Small Floor Standers


I'm looking to create a short list of speakers for music only. The room is 15x28 with 9' ceilings and hard surfaces, except a few padded chairs and light fabric window covers. The main listening area is 15x18 and the rest of the room is my kitchen which opens up to it.

Musically, I listen to rock, jazz, and a variety classical but no hip hop or electronic to speak of. The ideal speaker will provide smooth tonal response, good dynamics and importantly freedom from stridency which the live room will only accentuate. High SPL's and subterranean bass are not required but I don't want something that gets lost in the space. The speakers must be compact - 35" or so tall and not more than 8-12" wide and deep. I prefer floor standing designs because of the room volume and as protection against a 6 year old. My budget is around $1k used, maybe a bit higher for the right choice.

A few of my early thoughts are the smaller Spendors and Quad L series as well as Totems and Dynaudio.

The source will be a Squeezebox playing lossless digital and the amp is TBA, but will be matched to the speakers which I think should be picked first.

Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks in advance.
wdrazek

Showing 13 responses by timrhu

I'm using a Classe CAP-151 with a Toshiba SD-9200. The Polks replaced Kestrel hot rods which moved into a closet for now.
Veroman, the question must be asked, have you spent any time listening to the Polk's LSi series speakers. Prior to the LSi-15s I was using Vandersteen 2CE Signatures and Meadowlark Audio Shearwater hot rods, both highly regarded speakers, and the Polks are in the same class. Very articulate, smooth and balanced.
Meadowlark Audio Kestrel Hot Rods meet your needs exactly and can be had for less than your budget. I was looking for a speaker with same size requirements and smooth sonic signature when I lucked upon these. They have adequate bass and work exceptionally well at low volumes. I never tried them in a room as large as you describe but few speakers meeting your size requirements will do better.
Mine are currently in the closet and come out occasionally. These Kestrels will be with me for a long time
The original post specifies 35 inches as max height. You are asking for quite a lot from a speaker of this size.
It's funny you mentioned the LSi-15s as I would've suggested them except for the size. The Polks are currently installed in my system and I'm extremely happy with the sound they create. They won't be overwhelmed by the size of your room. Very nice looking also.
I too have owned the Shearwater HRs and Kestrel HRs and agree the Kestrels are the better sounding speaker; sold the Shearwaters, kept the Kestrels. I'm sticking with the Polks as a recommendation. Hard to beat for the price,
I tried out the Totem model 1s a while back. I did not use them with a sub which they needed. As stated before, I've owned both the Kestrel HRs and Shearwater HRs; both wonderful speakers and I give a nod to the Kestrels for their warmth. One issue to consider is their looks with the grills on. The grills look horrible IMO so ou should make sure the wife doesn't mind speaker with drivers exposed.
Never owned the Kestrel IIs but they are far more attractive.
"just so listenable" is a perfect description Wdrazek. And they won't take up any more room than monitors on stands. I gave up on trying to get good, "listenable" sound from monitors when I purchased my Kestrel HRs. However, I think the price the referenced seller is asking is ridiculous. That's why they've been listed so long, maybe the second time.
My wife's thoughts exactly. "Why can't we get the little Bose speakers in our living room?" I moved my system into a vacant bedroom after hearing that question.
Have you considered Vienna Acoustics, Bachs. Very musical speakers and I believe less than 36 inches tall. Or has any one suggested the Monitor Audio RS-6 that recieved rave reviews in Stereophile. This speaker is only 33 inches tall. I haven't heard them but they seem worth a look.
In-walls, YIKES!! You better hurry and get something even if it's temporary.
A guy recently sold a pair of K2s here in the cherry finish for $600. I made an offer (too late of course) even though I had no place to put them. That may have been one of the years best buys.
My Kestrel HRs are in storage in the closet. They are my sentimental favorites, I'd give them to one of my kids before I sold them. Altough the last time I did that my Paradigm 9seMIIIs were blown up by my son.