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Vandersteen 1Ci, Tekton Lore Reference, or Fritzspeaks Grove for a small room

I have not had the time to devote to listening to my system for a few years... Now that I am retired, I want to set up a system in a small room (12 X 14).  I am leaning toward small floorstanders so I don't have to mess with stands.  I am considering the Vandersteen 1Ci and the Tekton Lore Reference--but I see that the Fritz Grove is on special for $800, so they are also under consideration.  My amp is a Cayin A50T EL 34 tube integrated.  The nearest Vandersteen dealer is a couple of hours from my house, so I am able to listen to them.  I sent an inquiry to Tekton over a week ago, and have not heard back--I had the same problem lack of communication with them several years ago, when inquiring about the original Lores.  On the other hand, I have talked with Fritz several times in the past, and he goes out of his way to discuss his products.  At one time I did demo one of his older products, a MTM design.  I am hesitant to contact him yet about the Groves, until I am reasonably sure I would purchase them--He is so accommodating, that I feel guilty if I don't purchase something! 

At at any rate, I am looking for something that would work well in my small (basement) room, that has a reasonably wide sweet spot (two or three seats).  Thanks in advance for all input!

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markmendenhall
223 posts
 
Had a pair of Fritz Carbon 7's for a short time.  Once I had the crossovers replaced they were fine, prior to that they were a very non-linear, fatiguing speaker.  Cabinet quality was average at best, didn't care for the finish.  

Some small speakers I've enjoyed over the years and can recommend: Aurum Cantus, Merlin, Von Schweikert, Talon, ProAc.  I'll bet the Vandersteens are excellent.  
markmmm
12 posts
 
You want the Lore-S. I have those w an Cayin a-50tp. I is wonderful
willgolf
936 posts
 
I hear some negativity toward Tekton.  Yes, They don't really respond to emails.  However, if you call Tekton, Eric, the owner and builder will answer the phone and provide you all of the information that you need.  They also are just introducing a few new speakers.  This is not an endorsement of Tekton either way.  It is just a way to really be able to discuss what Eric could possible provide for you.  
hifiron
102 posts
 
In that list, I would HIGHLY recommend the Vandersteen 1Ci's. They are formidable speakers. I would also take the time to talk with Clayton at Spatial regarding his M4 Turbo S. They will be a better match for the acoustics in your small room. I have basically the same room size, and that hurts when picking speakers.

I did an audition of both the 1Ci's and the M4 Turbo S's back to back, with tube and solid state power. Tube is by far the best choice. Both of them sounded great.

To me the Spatials won with regards to good sounding bass, and they made instruments come alive. Both are time coherent.

Check out my thread for some more information.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I have owned the Vanersteen 1Cs as well as the Tekton Lores. Absolutely love the music the Vandies put out. Luckily I bought the Tektons used so when I sold them a couple weeks after purchase, I didn’t lose much.
The Lores had a nice enough tonal balance but I could not get any image depth at all from them. Comparing them to the 1Cs which give as much depth as the room and recording allow.

Also, in a room that size, any of these speakers will give you all the volume you need. 
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