Loudspeaker Recommendations: Standmount or Small Footprint Floorstanding under $2k


Hi there,

Having received great recommendations here over the years I figured I’d check back in while I’m considering my next move.

Current system:
-- Totem Rainmakers (on sand filled speaker stands)
-- Heed Obelisk SI III Integrated Amp (built in phono)
-- Bluesound Node 2i into a Chord Mojo DAC
-- Clearaudio Concept TT with MM V2 cartridge
-- Cabling by Audioquest and Signal Cable

Here’s what I currently love about how my system sounds:
1) Instrument articulation is very nice. I really enjoy the timbre of instruments whether it’s the sustain of a drum or cymbal, the crunchiness of distorted electric guitars, or the airiness of an upright bass.

2) Imaging for days... It’s massive and very three dimensional. This makes listening fun and engaging for me.

3) Instrument separation is wide and easy to pinpoint.


I really do love how this system sounds, but am looking for a speaker that can offer more lower end dynamics at reasonable, or relatively moderate, listening volumes. I don’t want super deep bass, but just a touch more to help fill in what’s desired. Does this make sense?

Budget is no more than $2k, but ideally want to spend around $1500, and happy to purchase pre-owned to help stretch my dollars further.

128x128stereosanctity
@big_greg

I went from a Rotel integrated to the Obelisk and feel the improvements have been great. If thinking other areas need a change I wonder if swapping my DAC or Phono Cart will bring results I’m wanting.

Thanks for the few speaker recommendations. I do love Harbeths and have had my eyes peeled for a used pair within my budget.
I think Preludes are a direct from Silverline thing although mine were "previously owned" and came from a shop in CA. Note that the metal driver D'Appolito version isn't the Prelude Plus as they're a different design with more "normal" drivers...likely another good choice anyway. Also, the designer, Alan Yun, told me on a phone call that the Preludes sound better single wired...I tried both single and bi-wired and he was right.