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Need Speaker Advice

I've narrowed my choices to the following speakers. Will have to purchase online since every local outlet I've talked to are thieves and have over priced products.

Phase Technology V-4 or V-52 Bookshelf
NHT Super Zero 2 bookshelf with Super One 8" sub
Jamo C 603 or C 803 bookshelf
Fluance SV series bookshelf

Quick background. I have a Qinpu A 3 hybrid tube/solid state integrated amp. 8.5 watts per channel. This is an 8 ohm amp. It easily drives my Mirage OM 10 towers but I had to box them up because I have a rogue pet that has started to jump on them. Can't use them for a year or two until I buy a suitable house and can build a dedicated, pet free listening room. In the meantime I need something that I can use from the list above for a second system that will ultimately go into my living room. Size of these speakers will deter pet from using as toys.

I've done some research and received some recommendations that led to the list above. I have not heard any to date except for the V-4. I prefer a neutral sounding speaker that is not too heavy on bass. A slightly warm speaker is fine as long as it is essentially neutral sounding. I want to avoid the listening fatigue that is associated with Klipsch style speakers. In other words those that have a harsh high end.

Based upon what I have read all of the above should satisfy the criteria I've mentioned. And all the bookshelf speakers and some of the towers that are not complete. Any recommendations especially from users of any speakers in this list will be appreciated. The amp is persnickity and won't work properly with a bass heavy speaker or design.
will62
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Of what you list ,the NHT will sound best, but they need power, 8 watts ?-I doubt it.Phase Tec is OK, I wouldn't want the other two if they were free, to be blunt about it.

I have a pr of Focal Titus 202 I use with a 8watt Eastern Electric tube integrated, VERY nice sound , just what you describe. I've seen them on here for around $300.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Unfortunately I have a limited budget right now. Just bought a house and have a ton of things to do with it.

I looked into the Monitor Audio Bronze series based upon a review I read in Sound and Vision Magazine recently. The BX 2 appears to be a little too bright for my taste but the BX 1 according to the article might be in the ballpark.

Do you have a link to the Focal speaker company? I can't seem to find it.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Schubert. I was a bit worried about the sensitivity of the NHT speaker. Someone at Audio Advisor claims it won't present an issue with the A3 but I am a bit leery of it.

The Phase Tech sounds quite good and the spec's will match up fine with the amp.

Can't find the speaker you are using other than a review from 2002. Guessing it has been discontinued. Can't even find a website for Focal speakers. If you can provide one I will certainly look into them.

Why don't you like the Jamo C series? I've read a lot of great reviews of this particular line of speakers. They seem to be quite neutral sounding from what I gather.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Finally found a website for Focal. Thanks for the suggestion.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
I decided first to try the Jamo C603. Found a pair through Amazon listed as New. Turned out they probably were not. Not the fault of the Seller since he got them through his distributor. The cabinet on one speaker had a blotch of gloss black paint instead of the flat black the speakers are finished in. And I saw some specks of pink paint on the front baffle of one speaker. And I played them for at least a dozen hours and didn't even detect a subtle change in the tonal qualities of the speaker which seems to indicate they were already broken in. Even if a speaker needs dozens of hours of break in, you can usually hear a minor difference in sound after a few hours of break in at a moderate playing level.

Going to try a Phase Technology speaker next. While I really liked the sound of the Jamo speaker, I have some questions about whether or not Klipsch is upholding the integrity of the brand name now that they own it.
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