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Floorstanding speakers - $2-3K

I am a retired 74 year old. One of my hobbies is, slowly but surely, improving my satisfaction from my “basement” stereo system.

I run Tidal Premium into Bluesound Nodi 2i > Denafrips Ares II > (recently purchased) Kinki Studio ex-m1. I also have a Classe AMP2 class D amp that I use without a preamp.

I recently started with a pair of ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 bookshelf speakers and the moved up to Wharfdale Evo 4.2s. The room is around 18 x 18 with 9 foot ceilings. I listen to a variety of music.

The UB5s were amazing for the price, and that also applies to the Wharfdales. I had considered a move up to the Wharfdale Evo 4.3 or 4.4, however, I would like to find a set of floorstanding speakers that encompass the strengths of the Wharfdale Evos but push the vocals just a little bit further forward in the soundstage...and possibly also a bit more lively.

In an attempt to save my back I would like to keep the weight of the speaker to <75lbs each.


chinook9
gdnrbob
4,445 posts
 
@OP, I am an unabashed Vandersteen fan.
If you buy used, you can get a better speaker for your money.
So, if that is something you can do, I would say buy a pair of Vandy 2ce sigs or 3a sigs.
If you live near a major city, I would try to demo them first.
Caveat:
Speakers are something that only you can decide as to what sounds best. And, though you will get lots of opinions, the final decision is yours to make.
My opinion, is that you try to demo as many speaker manufacturers as you can. Only then, will you have a handle on what you like/dislike.
I did this trial/error task when I was in my Twenty's, and I am so glad I did as I now know what floats my boat and what does not.
Bob
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
first, given it is a basement system with a 9 ft ceiling, let me say that room treatments are really important - get the floor soft, deal with corner and side reflections, also ceiling reflections -- upgrading speakers with a sub optimal room is a big waste of money and effort

second, try a proac floorstander. they accentuate vocals in a brilliant manner - tektons, already recommended, are another good one to consider, but the tektons get to be back breakers in a hurry

i would also suggest some excellent large-ish stand mounts you might consider, buchardt s400/s300, harbeths, spendors - they honor midrange and voice brilliantly... then couple with a pair of rel subs... this combo will put all the best high buck floor standers to shame in your application

finally, suggest you ditch the class d amp get a sweet class a-b unit - many out there to choose from

good luck!


soix
9,456 posts
 
Are you looking used too or just new?
soix
9,456 posts
 
Contact Underwood HiFi and ask what their discounted Audiogon price would be for their LSA-20 Signatures.  If they meet your budget they offer a 30-day, in-home trial, but I seriously doubt you’d return them.  That’s the best I got, and best of luck. 
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You know 18x18x9. That is real close to a "be careful" size, especially with a strict point source speaker. It might be a better room for an electrostatic, or something along that line. You’re gonna need some room treatment for sure.

I don’t know how you feel about that. I’m sure someone will chime in on a prefered. I’m not real savvy, but some rooms, takes a certain kind of speaker.. I’ve heard really good, panels that FILL the room so easy.
Easy to listen to..Not too expensive..

An idea anyways

Regards
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