Bookshelf speakers that renders 3D soundstage


Recently I am on a quest to find a pair of bookshelf speakers under $2k that will render 3D soundstage.  The soundstage does not need to be much wider than the speakers that are approximately 7-8 ft apart but, within the soundstage, I am particularly looking for the decent depth, focus image and pinpoint instrument/vocal separation.  The other sound trait I am particularly looking for is the nimble, agile bass that could go down to around 45 Hz -3dB.  The pairing amplification is going to be Parasound A23.  If you have experienced / auditioned that, please let me know.

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@tomcarr @onhwy61

I understand the speaker set up, placement and room treatment are important. I have been experimenting those in the past and was able to achieve / preserve resonably good SS with my current speakers when the recordings have those elements. However, recently I acquire a pair of Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and I found they could render much more SS depth and instrument separation than my current bookshelfs. I was able to hear the nuance I was not getting before.

The only two areas leaving room for my desire for the Evo are (1) more dynamics and (2) the lower end (54 Hz -3dB). I need to apply EQ and boost +4-5 dB in the 40-80 Hz for my satisfaction. I maintain 3 ft to both side and front walls to avoid early reflection. As such I do not wish to place the speakers any closer (which I have done) to acquire more room gain for the lower end. I like the Evo 3D SS presentation but wish it a more allrounder in term of frequency response in the low end. After the experience with Evo, I was convinced speaker itself could be capable of rendering 3D presentation beyond the room control factors.  That is why I am asking the question.  

Fair enough, now that you have  the room and setup right, then I also agree that different gear will yield different results. I hope you find the sound you're seeking.

It's wonderful when you get it!

Tom

Have you tried real speaker stands?

Your last posted a pic with your speakers placed upon oversized side tables.

I use inexpensive Polk RT15i's ($13.50 thrift shop find - maybe $200 retail) in a mini system and when well positioned on decent stands they throw a huge/3D soundstage.

Same with Roger's LS3/5A, Braun L200/L300, Castle Isis, and Reynaud Twins MkII (again with decent stands/placement).

My rule of thumb (aside from ideal/best placement achieved through trial and error) is that the top plate of the stand be no larger than the bottom of the speaker.

Looking @ my list I have not owned very many stand mount speakers considering that I started using them in 1978.

I started out with thin concrete pillars (cement blocks were too large) for the Rogers (replaced later with Rogers AB1's), adjustable cymbal stands for the Brauns, Target HR stands for the Reynaud's and cheap (the name plates fell off - Anaconda?) stands for the Castle/Polk's.

All of the above speakers sounded 2D when placed on bookshelves or table/cabinet tops.

 

DeKay

 

I wouldn't discount the KEF LS50 Meta.  Paired with 1 or 2 subs will create what you are looking for.  Alone they won't go low enough; at least not for my tastes.