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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
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Tortillade.

What do you believe the shortcomings are of the Zensor 1? Stereophile just gave them a hearty endorsement and said they sound far better than their price. I really have not read a single bad review.

Someone else has suggested the Focal 705v. Sounds like this would also be to my liking as well.
tortilladc
121 posts
 
I have a pair of the Mentor 6 floor standers and the Ikon Vokal center channel. When I heard the Zensors, I felt like ok they were Dali's but didn't have that sonic signature that the others had. This is by no means a properly controlled comparison - just based on what I heard in the showroom when my friend was quickly auditioning them. Could be a number of factors but I chalked it up to the lack of the hybrid tweeter.

I really dig the Mentor and Ikon line but personally would pass on the Zensors. So I suppose my comment wasn't really evaluating the Zensor on its own - simply noting that it wasn't as nice as the more expensive offerings that Dali has. Now I feel dumb. =)

I guess my point is that you don't want to immediately start pining for the nicer model or feel like you're missing out on a signature feature simply to get in the door with a brand at a certain price point. The Zensors give me that feeling. The Mentors do not. Call it insecurity, buyer's remorse, or being hard to please, but I'm not immune to that sort of thinking.

With regards to the Stereophile review...I suppose it's nice to see measurements but most hifi reviews print some variation on the item sounding better than its price point. They do compare the Zensor 1 to the Wharfedale 10.1, which is a lovely speaker and I bought a pair for for my sister.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Tortilladc.

You don't really go into specific details about the sound of the Zensor 1 that you dislike. Can you elaborate?

I have read up on the Ikon line and the high end is apparently a bit bright at least that is what some owners of the Ikon 1 are saying. I want a clean, natural high end but not bright. Based upon reviews I've read on the Zensor 1 it has a more neutral sounding high end.
tortilladc
121 posts
 
I didn't. It was a fairly quick impression.
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