybe get a bit more bass.  However, size and space are of concern so would like something reasonably compact.   I listen mainly to jazz, blues, folk and some classic rock.  Really love good vocals so would like a smooth midrange.  

My budget is $4k max (new or used is okay)

I'm early in my search but so far have been looking at Spendor A7's or Proac D20's. 

Unfortunately, where I live I don't have any nearby dealers or places to demo so will have to be purchased without an audition and hopefully have a good result. I know this isn't ideal, but it's unavoidable. 

Appreciate any recommendations...thanks! 

dsjs4
nickofwimbledon
16 posts
 

Later B&Ws (now very expensive) work really well, but for many years a lot of us found their tweeters impressive initially but too wearing for long or loud sessions.

Spendor A7s and ProAc D20s are both good options, but ATC ACM 40s might well be an even better choice.

Having heard many speakers over the years, we recently bought Neat Xplorers for a holiday home and Near Iota Alphas for my girlfriend’s house. They look unusual but unobtrusive and they sound wonderfully engaging.

Which of those would be best, as with the other excellent speakers other people have mentioned, may well come down to the details of your room, how much space the speakers have, the floor and so on. If you can’t get a demonstration at your house, I’d encourage buying second-hand (which will take patience) - let someone else suffer the depreciation.
 

 

 

eag618's avatar
eag618
85 posts
 

KLIPSCH FORTE, go high efficiency.....

paulietunes
66 posts
 

Recently, I was able to buy a pair of used Focal Kanta 1 with the stands for $4k.  Great deal, matches great with my REL T5/x, amazing sound and absolutely zero brightness or fatigue.  

samureyex's avatar
samureyex
102 posts
 

#1 fix for bright speakers is to pair it with an appropriate tube amp. It will elevate both components to another level. 

If you want a compact speaker that's more full range and of very high quality, the Philharmonic BMR bookies should be on your very short list.

It's $1,900 for some very high quality components, Raal tweeter. The crossovers are supposedly sophisticated but I know absolutely about that short of things. It's just something I repeatedly hear. 

https://www.philharmonicaudio.com/

samureyex's avatar
samureyex
102 posts
 

I have to clarify that I own the BMR towers and while very good and technically marvelous and a good recommendation to most people, whether it be the bookies or the towers. I just like the Goldenear BRX bookies that I had quite a bit more.

The Goldenear just has that special sauce. It's ridiculous open-window transparency is addicting. I paired it with a tube amp, matched extremely well and the sound was special. Insane details and transparency with 0 nastiness. 

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