Recs for Small Footprint Audiophile System

I agree with the above about the Merlin speakers. As far as compact systems go...there's Linn, Quad, Cyrus, and there are several more. They're all British-ish. They may be more polite than some US hi-fi, but they all sound pretty good...especially for a second system. They're also easy to find used (especially something that was as popular as Quad or Linn). One of the Linn units is actually an integrated amp/CD player combo (I'm not sure if that's the above-mentioned "Classic" or of it's the "Magik").

A third vote for the Linn Classik, paired with any of the small Linn speakers or, if you can use a floorstander, a pair of Meadowlark Kestrel Hotrods. A less expensive alternative to the Classik is the NAD L-40 and another very sweet option for speakers would be the Soliloquy 5.0.

I have the same sized room (work office). Linn Classik (EAR feet) on a Target TT1 with an Audio Asylum power cord, and ProAc Tablette 2000's on 24" Focus Quad-pillared stands. Speaker wires are QED Silver Anniversary flat silver biwire speaker cables, MIT spades and Linn plugs. Add a pair of Sennheiser HD600's for times when you want to crank it up without disturbing everyone around you. I bought this stuff off AudioGon, total investment in this system is $2400. I'm pretty sure you'd find this set up to your liking and it's pretty hard to beat for the size/price. Jeff

I also add a vote for the Linn Classik. I have the latest version "K", and have had good results mating it with a pair of Epos M12.

A Rega Planet 2000, a Bryston B60 integrated and a pair of small floorstanders like Meadowlark Kestrels and you have a compact and extremely musical system with surprising bass.