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Downsizing from tower to bookshelf

Moving to smaller home and need thoughts on bookshelf speakers. The new dedicated audio room is 12x14 and I plan to use the same wall/floor treatments I currently have in my 14x20 room.
I don’t live near a big city to go and demo, so I’d like to narrow down at least 3 speakers I can purchase and demo in the new room. I’ll send the others back once I find a winner.

Current equipment is;

VPI Scout with Hana SL

Parasound A21

Vincent SA32 Preamp

Elac PPA2 

Dyneaudio Emit 30

My preference is neutral to slightly warm sound with heavy emphasis on holographic soundstage. Price point is maxed at $3,500.
 

I was never really in love with the Dynaudio Emit 30’s but they did provide the neutral holographic soundstage I like. The only negative with the Dynaudio is they didn’t seem very dynamic or musical.i always felt they were missing something in terms of enjoyment. Maybe stepping up a model would help but I’m open to other brand suggestions.

My initial picks are;

Harbeth P3ESR XD

Revel M126Be

Wharfedale Aura 2

Any other recommendations would be appreciated.

 

128x128vette5451
mbmi's avatar
mbmi
572 posts
 

I have tower speakers retailing from 11K down to 1K and I enjoy my KLH Model 3's @ 15 hundred bucks the best...They are magic!

petar3
66 posts
 

sorry, but why would you downsize to bookshelf speakers? your room is large enough. small boxes can't do a great job -- imho you are bound to be disappointed.

if you like Harbeths, read about Stirling Broadcast, equal if not better and cheaper. 

1happyman's avatar
1happyman
81 posts
 

You might want to take a look at the new Bison series fromTotem. I recently picked up the Totem Hawks in very good condition. I was going to buy the Bisons until I found these at a third of the cost. They are small Towers and have unbelievable bass for the size. I really love the Sound Stage, very holographic. I used an all solid state system with the LSA Warp 1 amp combined with my Eversolo A8 preamp and DAC. The sound is not overly bright and very smooth. I love the Hawks.

1happyman's avatar
1happyman
81 posts
 

I wanted to add that I recently demoed the Buchardt S400 mk2s. The Totem Hawks are better in every way.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,101 posts
 

Nichollsr Van L speakers , own by John , the quartet are very good speakers, they have huge soundstage, with 3D and addictive vocals. Tekton impact monitors are also musical, call Erik he can guide you. If you have budget the Borensen x1 are excellent speakers with 3D, amazing musicality and sophistication sound quality.Kefs LS 50 are good as well.

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