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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
nglazer
846 posts
 
The new Spendor SA1's will give you what you are looking for in both areas -- and in spades! Terrific little speakers that throw a huge soundstage, image precisely, and essentially disappear. Very easy to live with.

neal
mr_bb
2 posts
 
I don't post here often, but read quite a bit of this Forum and others, so here is my suggestion, for all of your requirements AND pricing.
The best imaging speakers I got back in 1979 were the Hegeman Model 2's by Hegeman Labs. These were built by Stewart Hegeman of Harmon Kardon fame et al. I still have them, and liked them so much I wanted a new version, current technology etc. That led me to purchase the Morrison Audio Model 11's. Outstanding.
Same basic principles of the 2's but with 30 years of advancement. They won't blow the windows out of your house, but you'll be so blown away with what they do,do, you won't need to.
And yes I have several other pairs of speakers when I feel I need to buy new windows.
But for all the things you're looking for you owe it to yourself to check them out.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Br3098, I have been out-of-town and have failed to respond. Yes, I have heard both Apogee planar or hybrid ribbon systems. I had the first model of the Apogee and have had several models of the Magnepans. I have had arrays of multiple drivers also. I think what bothers me is the interference of long arrays with themselves at various frequencies. They cancel themselves out showing a comb filter effect.

There is no question that a small single driver would yield the best imaging.

I am not saying you don't get imaging with arrays, only not the best imaging. Little two ways will handially beat them.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,464 posts
 
Also, in the mini-monitor category, Triangle Titus 202s on good stands can meet the bill with little in the way of compromise except perhaps low end bass extension, but a decent sub will remedy that.

Of course I also like the OHMs.

I use both in my systems to very good effect.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
06-30-09: Tbg
I am not saying you don't get imaging with arrays, only not the best imaging. Little two ways will handially beat them.
The Thiel 1.6 goes that one better by having a concentric, phase-aligned midrange and tweeter assembly, supplemented by a small woofer nearby, for a true point source for most of the range and a pretty close approximation for the lower frequencies.
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