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
Audio Physics and Boenicke image really well, I've heard them a few times at audio shows.
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.
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.
OP, suggest Cube Nenuphar’s with appropriate amplification. See thread on these speakers.
I personally believe that what you seek would be satisfied by Dynaudio speakers.  The new Contour 60i (arriving to the US in August, replacing the highly reviewed Contour 60) may be your ticket.  Retail price is $10, 750.  If you can find a dealer who still has the Contour 60 in stock then I recommend giving them a listen.  About the smoothest sound from mid range to the top end.  And with a ton of very good bass.   Construction is excellent, from internal to external.  Finish is as good as it gets.  The gray oak lacquer is stunning and a must see, in person.  I have a pair of the 60i on order.  Read the review on the Contour 60 by Soundstage Ultra.  That review sums it up very well.  Best of luck to you.  Enjoy the music.