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Need Speakers to be Close to Wall $10k budget

I've been enjoying my Audio Physic Avanti III speakeres for a few years now, powered by Joule Electra Grand Marquis 160 (160wpc OTL monoblocks). I currently enjoy the speekers in a large room that allows placement pretty far into the room, which suits the speakers. However I'm moving to a new place this weekend and space is more constrained - I'll need to have the speakers closer to the wall, and perhaps just a few inches away from the wall. This won't be an ideal setup for the Audio Physics, so I'll likely need to change to something more suitable. I can spend a bit more too this time. I'll be buying used and my budget would be in the area of $10k, though would be happy to spend less.

I'd prefer not to have to sell/swap out my amps but might consider it if absolutely necessary. I'm much more inclined towards tube amps, but could possibkly spring for something like Bryston 28BSST for the Magico's if the ss match was deemed essential.

I was thinking maybe Magico Mini II or Wilson Sophia II or perhaps Rockport Mira or MBL 116. These are speakers I'm a bit familar with (other than the Magicos) and I like what I've heard - I listen to a wide range of music and watch a lot of movies too. I've a Velodyne DD18 sub on hand too, so the speakers don't need to go that deep necessarily.

I'd welcome any suggestions. Thanks!
128x128outlier

Showing 1 response by pryso

pryso
1,901 posts
 
Outlier, if your Avantis cannot work to your satisfaction I have another recommendation. And they come in fairly well below your $10K limit.

The new Janszen zA2.1 projects a large, full, and detailed musical presentation from a modest sized package. It is a hybrid with electrostatic mid/tweeter above 500 Hz and dual cone woofers below. Three things make it unusual, beyond it's sonic capabilities. First is the rear of the cabinet is enclosed, rather than open as with most dipole drivers. Therefore it can be placed closer to the front wall than many other speakers while still presenting a wide and deep soundstage. My pair sits out only 15" from the wall after careful experimentation with placement. Second is the excellent integration for a hybrid design. Any others I've heard have some level of discontinuity between the electrostatic and cone drivers, but not the zA2.1s. Third is they are easier to drive than most electrostatics. Nominal impedance is rated at 6 ohms but their load only varies from 4 to 10 ohms. And while rated at 87 dB efficiency, when the controls are increased to the top of their respective ranges (+3 woofer and 0 mid/tweeter) they are closer to 90 dB. I imagine your JEs would sound wonderful, although they provide more power than would be needed.

Anyway, good luck.
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