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Floor standing or Large bookshelf recommendations - 2.0 channel setup

Greetings, I have a parallel thread in the Amps and Preamps section for this same setup. I trying to build a step up from my existing 2.1 channel system. Recently a major change that has happened is I finally took the plunge and got myself an MC152, so now that my amp is not a variable, I’m open to exploring speaker options. (I like warmer smoother sound, with a little sparkle at the high frequences. Currently quite happy with the type of sound I’m getting with MC152).

I currently have a Rotel RA-12 Pre + MC152 -> LS50 + SB2000
Room dimensions: 17’x13’x12’ 

The LS50s really came alive after adding my recently acquired MC152. But now I’m in search of a pair of good floor standers or large bookshelf. I intend for this to be a long term setup so I am ready to wait and not in a hurry.

Here are the ones I narrowed down so far. I’m going to be using my local dealer so I wont be able to audition some of these. I understand Crutchfield is an option, but thing is I have very good relationship with this dealer and wish to give them business:

(Budget prefer to stay under $5k, cheaper the better really)

Dynaudio Evoke 50 - Not able to audition, but read these are not as sparkly on the top as B&W D3 series

B&W 805 D3 - Auditioned these, loved the treble, but worried it may be too much over time. However since I’m looking at tube preamps, I suppose that should tone down the sharp highs. Second thing is I feels this model will hold better resale value / easier to get rid of it comes to it ever. Open to thoughts

Focal Aria 936 - Never heard them, but they seem to be on quite a good promotion right now. Heard these tend to be more on the sharp side with less bottom end. These are low on my priority unless someone can tell me otherwise.

Salk Song3- Wife does not approve the looks of that... this is going to be a tough sell

B&W 704 S2 - This one is strictly on the list because I have local listing of a almost new pair for under $2k and I just see that as a great value. But I not sure if its worth looking into these just cause its a deal.

Am I missing any other major contenders? Please share your thoughts on the ones I picked and if anyone of those or other particularly go well with my type of setup. Thanks and Cheers!
sr20022002
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
@davidvanderbilt I have considered them, but since I already have LS50s I was trying to explore other options. I understand the sound will be different, but still not all that attracted to the R series.
Now if you ask me I would get the Reference-1s in a heart beat but they are just way outside my budget haha. 
And yes I have an SB2000 sub that I am more than happy with. If needed I might add another one. 
I also have a PB4000, but it ended up being overkill for my music only setup so its doing HT duties
davidvanderbilt's avatar
davidvanderbilt
9 posts
 
That makes sense! Out of those on your list I’d gravitate towards one of the b&w sets. I had the focal aria 906 bookshelves for an in home trial and found them to be too fatiguing in the top end. The bass also seemed to be too much. I have the b&w dm604 s3 floor speakers and really like them. I assumed b&w would be fatiguing but they aren’t at all - very nice treble and detail without being harsh. I’m still surprised at how clear they are. Not sure if the newer models are this way. I am running them with an NAD receiver which is on the smoother side. I’d probably lean away from dynaudio only because I prefer metal based tweeters, eventhough I’m very sensitive to sibilance. 
thecarpathian
4,185 posts
 
You can order the Dynaudio's from Crutchfield, and audition them.
They have a very generous return policy.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,898 posts
 
I think I participated on the other (parallel) thread. Was that one running dry or unhelpful? Why start another one, here? Just curious what's missing for you.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
“I have very good relationship with this dealer“

“I’m going to be using my local dealer so I wont be able to audition some of these”

Im confused.  Your using a local dealer but aren’t able to demo?  And you have a good relationship with them?  Hmmm.

Then you mention Salk... is your dealer brokering the deal with salk?

Just to let you know, there are many people who will be your friend if you are trying to give them $.

I do respect though that you are getting your advice from us to go buy at a B&M.  Most people do it the other way.  Waste the salespersons time then buy here.  


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