Why bother with that NAD? KEF makes a pair of book self speakers where you only need to add a source (LS50W) they have built in 230watt amps on each speaker! and digital and analog inputs galore! Bluetooth, Airplay, Wifi, Ethernet even a USB audio connection good up too 24/192, built in DAC's for each driver even a AUX input for a turntable and they made them in white. Someone is selling a brand new old pair on Audiogon (older gens had the better USB audio input) for $1500 New old stock. these sold for $2500 new.
Matt M
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Vandersteen VLR's, CT's if you can swing it.
I won't say they are interesting, but pack a heck of a punch for their size. Add a sub 3 or two and you'll be in heaven.
Bob
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MoFi's Sourcepoint should be on your radar
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Dont buy the KEFs until you listen. To my ears they sound pretty dull.
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Speakers have to sit on a bookshelf, have a wood or white finish, and most importantly be interesting!
All condition fit perfect with Wavetouch Audio speaker, especially, interesting part. The mid-range (human voice) is true natural forward sound unlike all others. It sounds fine in a hall size 40'L x 36'w x 11'h.
Eric Clapton - Tears in heaven, Krall - Temptation
Alex/Wavetouch audio
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(1) REGA RX-1 bookshelf speakers,
I had them in a prior “B” system and regret selling them. They are designed to work well pushed up against a back wall and/or placed in a bookshelf. REGA even provides wall-mounting brackets . They are now discontinued but still available as occasional NOS in audio forums or pre-owned units.
Their predecessor models (RS1 and R1’s ) also work similarly in a superior manner. I also owned the R1s in a prior office system driven by an NAD C-350 integrated amp, so I know its sonic signature and synergy capabilities with NAD well.
https://www.stereotimes.com/post/the-rega-r1-loudspeaker/
“ .,,, Immediate impressions are a clear and transparent portrayal with very high detail retrieval, fast and controlled transient response, and superb musical timing, both in articulating rhythms and tempi, and in placing instruments within the temporal flow and context of the performance. The RR125 is an outstanding mid/bass driver, sonically and musically right in line with the midrange performance of Rega’s amplifiers and phono cartridges. Get the midrange right and everything else will fall into place. Get it wrong, and all the king’s horses…
The Rega R1 becomes my new budget reference speaker. In addition of its ability to get the fundamentals of music right, it adds clarity and resolution, and an ability to lay out a vivid and coherent 3-dimensional stereo image. In small room applications, what more could you want?..”
(2) REGA KYTE bookshelf speakers (current new model)
.A different kettle of fish to the company’s existing RX speaker line-up, the Kyte look to be desktop-friendly, too: they’re pretty compact (32.5 x 18.8 x 23.2cm) and supplied with an optional foot for each speaker to allow for positioning flexibilitity
https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/rega-kyte-standmount-loudspeaker/#:~:text=The%20Kyte’s%20strength%20lies%20in%20its%20midrange%20speed,the%20music%20that%20it%20comes%20into%20its%20own.
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The Kyte’s strength lies in its midrange speed and coherence, it can deliver decent bass for the box size and the highs are fine but it’s in the emotional centre of the music that it comes into its own.
(3) Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers
https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/triangle-borea-br03
5-star rating . I had their predecessor SENSA model in an office rig .,.terrific that can really boogie and highly recommended.
“…The Triangle Borea BR03 speakers are a great choice for serious listeners who want the enveloping sound of real audiophile-grade speakers but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars. This pair provides the most natural, balanced sound we’ve heard from bookshelf speakers priced under $600 per pair—and there’s no real need to add a subwoofer unless you’re a deep-bass fan….
TRIANGLE THETA standmounts
a $$$$ step-up model from the BOREAs and blessed with a premium finish choice options that is standard .
https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-triangle-theta-speakers/
“ …Simple, elegant, sonic excellence
“ ….I’m guessing our European readers know more about Triangle than our American readers, but they are working very hard to change that in the months to come. If you’d love a gorgeous pair of standmount speakers in this price range, and looking for something a bit different than what everyone else might be listening to, seek out the Thetas. They stand out in the crowd….”
TAKEAWAY:
- if it’s a choice restricted to be stuffed into a bookcase or on a shelf against the back wall, then the REGAs would be my preferred in my experience.
- If it’s standmount option that permits further consideration, then the TRIANGLEs are striking options that is a true contender and my fave .
