speaker recommendations needed


Hi,

I am looking to swap out my speakers. We just moved in to a new place, and I need something a little smaller and less dominating. Currently I have a set of Tyler Acoustics D1's: they are fabulous but huge, and this will be a multi-purpose room. Amplification is currently solid state (McCormack DNA-125 and ALD-1, both upgraded to REV. Gold). Not opposed to a tube amp, but the last 2 I have had in here, despite the $6k price tags, didn't best the McCormack, at least not on these speakers. Maybe they would on the new speakers. Room is 20x14x9, but the speakers will have to be 8 feet out from the back wall, at least, as there will be a breakfast nook in there as well.

A few speakers I have liked over the years:

Devore Super 8
Merlin VSM
Tyler Decade D1
Various Sonus Faber
B&W 804s

Speakers I did not like:
Thiel CS 3.6
Dynaudio C3 (maybe an amplification mis-match)

As I live in a small town, it is impossible to get speakers home for an in-home demo, so I have to do my research and hope for the best.
dawgcatching
Dawg...Honestly I would talk with Ty and see about a trade in with your D 1's. Ty will make something that would be suitable for your scenario. I own the woodmere II's and these are amazing like your D series...Plus I also use B&W in my setup as well for HT and TV...But I think a call to Ty would be in order and he would create something for you...Another that is not on your list is Vandersteen...This is another speaker company that I think you should consider too if you wish to try something..I have heard a couple versions in two channel setups and was happy to hear the music etc...
I like Vandersteen (I use them myself), but am thinking of small speakers that hour wife and you would like.......Check out Gallo speakers.
My first inkling from that list would be with the DeVore Fidelity speakers. A lot of those speakers from what I've gathered are geared towards smaller apartment type rooms. The only problem there is that also from what I've seen Devore speakers are meant to be paired with tubes. I don't know if the McCormack gear you have will mate well with Devore speakers. The good thing is that Steve McCormack and/or John DeVore may be able to help you if you have any questions about the potential match or mis-match.

My 2nd guess form that list would be the B&Ws as they match quite well with solid state gear. I had a stock McCormack DNA .05 Deluxe and it sounded wonderful with B&W Matrix 805 speakers I had.

Best of luck with the search.
Dawgcatching,

I would buy the best Harbeth speaker I could afford. Absolutely perfect for what you are trying to accomplish ("little smaller and less dominating").

Or the B&W PM1. But would at least investigate the Harbeth's line first.