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Recommendations for Speakers that can be used close to the rear wall.

I am looking to replace my Magnepan 1.6 speakers with smaller speakers that can be placed close to the rear wall. Due to a move to a new home my listening room does not allow me to place my speakers the recommended distance from the rear wall. I am limited to just a few inches at most and I do not want to move them back and forth as I now do with my Magnepans. My room is large (17’ x 26’x 9’) with more open space next to it. The speakers are placed along the 17’ wall. I use a solid state Belles 150a Hot Rod amp with Sonic Frontier tube preamp, Dac and phono. I would like to limit the cost to $3,000/pair. I want the speaker to be no more than 48” high. I listen to various types of music ( rock, jazz, classical) and don’t play my music loud. I do not need a lot of bass for my musical enjoyment. I like the sound of the 1.6’s especially the way they play jazz vocal music, but am open to considering other types of speakers. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
sml19
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
That is the only OK option, OHM. If you’re going to limit the space, corner horns? From good sound to OK is never a good choice.

Any chance of getting rid of the obstacle preventing you from setting the Maggies up correctly? :-)

Just askin’

Regards
deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 
I have to agree with Russ69, no matter what you get, you will lose a lot. I can make two suggestions, first is not to go with a rear port. Second, most "monitor" type speakers will be a good choice. I went with Harbeths (I also listen to everything, and not at high volumes), which although they sound great, do not "bloom" unless I pull them away from the wall, which I can only do when the wife is traveling. 
sml19 OP
12 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. In our previous home, I had a separate listening room that allowed me to position the Maggie’s in the optimum manner. That worked for eighteen years. My/our new listening room/living room is set up the only way possible. No alternative except for moving the speakers back and forth ( three feet or more for the Magnepans). I would rather keep the 1.6’s rather than lose sonic quality. Maybe that is the way it is meant to be, but I will investigate other options that you have recommended. 

mofojo
2,300 posts
 
Some Guru QM 10 speakers on eBay for I think $500. They are super cool speakers and need to be on the wall and or corner. Surprising bass and wonderful midrange. Will not play super loud. Got a bigger Guru for $2600 regular like 10k. I bet they are pretty awesome. 
arch2
308 posts
 
Boy that’s tough. OHM’s were my first thought too. The original Wilson Duette MKI’s were designed to be placed near a wall and do it pretty successfully but I’m just not sure you’re going to find them within your budget. I did see a pair on USAM for under 4K without stands earlier this summer. Best of luck.
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