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….to sit on a bookshelf
@twhitezzz - so it it correct in assuming that the speakers backs are close to the back wall or on a lower shelf, both limiting rear ported speakers?
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@kennyc exactly. Closed or front port is preference.
The wavetouch definitely check interesting!
I'm suggesting (to myself) Zu DWX or Methods too....I was totally on the DWX but they are going to be too big at 24" to sneak into a room...
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The wavetouch definitely check interesting!
Anyone can hear Wavetouch speaker’s sound in live recordings. Microphones don’t lie. If one sounds better than two in YT, one sounds better in real too. Also, WT videos by other people at audio shows sound same natural and nice. Alex/Wavetouch audio
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i agree with @akg_ca on the rega speakers--i owned the rs1 and they work great for actual bookshelf placement. likewise, proac or the higher tier paradigm would work well
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PS audio Aspen FR5, that is where you will drop your coin !! Hands down pails most in their Size category, beyond traditional Spectacular results.
Cheers
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I love Fritz’s Carbon 7 Mk. II SE. Search it out online and on youtube.
It has a rear port, but most people assume that a front port solves the "placing it too close to the wall" problem. But it doesn’t, really, because the issue is that lower frequency bass waves emanate in all directions.
While front-ported speakers offer a little more flexibility in placement compared to rear-ported designs (which absolutely need space for the port to breathe), they still benefit from being moved away from walls. This is primarily to minimize boundary reinforcement that overemphasizes bass and to reduce reflections that can muddy the overall sound.
In other words, the port’s location doesn’t negate the fundamental acoustic principles of how sound interacts with boundaries in a room.
Oh, and a rear ported speaker can have a soft plug in the back to help diminish chuffing.
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OP
my 2 cents...
1) B&W 700 series - if you like the B&W house sound
2) Harbeth P3esr - for an sweet sounding sound..
The B&W may not need a sub, but Harbeth may.... just depends on how perceive its overall tone
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ATC +1 Harbeth would also work, but ATC would carry more punch. With smallest ATC SCM 7, sub should be considered. Good hunting.
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you finally get a larger space, and they HAVE TO fit on a bookshelf.
No Way, re-think now, you need some decent size speakers, with decent size drivers, I always encourage efficiency so you can try tubes, but INTERESTING, what to look at,
This is when you get real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Yeah I would recommend to try a Fritz as well..he will replace any one tweeter type for another if your ears have a preference.
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+ 1 enthusiastically for the PS Aspen FR5.!
Got a chance to listen to them at AXPONA. What a great monitor. I think it's one of those "instant classics" everyone will still talk about 50years from now.
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looking at your other speakers i would suggest you look closely at ProAc's their small speakers are legendary. Look great as well.
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By used from private party if you can after your due diligence.
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Some great thoughts here!!
Under serious consideration:
- Fritz Carbon - have always been on my radar but found the Watkins here during that search - probably too much in the same ballpark. Maybe same with the triangles.
- The PS Aspen FR5 are really interesting. that rear passive radiator is interesting - and they fit the bill on one end of aesthetics spectrum.
- Zu Method - I like the efficiency and that they are front ported. boutique and interesting.
ATC and Harbeth both great suggestions. I have P3ESR already i can swap in - ATC seems like I start to push the budget.
@soix I was so close to a used set of the Joesph’s a couple years back. I love the look and have been dying to hear them. Just not a great fit in this room. But another short list speaker for me.
@elliottbnewcombjr I hear you on the room - but this is not a listening room. I wouldn’t even consider anything but floorstanders for my main room. This is a compromise - a special space where audio is not primary. ease of use for others and aesthetics matter. But don’t hate me for trying!
Love all the opinions and advice. Its nice to not hear "why do you need another set of speakers" - thanks for enabling me.
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I'd suggest Triangle as well but a different model, the Comete 40th anniversary. Front ported, easy on your budget and great sound IMO
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Besides the sound of the speakers, another good thing about Fritz speakers is that you can have a nice, long conversation with Fritz, the guy who makes the speakers... He can answer any of yer questions and has lots of good stories to tell.
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If you only had $1000 or less, then I'd get the relatively new Triangle Borea BR04 bookshelf speakers. They have a better crossover than the BR03, and are a bit larger, and play down to 44Hz in room. I got a pair for a steal and love them for what they are. Reviewers say that no, they aren't "giant killers" but sound as good and have a build quality of speakers in the $1500 to $2000/pair range. Reviewers (and me) like that they aren't bright but aren't dull either, have great dynamics, and the tonality is very fine indeed.
