Downsizing from tower to bookshelf


Moving to smaller home and need thoughts on bookshelf speakers. The new dedicated audio room is 12x14 and I plan to use the same wall/floor treatments I currently have in my 14x20 room.
I don’t live near a big city to go and demo, so I’d like to narrow down at least 3 speakers I can purchase and demo in the new room. I’ll send the others back once I find a winner.

Current equipment is;

VPI Scout with Hana SL

Parasound A21

Vincent SA32 Preamp

Elac PPA2 

Dyneaudio Emit 30

My preference is neutral to slightly warm sound with heavy emphasis on holographic soundstage. Price point is maxed at $3,500.
 

I was never really in love with the Dynaudio Emit 30’s but they did provide the neutral holographic soundstage I like. The only negative with the Dynaudio is they didn’t seem very dynamic or musical.i always felt they were missing something in terms of enjoyment. Maybe stepping up a model would help but I’m open to other brand suggestions.

My initial picks are;

Harbeth P3ESR XD

Revel M126Be

Wharfedale Aura 2

Any other recommendations would be appreciated.

 

128x128vette5451

Tons of great suggestions mentioned.

Wanted to add my thoughts directly on your choices from experience: the Harbeth and the Warfedale.  Listened with tube gear at a dealer in WA (https://www.gigharboraudio.com/) who I would recommend you call and talk with, as they are VERY in-line with your thoughts and what you are looking for in your space, and carry or have carried most of what you mention, plus others like Audio Note.

I personally think the best bang for what you list are the Harbeths.  They really are exceptional speakers, and have a life and presence and accuracy that at least I liked a lot over the Warfedale option. To me, the Harbeth was extremely accurate at reproducing the metal sound and *feel* of an acoustic guitar string, AND the warm organic wood of the body resonance; meaning they were notably two separate things, where other speakers I tested DIDN'T have that ability.  The only other speaker that was available for audition that did that as well was the Audio Note speaker.
I ended up getting a pair of Legacy Audio's "Studio HD" speakers during Covid just before their prices went up.  They are to me, amazing speakers.  I still listen to a ton of rock and heavier music, but I also like very accurate modern music and acoustic performances.  I added a sub to get the 'power' but I think the Legacy are also extremely accurate and lively...but I think the Harbeths were better at true accuracy and sound staging (dependent on equipment driving).

Best of luck!!!  I'm curious to find what you end up with!

@bdp24 , yup, that was it.  My bad.  Anyway, for anyone interested:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/the-criteria-for-loudspeaker-choices?highlight=Eminent%20Technology%20LFT-8%20loudspeaker

 

@immathewj: You must be thinking of my thread about the Eminent Technology LFT-8 loudspeaker, which like the PS Audio Aspen speakers utilizes planar-magnetic drivers, a major point of discussion in that thread. I haven’t heard any of the PS Audio FR models, but p-m drivers are renown for their neutral sound quality, being neither warm nor cold. Another p-m attribute is their high transparency, which Paul McGowan always mentions in his videos about the Aspen speakers.

 

 

If you are considering the Harbeth P3ESR XD why not go a bit further to the Harbeth M30.2 XD? I have a similar size room and the M30 are fantastic. A bit more presence, great holographic and a mid-range that is second to none for any bookshelf under 1000$ . Would be a good combo with the amp you have. You can probably pick up a pair second hand at your price point.

in any case, if you end up getting a Harbeth speaker, I would recommend getting an open bottom stand , like the Ton Trager, to get the full box resonance. I have tried different stands and it makes a huge difference.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Take a listen to PS Audio FR5

listen in your room and be ready to hear what you ask for.