finalists in the big speaker search


Looking for a pair of speakers for under two-k, new or used, that have an unusually good soundstage, are a relatively easy load to drive using my little Naim Nait5i, and (obviously) sound great across the full spectrum -- but most important is the soundstage. I'm running Linn Ninkas right now and they sound great: agile, full, well-controlled, no complaints except for the image, so anything that succeeds them will have to do this one thing better than they do.

Other forums have led to a narrowing of the field to the following candidates, in no particular order:

The Joseph Audio RM-7si Mk-II or RM-22si
The Salk Song Tower
The Meadowlark Kestrel-2
Something by Totem
The Alon One Mk-I
The Audio Physic Virgo-II

Primary listening taste is Jazz, but rock and roll does have a place in my collection, and besides that the winning speaker would also be part of an eventual 5.1 home theater rig.

The room is eight feet across by fifteen-feet-six-inches deep, made of poured concrete and cindar blocks, and treated with d-i-y bass traps. Source is an Arcam FMJ-CD23, preamp is a Naim AV2, power is a gain-matched Naim Nait5i, interconnects are Belden 95259 coax with Cardas plugs, made by Blue Jeans, and speaker wire is cross-connected coaxial made by Element.

The Nait was hooked to my friend's Linn Katans (85db, 4ohm) in that room, and didn't move them worth a crud -- which I know is a power shortage because I ususally like the Katans very much.

Any thoughts that would help me narrow that list would be greatly appreciated. Plan now is to buy three pair (give or take) and audition them H-2-H.
dog_or_man
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Bob's advice is good, but cannot be implemented for under $2K, I don't think. Another possibility that can just make it under that # is VAndersteen 2CE sigs and a 2WQ sub. Not suitable for headbangers but good on jazz and milder rock. Or maybe the V2W sub if the eventual goal is HT.
I realize that most folks have offered NEW suggestions for your list. I will not go against the tide [smile]. I have to think that, when looking at speakers around the 2k price point, it's almost mandatory to audition the Gallo Reference 3.1. They meet all of your criteria and have certainly been approved by the audiophile community.

Their soundstage capabilities are second to none. They image like crazy, have a very deep and wide soundstage, and the sweet spot is incredibly wide. These are some *seriously* good speakers....I sure am loving mine!

-RW-
Thanks to all. Elevick, which model of Coincidents? Reubent, you won't begrudge me starting that thread, *now*? Someone in audioreview said I should listen to the Mirage OM-15s and someone else said Ohm Walsh Microtowers. Thoughts?