But, yes, if you are willing to spend $5K then I'm sure you can do better and get something with all the detail and other attributes you may crave. Monitor Audio Gold might be the ticket. Have fun.
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Its nice to not hear "why do you need another set of speakers" - thanks for enabling me.
Rock on. I find such comments more than irritating.
Compare: "why do you need another to go to Italy again" and the stupidity inflates like a giant balloon.
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You will have a tough time bettering the Buchardt E50 at the price. PS Audio FR5 is also very good.
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Since you mentioned the Wharfedale Evo 4.2, the new Evo 5 series has been released, and the Evo 5.2 is the sweet spot in that lineup. It outperforms all Evo 4 models, including the floorstanders. I auditioned the Evo 4.2 at home for a while and liked most of what it delivered, but it left some of the low-end performance on the table. The Evo 5.2 improves on it in every way — including the bass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL0DtZDhOMw&t=1176s
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I'd do the front ported coax Zu Method Bookcase in White, efficient enough to use with tubes some future combo
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LS3/5a's. They are the "reference standard."
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@toddalin how can a speaker that doesn't produce kick drum fundamental, thin sounding male vocals, hollow thin bodied female vocal fundamentals be referred to as reference? Nothing referential about that
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the Alta audio Alyssa should be on your short list
the Alyssa is quite frankly playing at another league then most other book shelf loudspeakers
the Alyssa goes to an unheard of 32hz! due to a custom built long throw six inch woofer and Alta’s patented hybrid transmission line/infinite baffle design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JR9GrhwMw4
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/alta-audio-alyssa/
Longtime readers know that I rarely go gaga over anything I review, but I must admit the Alta Alyssa loudspeaker is something special. For many audiophiles it could well be the loudspeaker that enters their listening rooms and never leaves. It is simply that good.
the Alta’s also use an incredibly dead DampHard multi-layered, multi-density material, which gives you a zero resonance cabinet.
The Alysa is way more efficient then the ps audio fr5 which is 83 db vs the Altas 88db so the Alta can be easily driven with far less power including a tube amplifier!
Dave and Troy
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Longtime readers know that I rarely go gaga over anything I review, but I must admit the Alta Alyssa loudspeaker is something special.
-- Dave and Troy, audio Intellect NJ, Alta audio dealers
Um, you don't "review" them. You sell them. There's a difference involving objectivity.
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For bookshelves with a wood finish that are interesting, look at Revel PerformaBe M126Be in Walnut. Beryllium tweeters that are airy without sibilance and good mids and clear punch in the lows down to about 80-60 Hz depending on room gain. They look gorgeous with a high-end furniture quality look. I run with subs which you’ll want with any bookshelves in a large room.
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For $5K, you’d be remiss to not consider the Epos ES-7N or ES-14N. They were engineered by one of the best designers in the biz, Karl Fink.
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Well, given your constraints "Speakers have to sit on a bookshelf, have a wood or white finish, and most importantly be interesting!", you could do 1 of 2 things.
1: Buy a speaker designed to be both near a wall and on a bookshelf, Ex. (some Dali models among others) and make them better sounding with X/O upgrades and add a nice wood veneer or
2) Buy a nice speaker with interesting characteristics and place them on a stand.
I have Audel Magika II using good drivers in a nice layered birch plywood cabinet. I also looked at Xavian, Penaudio, Fischer & Fischer, Audio Revival, Fritz among a few others.
I do not think any of my choices would perform best placed on a bookshelf but some of the companies offer really small monitors, new or discontinued which could work out well.
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In my experience don’t overlook the Nola Boxer 3. Big speaker sound in a bookshelf size, but they perform best on stands.
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I am a monitor guy also.
I would suggest NSMT 15 SE. Small speaker manufacturer in North Carolina. Some of the best I’ve heard. Acoustic Suspension design.
Having said that, Devore makes some wonderful Bookshelf speakers...Micro O's. Truly made to go in a bookshelf
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Hi there - try out the Bache Audio Sonata-Ex-2 - he is a member here. Have enjoyed them for a couple years. Great guy to deal with!!
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Butchart s400 special color edition, thank me later
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to soix: Thank you for your post: I tried to contact Joe55ag, from your post for item number 650224974 Joseph audio speakers. How do I speak with him. Never bought anything from US audio Mart before. thanks Robert TN or are they already sold? thanks so much.
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