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Speaker Recommendations for Soundstage and Imaging

I'm putting together a new system where a large soundstage and holographic imaging are the top two priorities. I'm willing to give up something in other areas (detail, neutrality, dynamics, low bass, etc) to maximize those two properties. My budget for the speakers in this system is $2,000. My understanding is that, generally speaking, large floorstanders more readily offer large soundstages and small mini-monitors more readily offer that precise, holographic imaging. So I realize I'm after two competing but hopefully not mutually exclusive traits in that price range. Now if that wasn't demanding enough, I'd also prefer the compact floorstanding form factor. I'm willing to go standmount monitor but not willing to add a sub. Large floorstanders are out of the question. I'd love to hear the recommendations of the A'gon community. Thanks.
insomniac99
martykl
3,578 posts
 
In your shoes, I'd try to audition one good example each of

a) minimonitor (e.g. ProAc or Fritz)

b) small dipole panel -if size is ok (e.g. a small M-L or Maggie MMG)

c) Omni (Decware or Ohm)

Three different types of imaging so you can figure which you like best. I currently own all 3 types and would personally choose the Ohms, but the matter will come down to personal taste on this one so you should take recommendations with a grain of salt. Once you settle on the preferred design approach, you can start considering your options.

Marty


BTW, the Ohms, Decs, MMGs, and Fritz (I believe) are available for money back in-home demo, so you can try this - provided you're willing to re-pack and ship back the "losers".
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Spendor,Harbeth, Reference 3a, Usher 718be,Atc
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
As you can see, there is a box for everyone. I would suggest you venture outside the box and get the Magnepan 1.6 speakers. Once you live with Maggies there is no going back to box world:O)
br3098
997 posts
 
I just bought a used pair of JM Reynaud Offrande speakers form a (great) guy here on A'gon. The Offrandes are stand mounted speakers and are very sweet and detailed without being analytical. But more importantly, they image better than any other speaker I have ever heard - very wide and very rearward. They do not provide the absolute best holographic imaging, but I have never heard a better "ive" soundstage presentation in my listenting room.

All of the JMR speakers I have heard share this characteristic, but none so well as the (original) Offrande IMHO.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
What amps are you going to use and how big is the room?
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