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Recommend a forward speaker

Apologies in advance for cross posting this on AA as well, but figure there might be some different suggestions over here.

When I say forward, I mean the music is presented forward on the stage, NOT necessarily bright (but could lean that way).

I've got a pair of Verity Audio Parsifals, and they are not forward, and although I love their coherent and open sound, sometimes I feel like the stage is just too far back. I've done a lot to bring it forward: silver cables (Stereovox), Amperex 6922 in my amps, Canary ca 160 amps, Emm front end, still, the basic character of the speakers are still laid back. The soundstage at this point is probably about 3 to 4 feet behind the plane of the speakers. I prefer it at or slightly forward the plane of the speaker. That's what I get for buying without listening first. Although, honestly, it took some listening to finally put my hand on this. I was so taken aback by their beautiful, open sound, it was hard to understand their presentation fully.
128x128dennis_the_menace
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I also own the Verity Parsifal Encore's and know exactly what you mean, though their laid back nature is one of the reasons I love them.
I can't believe that they are not forward enough for you if you've tried Virtual Dynamics cables. VD cables throw the musicians in your lap! Which is why I don't care for Virtual Dynamics cables.
If you want to change speakers though, the aforementioned Wilson's and Von Schweikert's should be more to your tastes.

Cheers,
John
zapper
68 posts
 
VMPS, their ribbons are super articulate and forward sounding, to me anyway, RM30, 40 would be less than the above references.
entrope
482 posts
 
All Triangle speakers that I have heard.
newbee
4,768 posts
 
I owned some Altec 19's for a couple of years. The stereo image is fairly forward and the speaker (a horn with a big cone woofer) is not bright. Good tight bass. The forward part of the image was on a plane with the fronts of the speakers. I understand this is not unusual for speakers with horns (when they are done right).
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
Lots of suggestions. Thanks everyone. Couple specific response:

Wilson: out of my price range. I need to be able to swap the Verity for the new speaker without losing money.

Merlins: heard them, not sure they'd work in my room, which is sort of large (open loft style apartment). Also, the bass on Merlins was just too nonexistent for me. I don't like boomy bass, but there needs to be something there. The Parsifals are perfect in this regard.

ATCs: the active or passive versions?

Virtual Dynamics: I've done a bunch of cable swapping. It's helped tweak the margins, but overall the sound doesn't change much. I can't imagine that I 'll be able to move the soundstage forward that much w/ a change in speaker/power cables. Am I wrong?

Horns: others on AA have suggested some JBL and other horns. Not sure I'll maintain good tone w/ horns. I love the tone of the Parsifals. Just wish it wasn't so far away!

What do folks think of:
- Usher
- Piega
- Audio Physic
as possible speakers to hear that might fit the bill?
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