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Performer-in-Room Quality with Speakers?

I need advice regarding what kind of speakers might help provide what I'm looking for. (For some time now I've been a tube guy for amplication, and that will not change; source components and media vary.)  I want an illusion of the performer (acoustic instrument music, vocals, classical, and combo jazz,) actually being in the room, realism so convincing that it is potentially startling. The only time I've had that sensation is when I use my Stax Ear Speakers. Concerns are sensitivity to room placement, cost, and of course spouse approval factor. Soundstage, imaging, dynamics, deeeeep bass, can take a back seat if necessary. 

Any ideas?  Single-point drivers?  Crossoverless units? Open baffle?  Vertical arrays?  Electrostatrics or planars? 
(For the record I've owned Maggies, Shahinian Obelisks, mid-fi traditional boxes and so on.)

Thanks for your ideas,

OGOgre
ogogre
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,795 posts
 
Have you tried Nearfield listening?
Put your listening seat at a point equidistant to the width your speakers are separated (preferably, a chair with a low-rise back i.e., rising no higher than your shoulders).
If your speakers are ten feet apart, measure 10 feet from a speaker to your chair.
Dipoles are even better for this as they cancel reflections from side walls.
This is kind of like using your speakers as giant headphones.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
As I sit here with Merrill Zigmahornets, I feel your needs.  Tiny super efficient speakers that hit most of the frequency range beautifully.  You won't believe what a 4" driver can do in a 1/4 wave transmission line cabinet!  All they are missing is the lows but nothing a little sub can't handle (an REL won't even require a crossover).  10 watts of pure pleasure.  
Yes, they don't have much above 15khz and even less below 60hz but I rarely notice this due to such amazing clarity and imaging.
Lowthers can be bright or edgy, Fostex are the opposite and can fall flat.  Maybe look at someone using Jordan Drivers like the 47 Labs.  You really need to demo a bunch.  There's so many different variations out there from $200 to $20,000.
yashu
196 posts
 
I have a pair  of rebuilt Quad esl57.  They were rebuilt by Wayne Piquet, and sound so realistic, that I can almost see the vocalist in front of me.  Require absolutely no maintenance, and have never failed to please.

I have much more "modern" designs sitting in my closet.  My Proacs, and Spendors just don't give me the same realistic presence that I feel with the Quads.

soix
9,696 posts
 
What's your budget?
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 
Without a doubt the Spatial Audio M3 Open baffle speakers with turbo reference 
Upgrade,and top M25 compression driver. Not only sound real but super efficient 94 dB @1w. For under $3;000  a very simple 2nd order Xover and much more 
Modern design thrn Emerald physics.
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