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Seeking Bookshelf Recommendations

Looking for some new bookshelf speakers for a second system in a small bedroom.   The room is pretty well treated with 6 broadband absorption and 9 diffuser panels. I’m running Audio Mirror Reflection 45 mono blocks with a Canary preamp. Source will most likely be a Gustard R26 as both dac and streamer. I also have a pair of Rel t5i subs and Aperion dual firing super tweeters.  
 

Soundstaging and imaging are king for me. I want the biggest most dimensional sound I can afford.  My amp pairing is really smooth so I’m not looking for anything too warm.  I’d like something that is neutral but full in the lower mids and upper bass but also extended and airy in the treble.  My current Totem Arros do the soundstaging/imaging but are a little weak for me in the lower mids and upper bass.  Also I really value clarity and resolution as long as the magic isn’t lost of course. Basically I’m looking to have my cake and eat it too. My budget is around 3k and right now tops of my list are Fritz Carreras and Kef R3 metas. Also, Joseph Pulsars would be at the very top of my wish list but I’m trying to spend less unless it’s truly worth it.  Others that are lower on the list are Nola Boxers, Totem Signature Ones, Merlin TSM MMM, and maybe even one of the smaller Thiel floor standing speakers
 

As always I’m looking forward to everyone’s thoughts and hopefully there is at least a couple great speakers I’m missing. 

brylandgoodman
desktopguy
423 posts
 

In a small room you’ll get the best results/least room boundary interaction with a sealed/acoustic suspension speaker. They are few and far between, but well worth seeking out. I’ve had 4 or 5 pairs of sealed speakers in my small home office and got good results each time.

The pick of the litter in the manageable size options has to be the ATC SCM11s. I had the studio monitors, SCM12 Pros, which have the same drivers as the SCM11s in a slightly larger box. This is impeccable, dynamic, musical sound.

They’re ~$2K new, and there are always a few used pairs circulating (example below).

 

paulcreed
573 posts
 

We have about same power, 50 watt class A audio hungary. Be careful on efficiency you don’t want any regrets. I had pulsars with this amp sounded very nice but better with more power and current. 
 

I like the reference 3a Decappo’s and Reflectors  with the 50 watts very much. Little more efficient. Not sure if 92db is correct but easier to drive. 

lanx0003
1,291 posts
 

+1 Buchardt S400 Mk II which I believe it has been recommended.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,431 posts
 

If your amp is tube my choice is Omega Alnico. If your amp is solid state T least 100 w I go with Borensen x1 . Kef meta is a good one.

bassdude
511 posts
 

I like several of these suggestions.- especially the Harbeths and the Magnepan LRS+. I’ve got both and a few more, but these are my choices.

Of these I prefer the LRS+ because with the right electronics there are few competitors <10+ times its cost. The detail resolution, staging and imaging are as good as it gets at any price (provided you’ve got the right electronics).

It’s not a “bookshelf speaker” - but, it’s light and easy to move and nothing really compares. And they’re great in a smaller room, because they’re small.

What you might do… is… get a pair to fill in until you decide what you want… and… then either keep the or sell them when your think you’ve found the answer.

They’re easy to sell, if you decide to do that.

You won’t be disappointed!

 

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