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Compact Floor-standing Speaker Recommendations under $4k

Hello All, 

I'm continuing to build up my first HiFi system and am in need of some advice for my next speakers.  My current system is as follows: 

  • Belles Aria Integrated Amp
  • ClearAudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon Tonearm
  • Nagaoka MP500 cartridge 
  • Graham Slee Reflex M phono stage
  • B&W 705 stand mount (the original series circa ~2004)

Generally, I'm very happy with my setup, however I do sometimes find it a bit bright   & fatiguing after longer listening sessions.  I believe the speakers may be the cause so I'm looking for recommendations based on my current system. 

I'd like to find a neutral speaker that's non-fatiguing and hopefully a bit more full range.  So I've been considering changing to floor-standing speakers to maybe get a bit more bass.  However, size and space are of concern so would like something reasonably compact.   I listen mainly to jazz, blues, folk and some classic rock.  Really love good vocals so would like a smooth midrange.  

My budget is $4k max (new or used is okay)

I'm early in my search but so far have been looking at Spendor A7's or Proac D20's. 

Unfortunately, where I live I don't have any nearby dealers or places to demo so will have to be purchased without an audition and hopefully have a good result. I know this isn't ideal, but it's unavoidable. 

Appreciate any recommendations...thanks! 

dsjs4
jbetanc
8 posts
 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649966426-thiel-cs5-floor-speakers/
helomech
1,672 posts
 

The Spendor A7s are just about the most perfect compact floorstanders in existence. They are supremely balanced and all their “sins” are ones of omission. 

cio52
121 posts
 

Go to the Dali website shown above and look at the Oberon 9 floorstanders and read the reviews.  The have twin 9" woofers, 7" midrange, and 1.25" soft dome textile tweeter.  Frequency is 35hz to 26khz but they can be heard well into the 20hz range. Then go to Crutchfield.com and you can get them for 2999.00 delivered plus tax with a 60 day money back guarantee.  Dali makes great speakers, they just aren't well known in this country.

cio52
121 posts
 

Edit to post above.  The tweeter is 1.125" or 29mm on the Dali's

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 

The SEAS Thor loudspeaker is a DIY kit designed by Joe D'Appolito.  What's always your very, VERY best value in a loudspeaker is a properly and professionally engineered design with top-of-the-line components.  Typically these projects will sell for cost of materials, so when you happen to run across someone selling theirs for less, it's an incredible value.

The SEAS Thor uses the same tweeter and similar model drivers to the Joseph Audio Perspective2 ($13k new I think.  Maybe more now).  There are two sets available for crazy low prices right now.  One is a guy in Tuscon, AZ for $750, but you have to arrange shipping.  The other is a guy in Canada who wants $1000.  Either would be a crazy good value.

You can buy the kit of drivers, crossovers and plans from Madisound for $2200, or get these for less than half that and they're already built.

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