Floor to Bookshelf


I have a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 towers that I like but are simply too large for my listening position. A smaller pair of floorstanders would work just fine, but since I presume I will one day be moving everything into a smaller listening space, I'm thinking of taking this opportunity to move down to standmount speakers. 

That said, I'd love some recommendations for a pair of speakers that would still feel like an upgrade in sound. Non-fatiguing detail is most important to me, as is imaging and soundstage. Right now I'm looking at the Dynaudio Evoke 20, but those are a bit pricey. I'd like to spend less if I can but the budget is probably $1k-$2k.

mightee

Oh, search hifishark and it'll return results for many sites at once.  See my system for example of NADAs.  

In my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, there were a couple of smoking deals listed last week that still may be available.  A trade in pair of Dynaudio Evoke 20's in Walnut, mint condition with loaded stands for $1,750; and a set of Fyne Audio 501SP in gloss Walnut, rated as borderline perfect with low demo hours, for $2,850.  I know the dealer and the boutique store, and I've seen both sets of speakers -- they look and sound like they came straight out of the shipping crate.  Also listed a mint pair of Silver and Red KEF LS50's with IsoAcoustic stands for $800.  I've bought used gear from the store before and every purchase was like new (Audio Research SP17, Rega P3, Sutherland KC Vibe, and led me to a consignment deal for a McIntosh MC-225 that he didn't take a cut).

 

If interested, contact me and I'll send you the contact info.

Magnepan LRS+ for $999. I have them in a treated room (office) that is 12 x 11 x 9 (+4 feet extra where I stuffed a desk in a closet).

You need 2.5 to 3 feet away from the front wall. You also need a powerful amp Way more than 100 watts even in a small room. I tried the following and they worked the best:

  • PeachTree GAN400 (very good for the price)
  • CODA #16 (great with LRS+)
  • Sanders MagTech (great with LRS+)

 

  • Parasound A21+ (I owned this before but never tried on LRS+, but it would work well with the LRS+)

The original plan was to get one of the following stand mounts, Magico A1 | Yamaha NS3000 | Vivid ?? | KEF Reference 1 Meta. However, after taking a flier on the LRS+ ($999) and dialing it in with the treatments and amp. I closed the book on spending more on speakers for my office.

BTW - I also use a KEF KC62 sub with the LRS+. The sub needs to be fast. If I were to use the CODA #16 with the LRS+ I really do not need the sub.

BTW2 - I used to have KEF LS50 Meta + KEF KC62 sub in the office. The LS50 was easier to drive but I like the wall of sound aspect of the LRS+ more. A great small room speaker.

There are currently two Dynaudio Contour 20 pairs available in the market, each with minor cosmetic defects, priced under $2k (originally sub $6k). These offer an excellent upgrade from the Evolke line in addition to S40. Their beautiful rosewood gloss finish could easily become a collectible.