2. speakers
  3. 158283-129692

Seeking advice on Speakers that create an intimate 2 channel listening experience

So the past month I started a couple of threads on speaker choice on AVS forum (One asked for Powered/Active floor standing Speaker choices and another one around non-active FS speakers for a tube amp I was looking at).

But I've come to realize this was the wrong tact, got lots of flack much deserved and wanted to try to solicit the advice/opinions on this forum which I just discovered.

Short background...Hunkered down in a suburb just outside NYC now for the past 3-4 months, I started to get the itch for a dedicated 2 channel stereo Turntable setup in our living room in May. After much research and twists and turns and immediate upgraditis, as some know on here from other posts, I've finally settled in and now own a Rega Planar 10 Turntable. I also own a Sutherland phono --20/20 with LPS and that's staying. Right now the phono preamp is hooked up direct to a pair of ELAC ARF51 floorstanding speakers (all drivers powered by built in AB amps) which I like a lot BUT ITS HERE THAT I WANT MORE. Btw, I love the ELAC design of mounting the tweeter concentric in the mid driver -- makes sense to me.  I kinda wish ELAC would take the same design and make a reference speaker but thats for another day.

So to swap out the ELACs, I will obviously need an amp, but I will figure that out later and want to focus on getting the right speakers for me for what I want. So what do I want?

1. Floorstanders. Close to full range as possible. No subs.
2. Looks count since in my main living room.
3. Speakers that prioritize Imaging Imaging Imaging. That disappear in the room creating an intimate but 3D listening experience. Clean (Accurate) warm sound. No distortion. I would easily sacrifice low end for untiring highs and warm mids I don't listen to metal or hiphop anymore so I don't need loudness, more like lounge experience if that makes sense. Apologize if I got the adjectives wrong but its personal description of what I'm seeking.
4. Price Point - -$10k-25k. Room is 22x18 with 25 foot ceiling

I would like to audition/demo before I buy and since I live in the Tri-State area it should be possible. But I'm finding that obviously difficult to do right now. I listened to a pair of Salk speakers but didn't love them. And have an appt with the Audio Doctor in NJ in two weeks.

Thanks in advance.
aj523
ghasley
2,487 posts
 
I’m not calling anyone out nor trying to begin a flame war but do people really find Maggies, Soundlabs, Matin Logans, Pure Audio Projects and other visually “challenged” speakers aesthetically attractive? They also must come well into a room to sound right. Listen, I think they look cool but I don’t think they look attractive.

A Devore O96, now thats a beautiful speaker in both a modern or a traditional interior. A Wilson Sabrina, most find the form attractive in a more contemporary interior. There are plenty of speaker choices that are beautiful to both the eye and the ear on offer without looking like a traffic barrier.
steve59's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
steve59
1,756 posts
 
Your ears, your money, find a local dealer that will work with you.
headphonedreams
525 posts
 
Audio Physics and Boenicke image really well, I've heard them a few times at audio shows.
headphonedreams
525 posts
 
One of the best imaging demos I've heard was the Bacch SP processor driving Fyne 701 speakers. Very impressive but expensive. Fynes has a lot of speakers and they seem to image very well. I was thinking about buying a pair myself.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
That is a large space to fill.  You will need large speakers and good power.

call Jim Salk at Salk Audio.  He sells direct and is able to use much higher quality speakers, crossovers and cabinets.  Tell him Larry Edwards from Denver sent you.  You will love this guy.  His $6,000 Song3 Encores sounded better than $60,000 speakers at the RMAF show in Denver.
More to discover