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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
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
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
from a German giant.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantvento896dcblka/canton-vento-896-dc-8-3-way-floorstanding-speaker-black-gloss-each/1.html
chinook9 OP
66 posts
 
Thank you for the recommendations.  I will continue checking them all out later today.

Note that the Kinki is a Class A/B amp and seems to be quite different and more likeable than the Class D Classe AMP2 which also has its strengths.

I will work on room treatments that I have separated off to some extent with leftover sheets of polyisocyanurate insulation board.  Two adjoining walls behind and side of speakers are solid, the wall opposite the speakers is 70% closed off and the 4th wall is open to the rest of the basement.  I can improve this quite a bit, I expect. 
tweak1
3,558 posts
 
A pair of Emerald Physics KCIIs would work well in that room
geared4me's avatar
geared4me
219 posts
 
Another worthy contender is the SVS Ultra Towers https://www.svsound.com/products/ultra-tower
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