Performer-in-Room Quality with Speakers?

OGO, a few years too late - I sold mine, bought 2905's. These have more high end, more low end, more clarity, but no more musicality, even after modification.

Another great thing about ESL57's - they stack brilliantly. Walker also oriented them at right angles - which is also a good choice. If you like Quads, do it, do it ...

I'll vote w/Mapman on his 3/30 post....omnis will give you 'presence' with ease and without 'sweet spotting' you.

I've got 4 Walsh's and can put the vocalist in your lap, if that appeals....;)

price?

Hi Michael,
The Charney Audio Maestro will fit your needs perfectly. They are a single driver full range rear loaded horn based on the tractrix theory. I know you mentioned earlier in the thread that you aren't interested in this type of speaker, but the Maestro sounds nothing like other horns you may have listened to. With a decent SET amp the Maestros are very engaging with detail that isn't ear splitting but full and with bass that is deep and articulate.
There are minimal room treatments needed since the rear loaded design couples with the room and there are 0 room nodes!
 Build quality is off the charts since they are made from a C&C machine that Charney owns. Everything is made in house!
 It would be worth your while to make an appointment with Charney for a listen. They are located in Somerset NJ about an hour from NY an 1.5 hours from Philadelphia off exit 9 of the NJ Turnpike.

R
 

The suggestions that mention speakers that are dipole or omni-pole in dispersion prompted me to purchase a pair of the smaller Ohm Walsh type speakers.  They didn't cost much, and if they sound as good as a lot of folks report, they will find some place in my home, whether they produce an illusion of live, unrecorded performance or not.

After they arrive and I set them up, I'll report back here.

OGOgre