2. speakers
  3. 149742-131987

Recommendation for detailed/analytical bookshelf speaker?

Hi. As it is almost impossible to find the "perfect" speaker and having to choose, I always tend towards very detailing and analytical speakers. What I love the most is having the sensation that the artist is playing right in front of me, being able to hear the instruments as close to reality as possible. I hate the "veiled", dark, opaque or recessed some speakers provide and if to hear as close to reality, holographic, microscopic means to get some fatigue after a while or any other inconveniences I wouldn't care. I can always hear music in a more relaxed way at other times with some good bluetooth speakers I have, but for the time when I can to examine music, close my eyes and feel every note playing at me as if the instruments were there, I don't like having limitations.

I've tried a pair of KEF R7 speakers (those are floorstanding), a pair of Triangle Titus 202, a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and Polk Audio miniscule OWM3 with my gear: NAD M22 V2 amplifier, NAD M10 integrated and Cayin A-50 MKII and believe it or not, the sound that I've found closer to "being there" and reality were the OWM3 mini bookshelf speakers. The highs on the OWM3 are the clearest BUT the Triangle Titus also do a very good work. The KEF R7 speakers are way more expensive than the others but I find the sound is darker than the other ones.

I've read and read forums and watched YouTube videos but I think I'm at a lost in my "quest". The last hint I read was that the Martin Logan speakers, with their "Folden Motion" or "Folded" tweeter provides quite a good sense of clarity and detail at the expense, some times, to get a "cold" sound. If by cold they mean extra detail, extra analysis, then I'm in.

So, after that long explanation (my excuses), could you please suggest me bookshelf speakers (that room I'm using is not big: 12'12" x 19'3) that could get me the kind of sound I'm looking for? Thank you very much.

Best regards,
insoc
insoc OP
18 posts
 
THANK YOU very much to all for all the suggestions! I'm very grateful. 

 @tlinkie : Thank you for the suggestions! You almost read my mind because this last Friday I received my Wharfedale Diamond 225 and yesterday I placed an order for a pair of Martin Logan LX16. My approach in those speakers is to buy the "cheap" entry level options and if the sound suits me I would try and buy the highest model. The Diamond 225 sound is quite nice, more musical than analytical but not darkened. I really like it but would like something more detailed. I will keep the 225s for another room, that's how much I liked them

I'm really really tempted to try and buy the ATC speakers (the 11 or the 19). The only problem is that because I live in Costa Rica it's harder for me to return them if I don't like the sound and even living in the US, I don't know where can I audition them... But, as I told you, I'm really tempted because I've read wonderful reviews from everybody about them.

In amplification power I think I'm ok because the amp I would be using is my NAD M22 V2 that produces 300 wpc.

Thank you again to all! Best regards,

bassdude
496 posts
 
None better than the Proac Response D 2 or Studio SM100, or the ATC SCM20ASL or SCM50ASL.

And if you want a real value that performs as well as these - the WaveTouch Audio Grand Teton or Antero (giant killers)!
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
You will not get what you are looking for out of a bookshelf speaker. What you really want are Quads or smaller Magnepans like the new LRS. At 650/or they have to be the speaker value of the decade.
bassdude
496 posts
 
While the current Quad ESL 57’s are superb, as are the Maggies, they are difficult to place, and require more room to perform well.

The Grand Teton’s and Anteros, as well as the Response D2, have as good, or better sound quality (especially dynamics and bass), and are easier to place and conceal. I’ve got both and am just as pleased with the sound of these monitors as I am my Maggies (Magnestand Maggies - which are superior to stock Maggies). They have just as good a soundstage, dispersion and imaging as the Maggies. Though, the value of the small Maggies is unmatched by any speakers.
melvinjames
416 posts
 
For your taste/preferences you should be looking at loudspeakers with AMT or ribbon tweeters as others have mentioned. Martin Logan, GoldenEar, Ascend, Adam Audio (powered) are all highly regarded. A number of years ago I was curious about AMT tweeters and purchased a pair of Mark and Daniel Ruby's. I used them for quite some time and was very happy with their performance. They are a detail champ. I only moved on because curiosity struck again. I still have them in storage and they get rotated into the system when the mood strikes. Good luck on your search.

More to discover