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Changing to bookshelf speakers. Recommendations?

Looks like I'm moving in with my girlfriend and in the process am going to need to replace my floorstanders (Focal Chorus 836V) with bookshelf speakers. Unfortunately her cat thinks my floorstanders make a good scratching pole (ugh.....).

So I'm looking for some recommendations on bookshelf speakers in the 2K-5K range that provide enough reasonable bass in a medium room (15x15) that I won't get angry without having a subwoofer. I do listen to more rock but am not a big fan of "bright" systems nor do I listen at concert levels (but on the louder side from time to time).

My front end consists of:

- Muse Model 3 Signature Preamp
- Muse Model 160 Power Amp
- Quad 99 CDP2 CD Player (which will probably get upgraded to a muse product in the future)

As you may notice, I like Muse gear.....

Speakers I've thought about:

- Usher BE-718
- Focal Electra 1007Be
- Totem Mani 2 Signature
- Amphion Argon 2 Anniversary (or new Argon 3)

Anyway, any thoughts?
dsutfin
dsutfin OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for all of the input guys! I knew this was going to be a tough decision to make give the sheer quantity of different types of monitors being produced these days. Fortunately I live in Chicago and you can find almost every hifi manufacturer's gear at one of the dealers in town.

I will admit, I always have been intrigued with the British manufacturers mentioned (ProAc, Harbeth). The way their sound in described (good timing, fluid, etc) has tended to be how I prefer my system.

That's why I've always loved Muse gear. Some people say the gear is on the "soft" side, but it's just so fluid and listenable. It's like great tube gear without the hassle, and it's really reasonably priced for what it is on the used market.

Other gear that I've owned and initially enjoyed (monitor audio, cambridge audio) just sounded way too fatiguing after awhile. The soundstaging, resolution and air was really nice, but after while it just didn't matter as much to me.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,225 posts
 
Based upon your last post, Harbeth SHL5's should be on your short list.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
DeVore Fidelity 3XL!
ryder
1,729 posts
 
I do listen to more rock but am not a big fan of "bright" systems nor do I listen at concert levels (but on the louder side from time to time).

I will admit, I always have been intrigued with the British manufacturers mentioned (ProAc, Harbeth). The way their sound in described (good timing, fluid, etc) has tended to be how I prefer my system.

Other gear that I've owned and initially enjoyed (monitor audio, cambridge audio) just sounded way too fatiguing after awhile.

Look at Proac D Two and Harbeth SHL5. The Proac will be more dynamic with extended high-frequencies while the Harbeth will be slightly warmer, have sweeter highs and lower levels of listening fatigue. Both are revealing and have good timing. From your description it seems that the Harbeth may be a better choice for your listening preferences and priorities.
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I have a Celestion SL700 based system in my bedroom and built a system for a friend around Spica TC-50s. Both are excellent.
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