Forgiving, musical speaker....

Most any Harbeth is quite forgiving. Even the baby P3ESR that I recently sold.

The Harbeth Compact 7 is what I have and its as forgiving as you could ever imagine. Simple to set up with the right stands. Doesn't matter what cables you use for the most part. Almost any amplification mates well. If you just want to listen to your music without constantly being critical then you will like them.

Mirage OMD-15. Originally $2500/pair, they are now available through vanns.com for $800-1000/pair with free shipping, return privileges and full factory warranty. They have a 9" x 11" footprint and are slightly forward-throwing omnidirectional. They *can* rock out because they have good dynamics and clarity, but really excel on vocals and acoustic instruments. I love mine for jazz, acoustic pop, Sinatra/Krall/Bennett, James Taylor, Miles Davis, etc.

They are placement-friendly and throw a realistic and very stable soundstage. Excellent speakers for parties or for puttering around the house as they fill the listening space very evenly regardless of where you sit or stand. Very natural sounding and engaging.

If you later crave more resolution, all you have to do is upgrade the electronics and cabling, and the OMD-15s will rise to the occasion. I use mine both for casual *and* critical listening. They give up lots of music without beating you over the head with edgy detail.

How about Ohm Walsh?

09-06-12: Rose75
How about Ohm Walsh?

Another great choice for the same reason as the Mirage OMD15. For performance for the dollar, I have to give the nod to the Mirage OMD-15 and 28, which in performance are equivalent to the Ohm 2000/3000 and Ohm 5000, respectively. However, those Mirages are $800 and $2600/pair, which is a lot less money than the equivalent Ohms.

Original prices would have made it more of a dead heat as the OMD 15 and 28 were originally $2500 and $7500, but at $800 and $2600, to me it's a no-brainer. And I say this as a 4-year OMD-15 owner.