I would also consider the Totem Sttaf. It is a floor stander but it does have a small footprint. Not base heavy by any means. One of the best I have heard at low volume and very easy to drive. Rear ported but seems to work close to walls. I like it with Naim and have not heard it with Rega. But given how easy it is to drive, it should match well.
Small room bookshelf speaker recommendations
My listening room at present is on the smallish size, about 12x12 feet. I've had a pair of PSB Image B25 speakers on stands and they're good for what they are, but I'm thinking of something better. Small room size means the speakers need to stay sort of close to the back wall. Unfortunately I cannot go too high on volume without causing domestic issues. So I'm looking for a speaker that will be an upgrade to the PSBs, maybe front ported for the bass, and manage to sound good at reasonable volumes. However anything with too much bass is not preferred due to these limitations, so a bookshelf speaker might still be the best option. My budget is $1500-3000 more or less.
My present system is a Rega Brio R amp with a W4S DAC-2 for a source, and occasional Rega TT use. My music tastes are varied-- mostly rock (but not heavy), jazz, electronic, seldom classical and never country. I do like to hear good sounding vocals, particularly female.
The Usher BE-718 (used) looks attractive, as does its replacement the Dancer Mini-X. Unfortunately there is no dealer in my area to give them a listen. I've listened to a few smallish monitor types (Excite X12) and they're not bad, but would like to get a bit more bass. And there's a Bunch of other appealing bookshelf speakers, but too many to check them all out, so I'm looking for other opinions and guidance. Thanks.
My present system is a Rega Brio R amp with a W4S DAC-2 for a source, and occasional Rega TT use. My music tastes are varied-- mostly rock (but not heavy), jazz, electronic, seldom classical and never country. I do like to hear good sounding vocals, particularly female.
The Usher BE-718 (used) looks attractive, as does its replacement the Dancer Mini-X. Unfortunately there is no dealer in my area to give them a listen. I've listened to a few smallish monitor types (Excite X12) and they're not bad, but would like to get a bit more bass. And there's a Bunch of other appealing bookshelf speakers, but too many to check them all out, so I'm looking for other opinions and guidance. Thanks.