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Intimate, warm and holographic alternative

Me another time... Sorry for the inconveniences.

Yes, recently I started a discussion here with the title: " ATC SCM150 (or JBL Synthesis) (or JBL vintage) (or new Klipsch Jubilee)". See: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/atc-scm150-or-jbl-synthesis-or-jbl-vintage-or-new-klipsch-jub...
Last post from ohlala, advising that studio monitor type sound is not the most "enjoyable" for him, was revealing. I could hear yesterday an SCM20 (yes, I know it´s not comparable in many aspects with the SCM150) but the type of sound have not convinced me.

So now I´m more on the warm side, looking for a intimate and holographic sound with great scene. Really useful some old threadas about this, especially: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/seeking-advice-on-speakers-that-create-an-intimate-2-channel-... 

I would like to hear personal opinions and experiences about the best speakers that give that musical sensation in which the devices "disappear". Suggestions, brand, models...

I was searching some brands and models and here are some that have caught my attention:

- Gershman Acoustics: Avant Garde
- Legacy Audio: Aeris + Wavelet
- Devore Fidelity: Orangutan O/96 (fatigue??; little too "in your face"??; fleshy bass??)
- Harbeth: 40.3 XD (not a true rock and roll speaker??)
- Klipsch
- Spendor
- Tannoy

Listening position is 9 feet from the speakers. My room is big: 41 square meters. I´m worried about bass. I hear a lot of music but specially rock, so I would like something capable.

Thanks so much to everyone. You are very helpful.

milhomes
milhomes OP
7 posts
 
Hi verdantaudio. I have no amplification. I will choose the amplification after deciding the speakers and I will go for the amp that best suits with the brand and model of speakers.

There is no much space behind the speakers: 2 feet more or less. Between the speakers are 9 - 10 feet. Take into account that this place is not going to be my definitive sound room but in the future I will have the same or more space and distances.

I prefer a sound where I am more immersed in the soundstage.

Yes verdantaudio and artemus_5: lot of variation on prices and sensitivity. Let’s hope your experts advices help me in taking the correct decision. 
I also prefer high sensitivity speakers or at least that can’t work at low volumes Even though I listen many times to rock music, I must admit that with my neighbours I can’t hear every time music at high volumes and many times I hear music at night when my children are sleepy. That said I also hear through the day music at high volumes. It depends on the moment but I want something that could be capable at low volumes.
 I’m not closed to any option. Just want to hear your experts recommendations.

Thanks so much.
garyalex
117 posts
 
For an intimate and warm presentation you might want to research Jean-Marie Reynaud speakers.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,177 posts
 
If you are worried about bass, get a set of Audiokinesis Swarm subs. The Swarm is 4 to a set; so you can set up something called a 'Distributed Bass Array'. This will prevent standing waves from robbing you of bass (a common complaint, often right at the listening position) and you will have bandwidth to 20Hz.

At that point you'll have your pick of speakers to use for the mains. They won't have to be all that large, since the need only go down to 50Hz or so. To use subs successfully, they must not produce any output above 80Hz, else they will attract attention to themselves. Speakers that image well but don't go below 50Hz or so are common.
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,533 posts
 
With your dimension and the need for flexibility in terms of near wall placement combined with your bias toward high sensitivity speakers, I would look at Avantgarde Zero XD 1s.  They are comfortably in your price range.  Are 104dB so very easy to drive.  If you are looking for a very intimate and engaging listening experience, Avantgarde is second to none. 

There is a fully active model called the Zero XD TA which is a very nice speaker as well and has a very good built in DAC.  

The Uno XD is better but a little above your budget at $31K and is visually polarizing. Not everyone loves the big horns.  

These are brilliant with low powered tube amps.  I recommend 300B or PX-25 SETs to my customers. 

All of these have powered bass modules and will give you brilliant performance in a large space.  

There is one model I would watch out for.  The Uno Fino XD.  It is modestly price for an Uno ($21.4K) but has a ported bass module rather than sealed which creates issues in terms of placement.   
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
milhomes, there is only one type of speaker that "disappears," a full range electrostatic starting with the old Quad 57. This is why people have fallen in love with a speaker that so limited and fragile. Nothing does the disappearing act better than the old 57s. There are ESLs now that are some of the toughest speakers made with few limitations. But, they are large and difficult to drive. I do not include Martin Logan speakers in this elite group. They are hybrid speakers and just do not disappear like full range ESLs. Sander's Model 10s are also hybrids but from what I have read they manage to maintain the ESL magic sound stage. ER Audio makes a line of ESL kits at very reasonable prices. Then for the people with adequate resources there is Sound Labs. 

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