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Advice on near-field speakers (eg, Raidho X-1)

I recently started a thread asking whether a stand-mount speaker could reward critical listening, and enough people were encouraging that I'm moving forward. Given how difficult it is to audition speakers these days, I'd appreciate some advice on which speakers might work well for me. 

I have a small, 10x12 room that I can use as a dedicated listening room. My budget for the speakers is 10k, though I'd prefer less, and I'll be buying a new amp and probably subs to fill out the sound. Like Lou Reed, I have a rock and roll heart, but for this room I'm primarily interested in chamber music, symphonic music, solo piano, and (instrumental) jazz.

It's easier for me to say what I don't want: I don't want a "fun," "exciting," "surprising" small speaker that "punches above its weight" (I want an excellent speaker regardless of size). I'm not drawn to a sound that is lean, punchy, forward, or aggressive, and I'm wary of speakers that (over)emphasize resolution. I don't want a cute toy for rich people (which is how Wilson advertises its TuneTots, though it may be a great speaker). I don't like an overly bright, fatiguing upper end. 

I've lived with Maggies for years and I love that relaxed, open, airy sound that doesn't call attention to itself. I appreciate a natural timbre, open soundstage, and "musical" imaging. A warm sound is better than a cool one. I'd like a speaker that can do strings justice at low-to-medium volume. (Yes, I know I'm asking about small speakers here.)

I've read some intriguing things about the Raidho X-1 and XT-1. They'd likely need subs but they're designed for small rooms and get some very positive reviews. I can't tell, though, whether they have the kind of sound I'm describing. I'd appreciate thoughts from anyone who knows them.

Here are some of the other speakers I've been reading about, eliminating speakers that I have no chance of hearing (Wilson-Benesch, Reference 3A, TAD ME-1). 

Boenicke W5
Harbeth (P3ESR or 30.?; I'm a bit flummoxed by the new line)
JA Pulsars
Dutch and Dutch 8C
Focal Sopra or Diablo ($$)
Magico A1
KEF Reference1
Boressen Z1 ($$)
Spendor

I'd love to take any of these off my list if folks think they're not what I'm after in terms of sound or room. I've heard the Harbeths and can do a home trial of them; I've enjoyed hearing the Pulsars but they're rear ported and may need more space from the front wall than I have. And some of these seem a bit physically big to me but maybe that doesn't matter.

Once again, thank you! I really appreciate the knowledge and wisdom out here.



northman
soix
9,796 posts
 
You had two of my top recommendations on your list in the Pulsar and W5.  I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the JAs if you like them as I’ve seen Jeff make them work very well in small hotel rooms by placing them such that they straddle the corner, so if you have that option they may be fine in your room. .  

I’d just add another excellent option that could save you some $$$ in the Usher Dancer Mini-X Diamond.  I think they’d also offer just about everything you’re looking for and are also front ported for only about $3500.  May well be all the speaker you need in your room.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 
ladavid
79 posts
 
very nice thread.  Have similar sized room and have tried all kinds of speakers big and small.  Big speakers as a rule havent worked - although as much as anything it was visual - Spatial M3s were really good but just dominated the room too much.  Maggie like though in sound and in bigger room they were really good.
My current setup is Kef Ls50s with a Hegel 95 amp,  The Hegel seems like the secret sauce with these speakers - that and new Silversmith speaker cables.  Run two Rel 7i subs to round out bottom end.  The Kefs well out into the room in nearfield setup.

Also have corner traps and bass traps and well damped room.

Of course I still think about upgrading the speakers - have had Merlins, ATCs, Audio Notes, Penaudio, Harbeth 3s - they were all pretty good - Merlins maybe the best.  Recently reading reviews of Xavian speakers - look pretty nice in a small room and the new Metas are getting sometimes amazing reviews.

Will read about your journey with interest.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Air motion transformers can be very aggressive. You will just have to listen. If you want anything close to realistic sound then absolutely, subwoofers are a must. You'll need at least two. If you are not digital phobic get a DEQX Premate. It will give you the ability to tune your system to do anything you want and it has digital bass management included. With the DEQX functioning as a two way crossover unloading the Raidho's from having to deal with the very low bass the system will become more effortless and you will add an easy 6 dB of headroom.
JL Audio makes the best subs. Two 10 inch units should do the job but nothing says you can't get 12's:)
northman OP
271 posts
 
Thank y'all kindly. 

@soix, I certainly haven't given up on the Pulsars. I auditioned them last spring before all hell broke loose, though I was thinking of a different room when I did that. I know I can do a home trial with those and I almost certainly will. I've never heard the W5, though I've read plenty of encouraging things. The only dealer in the Northeast is in NYC, so that one will have to wait. Honestly, I'm trying not to be impatient about this purchase but it's hard. I've always bought my cars and my stereos for long-term use, but maybe I should consider transitioning to what so many here do: buy and sell items, enjoying the process of change. 

@ladavid , thank you for your very kind post. I know what you mean about some speakers simply looking big in a small room. I've heard many positive things about KEF but have never owned a pair. And I almost bought a Hegel amp a while back (long story); I'm going to start with the speakers and then match the amp, but I hear you on Hegel.

@mijostyn, I'm hardly a digital phobic though I haven't considered the DEQX Premate. (I have looked at the JL crossover, though I'm forgetting the model number.) I'm expecting to pick up a pair of subs, not for the boom but for the lower mids (bassoon, double bass, etc). 

I have to say it's fun to learn about all these speakers that I've never even heard of. Usher. It looks like they only have a dealer in CA, though perhaps that's just a distributor for other dealers. Xavian--Prague! Super cool!


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