Box speakers that sound like Electrostats?

Second the Spendor recommendation...one of the few box speakers that really is very open and transparent...they are a bit colored in sound...the highs are muted and the midrange has a slight "bump" emphasis...but if you enjoy vocals...they are about as good as it gets...if you can...go deeper into the line than the 3/5...the higher models have much more bass...on the other end of the spectrum...for a more detailed, high definition "modern" monitor...the Revel M20 is very impressive...highs are a bit extended...and they can sound a bit "aggressive" with the wrong equipment...but they are very transparent...and not as laid-back as the British "old school" Spendors...2 very different sounds...both have their merits...

The new Quad L series...I have the 12Ls...and their speed,transparency,and detail do rival their ELSs cousins...and with full range dynamic driver bass...

Joe...the comparisons are pretty dramatic...since both companies collaborated on the original 10L...which SPendor made for QUad...I was looking at a pair of 3/5s until I heard the Quads...the new Quads are less colored and more revealing that the SPendors...that is, they dont have the famous Spendor "rolled off" highs...but the 2 areas that the QUad excel in are dynamics and bass...which happen to be the SPendors weaknesses...for vocals...they both are about as good as it gets....and in the great Quad tradition...these are transparent as box speakers can be...

Joe...also...in comparison...the spendors 3/5s sound "small" compared to my Quad 12Ls...but then again...the quad is over 4x the size...and in terms of "speed"...the Quads are not surprisingly "static like"...they really outperformed the small SPendor in every facet...speed,detail,dynamics,bass,etc...imaging and transparency in both speakers was excellent....

Joe...you are correct...the Quads are have 2 ports...both in the rear...so they are really intended for "free space" positioning...and dont get me wrong...I do like Spendors...and as you mentioned...on vocals,strings,acoustics,etc..in their limited range...they are impressive...but for me...especially bass dominant material...fusion jazz,dub,reggae,drum n bass,electronic,etc...my requirements were a little different...

I do like Vandies...and they are very open sounding...however...they do lack the speed of ELSs and even other conventional designs in their price range...but this is highly subjective...it comes down to what music you enjoy and what trade-offs u can live with....if I ever graduate to a bigger room..the Vandies will be on my short list...

Go with a company that makes them both: Quad