Seeking Bookshelf Recommendations


Looking for some new bookshelf speakers for a second system in a small bedroom.   The room is pretty well treated with 6 broadband absorption and 9 diffuser panels. I’m running Audio Mirror Reflection 45 mono blocks with a Canary preamp. Source will most likely be a Gustard R26 as both dac and streamer. I also have a pair of Rel t5i subs and Aperion dual firing super tweeters.  
 

Soundstaging and imaging are king for me. I want the biggest most dimensional sound I can afford.  My amp pairing is really smooth so I’m not looking for anything too warm.  I’d like something that is neutral but full in the lower mids and upper bass but also extended and airy in the treble.  My current Totem Arros do the soundstaging/imaging but are a little weak for me in the lower mids and upper bass.  Also I really value clarity and resolution as long as the magic isn’t lost of course. Basically I’m looking to have my cake and eat it too. My budget is around 3k and right now tops of my list are Fritz Carreras and Kef R3 metas. Also, Joseph Pulsars would be at the very top of my wish list but I’m trying to spend less unless it’s truly worth it.  Others that are lower on the list are Nola Boxers, Totem Signature Ones, Merlin TSM MMM, and maybe even one of the smaller Thiel floor standing speakers
 

As always I’m looking forward to everyone’s thoughts and hopefully there is at least a couple great speakers I’m missing. 

brylandgoodman

@brylandgoodman I’m a good friend of Vlad’s and know his amps well, and have had experience with your preamp once.

I’ve advocated a lot for the Joseph Audio Pulsars in past threads, but I should ask - do you plan to put the bookshelves on stands? If so, one speaker I would highly recommend you look at given your system is the Scansonic MB-2.5B. It is basically a small floorstanding speaker that has the form factor of a narrow bookshelf on a stand, and it weighs that much as well. That said, it delivers a really clear, engaging sound (think Raidho and Borresen, as Michael Borresen originally designed the MB series). They would work really nicely with the AM Reflection amps.

The MB-2.5B will also dig deeper than most bookshelves given its cabinet size. It is also bottom ported, so it can be kept closer to walls. It’ll fill up to medium-sized rooms (around 18ft wide) without the need for a subwoofer.

Some people look negatively at Scansonic, but that’s typically because of poor amp matching. They require high current amplifiers, and the AM Reflections will wake them up and properly control them.

Just like Raidho and Borresen speakers, they image and soundstage exceptionally.

I am an authorized Scansonic dealer, but I purchased the larger MB-6B prior to being a dealer by trade. They unseated my $25K Wilson Yvette. I thought the line was such a n incredible value that once I became a dealer, I had to take them on.

@larsman +1

I have the same speakers running with a Luxman 509Z. Outstanding speakers. You can get them from Fritz on a 30 day trial basis. If you are not pleased you can send them back. 

Fritz Carrera BE Specifications (fritzspeakers.com)

Mine are not going back. 

Have given any thought to getting a pair of the new PS Audio FR5’s? 
They are $3500 and are returnable if need be.

Having said that, The JA Pulsars are much better looking and I’m sure would make you very happy, but are three times the price.

Let us know what you decide.

+++++1

Joseph Audio Pulsars ($4,300 used, but usually don't last long), Fritz Carrera ($3,700 new), Buchardt Audio S400 MKII ($2,400 new), and Philharmonic BMR ($2,000 new)

I have had the Pulsars and BMRs in my system on extended loan from friends, and several times at shows. I own the Buchardt S400 MKIIs, and am recommending the Fritz based on reputation and having heard them several times at shows and an acquaintances home......that would be the short list if I didn't already own the Buchardts, which I will not be selling and love for the money.

If you can bump your budget up a bit more, go for the Pulsars.....they are great speakers

I've spent for my B&W C202 $5 at garage sale.

They're excellent bookshelf speakers that I use for PC audio!