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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
insomniac99 OP
18 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I've started researching some of them. As for the Maggies, I've long been interested in them, but they fail the WAF test in my household.

The listening room for this rig is about 19 x 15. HOWEVER, the speakers will be up pretty close against the wall on the 15 foot side and about 8 feet apart. Listening chair will be about 8-9 feet from the speakers, about halfway into the room. My amp will be an Ayre AX7e.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I cannot understand how anyone could claim planar or long ribbon driver speaker images, but hey to each his own.
br3098
997 posts
 
Tbg said: I cannot understand how anyone could claim planar or long ribbon driver speaker images, but hey to each his own.

Ever heard a properly setup Apogee planar or hybrid ribbon system? Sounds pretty damned fine, if you ask me.

Insomniac - in my opinion you are never going to realize the best imaging from any speaker placed close to the back wall. Speaker dependant, of course, but as a rule of thumb I would plan for at least 3' in from the wall if you want the best sound resolution from most speakers.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
If space is tight suggest front ported design sonus faber have huge waf and they sound amazing concertinos i believe wood n leather italian construction thats amore!
queg
55 posts
 
Coincident eclipse, Silverline 1st generation Sonatina's, Cain&Cain Abbeys or other matches for SET tube amplification.. soundstaging and 3d holographic (as opposed to 2d "cookie cutter") imaging are what SET tube amplification will get you. Considering your priorities, I think you'll find that SET friendly (higher sensitivity) speakers matched with a good 300b or other SET amp will make you very happy. Vinyl will close the deal.
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