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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
aj523 OP
373 posts
 
@twoleftears 

Yes glue plus some other quirks is what I was told. Some California 3rd party is fixing those under warranty and supposedly the UK fixed the issues in the China manufacturing plant.  Time will tell....
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hwr
17 posts
 
I love my bi-amped Khorns, bought them new in 1978. I use a Mac 250 transistor amp for the bass (transistors are better for bass) and I swap between 4 different tube amps, (2 single ended, 2 push-pull) for the mid/highs. You will need an electronic crossover. I use a Crown VFX2a, works perfectly.

You said you want speakers that disappear into the room. My set up will do it. There is no better sound in the world than a properly powered pair of Klipchhorns. Both single ended and push-pull tube amps work well. Overall, I prefer single ended.

Lastly, you have the perfect room for this setup. Large area, tall ceilings.

Good luck. Enjoy!
otooleme
30 posts
 
GO SEE JOHN RUTAN AT AUDIO CONNECTION IN VERONA.  You are describing Vandersteen Treo CT speakers but the Quatro is more of your price point.  It has a built in sub so you can play whatever you want. 
otooleme
30 posts
 
That was Verona, NJ
dramatictenor
183 posts
 
I will spare you description because at your budget, you'd be less than diligent if you didn't listen to your choices in person. So without explanation, except I have been impressed with each. Each will deliver many of the goods you have listed as important to you.

They are listed by price, not by my preference:

All are dynamic speakers:

Kef Blade 2 @25k 
Totem Element Metal V2 $15.5
Focal Sopra #3 12k

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