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Intimate, warm and holographic alternative

Me another time... Sorry for the inconveniences.

Yes, recently I started a discussion here with the title: " ATC SCM150 (or JBL Synthesis) (or JBL vintage) (or new Klipsch Jubilee)". See: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/atc-scm150-or-jbl-synthesis-or-jbl-vintage-or-new-klipsch-jub...
Last post from ohlala, advising that studio monitor type sound is not the most "enjoyable" for him, was revealing. I could hear yesterday an SCM20 (yes, I know it´s not comparable in many aspects with the SCM150) but the type of sound have not convinced me.

So now I´m more on the warm side, looking for a intimate and holographic sound with great scene. Really useful some old threadas about this, especially: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/seeking-advice-on-speakers-that-create-an-intimate-2-channel-... 

I would like to hear personal opinions and experiences about the best speakers that give that musical sensation in which the devices "disappear". Suggestions, brand, models...

I was searching some brands and models and here are some that have caught my attention:

- Gershman Acoustics: Avant Garde
- Legacy Audio: Aeris + Wavelet
- Devore Fidelity: Orangutan O/96 (fatigue??; little too "in your face"??; fleshy bass??)
- Harbeth: 40.3 XD (not a true rock and roll speaker??)
- Klipsch
- Spendor
- Tannoy

Listening position is 9 feet from the speakers. My room is big: 41 square meters. I´m worried about bass. I hear a lot of music but specially rock, so I would like something capable.

Thanks so much to everyone. You are very helpful.

milhomes
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
With your dimension and the need for flexibility in terms of near wall placement combined with your bias toward high sensitivity speakers, I would look at Avantgarde Zero XD 1s.  They are comfortably in your price range.  Are 104dB so very easy to drive.  If you are looking for a very intimate and engaging listening experience, Avantgarde is second to none. 

There is a fully active model called the Zero XD TA which is a very nice speaker as well and has a very good built in DAC.  

The Uno XD is better but a little above your budget at $31K and is visually polarizing. Not everyone loves the big horns.  

These are brilliant with low powered tube amps.  I recommend 300B or PX-25 SETs to my customers. 

All of these have powered bass modules and will give you brilliant performance in a large space.  

There is one model I would watch out for.  The Uno Fino XD.  It is modestly price for an Uno ($21.4K) but has a ported bass module rather than sealed which creates issues in terms of placement.   
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
milhomes, there is only one type of speaker that "disappears," a full range electrostatic starting with the old Quad 57. This is why people have fallen in love with a speaker that so limited and fragile. Nothing does the disappearing act better than the old 57s. There are ESLs now that are some of the toughest speakers made with few limitations. But, they are large and difficult to drive. I do not include Martin Logan speakers in this elite group. They are hybrid speakers and just do not disappear like full range ESLs. Sander's Model 10s are also hybrids but from what I have read they manage to maintain the ESL magic sound stage. ER Audio makes a line of ESL kits at very reasonable prices. Then for the people with adequate resources there is Sound Labs. 

bubinga
108 posts
 
There is no ideal.  It's all about system synergy and your personal preference.  Having said that, I'd recommend that you look at MBL.
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,702 posts
 
If your looking for something intimate and with a huge sound stage i'd suggest looking at some single driver or point source speakers. Voxative comes to mind in the upper end Omega on the lower for single driver speakers. point source your into Kef, Tannoy, Tannoy's actually may be your ticket here.

I's suggest open baffle or pannels but you don't have the space. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,577 posts
 
My vote goes to Tannoy Prestige series. I personally own Tannoy Canterbury’s and they are exactly what you looking for...very intimate, warm and holographic sound. Pair them with Accuphase Integrated or separates and you will find yourself in audio bliss! 
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