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Speaker Suggestions/Opinions

I’m in the market for some new speakers. Budget up to about 3k. I prefer to buy used. Currently running some Totem Rainmakers. Have also Run Totem Forest and Arros. I love the Totem sound clearly, but still curious what I’m missing out on.  
Most important to me is a lush midrange, musical, the ability to disappear, and they have to image very well. I run McIntosh for amplification so I’m comfortable with a speaker that may be a touch hot in the tweeter. I’m very drawn to Harbeths based on everything I’ve read but really don’t dig the look of those fat boxes.  And why for the love of god do they have 20 screws visible on the front baffle. It’s almost as if they trademarked the look, but it’s terrible. Proac, Spendor, and Sonus Faber are few others I also find intriguing. Especially Spendor but they don’t seem to have a large market in the US. I also find there line up a bit confusing, lots of options. I really don’t like to purchase anything that doesn’t have good resale value and a fairly high demand on the used market as well. Anyways look forward to all your thoughts. 
brylandgoodman
brylandgoodman OP
92 posts
 
Amp is McIntosh MC302. 
These Fritz speakers are interesting. I wish the did a little more with the cabinets. Even a bevel or rolled edge I think would go a long ways. Does anyone know what goes into one of their designs?  Are they simply a company who sources very good drivers and fits them with suitable crossovers and cabinets, or is the designer known to have a good ear and spends considerable time. I guess I need to read some reviews. 
Also what’s people take on P3esr filling a medium sized room?  Basically if they could play safely as loud as my Totem Rainmakers then they may be all I need. I find they look much more tolerable than the larger models. I can also find them in black which goes a long ways to hiding the screws a bit. I am also limited in how far I can bring the speakers off the front wall. With the Rainmakers about 15 inches. Side walls are about 10 feet away which helps a lot. 
brylandgoodman OP
92 posts
 
To be specific the room is 11ft by 22ft with a 5ft opening into a short hall that leads to the kitchen.  The speakers are in the middle of the long wall. 
erik_squires
16,382 posts
 
Fritz uses extremely high quality drivers in unique crossovers which are often the best of show or nearly the best.

For 2-way speakers you simply cannot find a better value, and often can't find better performing speakers.  The Scanspeak models are also exceptional for the sheer amount of bass they can produce in relatively small speakers.  Outstanding.
donvito
400 posts
 
If you buy Harbeths and you want to use them with the grills removed you should get a magnet puller to remove the grills. Many used Harbeths are damaged from the grills removed incorrectly. This is the tool that I use!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-100-lb-Pull-Power-Handle-Magnets-96544/203613179
Here is a review!
  Harbeth P3ESR Review! - Bing video
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,060 posts
 
@brylandgoodman 
Fritz is close to a one man operation, and he's been doing speakers for 40 years. He has a great ear and uses excellent parts. He's very easy to talk to and does not hard sell. If you call him and ask him questions, he'll answer honestly. He knows what works with his speakers in terms of amplification, too. 

In my opinion, the recommendations you've gotten here are all excellent. You're considering truly excellent speakers. If I were in your place, the question which would be foremost in my mind (after getting close to the sonic type of speaker you want) is, "What can I audition and at what cost for trial?" Because I really think you need to try things in your space and see what turns you on. 

Crutchfield has an excellent try and return policy, but they don't carry some of the speakers mentioned here. They do carry Dynaudio and Revel and other good brands (Martin Logan, Wharfedale, and more). Safe and Sound and Music Direct also have return policies, but I believe shipping will cost you more. 
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