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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
 
Oh and one more thing to add to this. I’ve always been curious how the Klipsch Heritage line compares? Like the Heresey or Forte III 
I’ve never seen them in flesh, non of the local dealers/bestbuy has them. 
Also the JBL L100, which I believe falls in the same category. 

I always imagined horn loaded speakers would have a more of a shouty mid range like you hear in live concerts. Not sure about their bass response given they seem to use paper surround cones than rubber long throw types. I assume the sheer diameter probably more than compensates for the throw. 

Would be great to know you all’s thoughts on these in comparison to the ones on my list and whether they would pair well with the MC ?
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djones51
4,947 posts
 
Right at $5K about the best you could do in my opinion is Revel F208. 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_265F208WA/Revel-Performa3-F208-High-Gloss-Walnut.html
rbstehno
1,437 posts
 
check out the Usher mini-x with the diamond tweeter. Another good monitor is the totem model 1 signature
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,417 posts
 
Why so few people know about Ascend Acoustics speakers is kind of sad. They do not advertise but you would be sadly missing out in not researching their products. Their Sierra towers out perform speakers at twice their price.  Prices are set up to cover outrageous advertising expenses. Why waste that money?
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