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
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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That's fine these are the best speakers I ever heard and maybe in a year or two things will get back to normal.