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Advice for bookshelf speakers

It is time for me to consider getting some new speakers and I'd like some advice.  This is a secondary system where I watch movies the majority of the time but I still like the speakers to sound good on those occasions when I listen to music. I need to replace my left, center and right.  The speakers I am replacing are KEF XQ1s and an XQ2C.  I can live with just a left and right if the manufacturer does not make a center channel.  These will be driven by an AVR, not separates and will have a sub to pick up the lower frequencies.  I have some WAF dimensions that need to be adhered to: 9"-10" from the back wall, no taller than 17" and the left and right tweeters will be 55" apart.  I would prefer there not to be a precise sweet spot since we sit in various areas on the oversize couch facing the speakers.  I'm not really too hung up on budget.  Somewhere between $2-4K total would be where I would like to be.

 

Given the above, I was thinking about sealed or front vented.  I don't think rear vented would be good for this situation but I could be wrong.  I have only done internet viewing and no listening.  I have looked at Salk's website and have also thought about ATC and ProAc.  I've also looked at Ascend (too narrow of a sweet spot?), Fritz (rear vent), Watkins Generation 4 (are these vented?) and others and just wanted to bounce it off this group. Thanks in advance.

dlm110
erik_squires
16,118 posts
 

I always recommend Fritz.  Call him and tell him your application, he can make sealed or recommend a model that would play well sealed or ported. 

bacchus1234
29 posts
 

I have a pair of Ascend Sierra 2EX and they did not play well at all close to walls. I now have some Fritz Carrera’s and they are MUCH,MUCH better overall ((while also being more expensive) and also can play closer to walls. 
However, that is really close so I also advise that talk with Fritz. 

rdschicago
33 posts
 

Dutch & Dutch 8C. Made to go 4 inches from the wall. Active with DSP. 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,699 posts
 

You should check out the Falcon Q7. I’ve owned them and they are an outstanding sealed woofer bookshelf type speaker. You can get them in kit or factory built.

They are sold factory direct only and there is no VAT charge if shipped to USA. I received them in less than a week after my order was processed. I doubt you would go wrong with them. They are as good as any small standmount speaker that I have owned including Harbeth, Spendor, KEF, etc.

https://www.falconacoustics.co.uk/imf-completeathome-loudspeaker-systems-falcon/q7-completeathome-loudspeaker-system.html

woots's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
woots
295 posts
 

Best speakers I have heard for $4k are by a French company called Atohm.  All of their drivers are designed in house.  Great soundstage, great imaging and since you have a sub you will be extremely pleased.  They have a unique setting on the back where you can adjust the sound to 3 different variations depending on your room and amplification. Recently demoed Totem, Harbeth, Spendor, Trenner and Friiedl and found the Atohm to deliver the best sound.  By the way you can also get stands for them very inexpensively if your needed that as well.  They also make a matching center channel.

if interested can connect you with a phenomenal dealer.  PM me.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on!

 

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