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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
jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
355 posts
 

Overloading a room with a larger speaker is a myth
 

Maybe.  Maybe I don’t mean overload but I certainly don’t have the space to take advantage of what a floor standing speaker would provide.  I just know when I turn it up past 80db or so it’s just too loud for my room, or maybe just me, and I prefer it at a lower volume.  I have treated my room and it measures well outside of some bass treatment I need to tame a bump at 50hz.  The stand mount is just easier to integrate imho.  I would love to have some floor standers, however, I think I’d just be spending money to have speakers I can’t get the most out of due to my small room.  I’m certainly open to being convinced that I’m wrong and could find a three way stand mount that can work in a small space.

jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
355 posts
 

@brylandgoodman you will not be disappointed with the Fritz.

bassdude
493 posts
 

Regarding the size of the room... the LRS+ requires a room about 10 x 10+. Their sound is optimized in about a 7’ equilateral triangle with the speakers about 2’ from the rear wall. And, because of the small size and light weight you can move them back and forth out of the way very easily.

Admittedly - that’s not as convenient a bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf or table, but it’s no less convenient than bookshelf speakers on stands.

And... there is absolutely no comparison in the sound quality. Not even close...

jgdill's avatar
jgdill
8 posts
 

I have the Fritz Carrera BE's..  I bought the Pulsar graphene's to upgrade from the Fritz's.  The Pulsars sounded really good, but for the price difference, it didn't seem to be that much of an upgrade. I traded the Pulsars in for the Perspective graphenes, now there was a difference, as it should be for almost 5 times as much as the Fritz's. I still have the Fritz's  in my office.  I cannot get rid of them.  They are so good, especially for the price.  Highly recommended. 

paulcreed
559 posts
 

I’ve talked to a guy that had gone from the de cappo to the Fritz and preferred the Fritz. I have never heard the Fritz but have almost bought a pair a couple times. Talked with Fritz on the phone super nice guy don’t think you can go wrong with his speaker and resale is pretty easy. Find a used pair.

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