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Looking for suggestions on best small footprint speaker under $4K

Greetings
i’m a long time 2 channel system guy that rekindled his  interest in music and Is looking to upgrade speakers.    I just currently upgraded from a small  tube amp to a 150 W Krell amp and have really enjoyed the improved response from my  7 year old KEF LS50’s.     My favorite Brands of speakers over the years have been Maggie’s and B&W.   I have also downsized  homes and size of speaker is an issue.     Looking for the best sounding speaker for jazz and lite rock.    Attractive cabinets are important to me so I don’t like the looks of golden ear speakers..   25 years ago I loved Vandersteen speakers but they were just not attractive.

As I begin my search what would yoou suggest.   I have started looking at Monitor Audio and Salk but have not heard any.  My budget is $4K.

i appreciate your feedback.


miamiangler
dorkwad
548 posts
 
MA,

For looks and sound, the Salk Song 3 or 3A would be excellent--the difference would depend on you sound priorities.  Heard the 3's and were very impressed.  You could get ones made to your own desires for looks and a little for sound--brand new at your price.  Don't disregard my other post, however.  The ATC speakers need to be heard.  You may love them, although the Salk's are much better wood finishes--as good as it gets in that way.  Jim is a very helpful and personable dude, too.

Bob
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,111 posts
 
The Eminent Technology LFT-8b, though a planar-magnetic like Maggies (at 180Hz and above, that is), is only 13" wide and about the same deep (the dimensions of the bass enclosure the panel is attached to). But being a dipole planar, it really must be a minimum of about 3' in front of the wall behind it.
headphonedreams
529 posts
 
Boenicke W5 is very small. I liked it when I heard it at an audio show and they have some good reviews.

http://boenicke-audio.ch/w5_c/ 
tweak1
3,685 posts
 
Why not rethink outside the box? Emerald Physics KCIIs are an absolute bargain., bettering my Maggie 3.5Rs and super easy to drive
erik_squires
16,652 posts
 
I am a big fan of Monitor Audio for their neutrality and transparency, along with the ability to boogie.
Overall, look for 2.5 way systems. They tend to have higher efficiency and deeper bass along with a smaller footprint. Too large a speaker will exacerbate room modes and leave you with more to fix.

Best,
E
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