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Bookshelf speaker with electrostatic sound

Hi,

I'm looking for recommendations for an efficient bookshelf speaker for my second system in living/dining area. About 3,000 cu. ft. Vaulted ceiling goes to 14". They will sit on top of 12" deep bookshelves, about 6' high. They'll be used primarily as background music at low to moderate levels.

I've had various electrostatic/tube systems for 30 years. I like the open, quick boxless sound from electrostatics. So naturally that is my reference. I realize I can't replicate that sound in this application, but I thought it may help with recommendations.

Tonal accuracy and balance is important, especially at low to moderate levels. No rolled-off or excessively bright treble, or overemphasized bass or treble for affect. Rear porting or emphasis on porting for bass will probably not work. I'd like to avoid speakers that exhibit nasal qualities. Not interested in speakers that demand really good amplification. I deal with that in my other system.

Initially they'll be paired with Onkyo TX-8555 receiver, but I'll consider a small integrated down the road, tube or SS. Just want to keep it simple for casual listening. Source is radio and digital. Prioritized music tastes are classical, jazz, folk, blues, rock, alternative.

Budget: Less than $1,000.

Thanks!

Scott
sschmidt
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,047 posts
 
VMPS 626 JR?? You can find them used, typically under a thousand.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
You may run into trouble here. Even a great speaker can be somewhat compromised by mounting so close to the wall or ceiling. I see though that your ceiling is 14 feet, so this is a plus. I am using Triangle Cometes in exactly this same configuration except they are mere inches from the ceiling on top of a wall unit. The sound is delightful. Non audiophiles are even impressed. They work better for me this way than on stands. No way though would I call it an electrostatic sound. The bass compromised by wall/ceiling location is obviously apparent. Tone control could remedy this and I see you will be using the Onkyo, so, another plus.
sschmidt OP
19 posts
 
Thanks Ivan,

The VMPS are interesting, but unfortunately too large for my application.

Thanks Hifiharv,
I think I should consider the Triangle Titus EXs based on previous forums and size. Unfortuantely with only two dealers in CA, I can't listen to them, so it would be a leap of faith.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Titus could be a good choice. Maybe even preferable here because of it's lighter bass. If you can find them used you won't have gambled much $ on the plan and it actually will relieve you of all that stress of auditioning/deciding/buying, etc. The guy I bought the Comets from had moved up from the Titus, the Titus being too ruthlessly revealing and not as fleshed out. Perhaps they would be more electrostatic like?
mateored
258 posts
 
You might be able to find a pair of Linn Majik 109's for under a grand. They are designed to work well on a bookshelf and have a very smooth and ope sound. Check the reviews.
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