Best Loudspeakers for Rich Timbre?

I don't understand the science of it but why do I feel that Duke is right ? I listen within 10 feet, I guess it's almost nearfield.

I find the speaker brands NOT on the list interesting! Some big names with class A /product of the year awards not on the list. but, on topic just about any british speaker still working from the 70's and 80's would fill the bill, no?

@steve59 Yes, tastes have changed, perhaps of the palate, certainly of the ear.  Some companies try to accommodate both.  Look at Spendor: why do they make the Classic 1/2 and the Classic 100 *and* the D7 and the D9?

@audiokinesis, good point. Guess that's one of the reasons why some rooms are deemed good and others not (along with any obvious bass resonance modes). How much life/ reflected sound you want in a room will always be a matter of personal choice. I'm pretty sure I'd prefer a more lively room than a dead one others may differ.

I still think changing the speaker is the easier option for mist of us, and am inclined to believe that a great speaker should still sound good in any room.

Lively room for sure, you can tame and tune it.