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stand-mount speakers for classical music

Last year's search for stand-mount speakers got scuttled by other priorities. I used the time since to optimize existing config and critically evaluate all the thingz.

> 90% of my listening is classical up to moderate dB, remaining 10% is mix of electronic, alternative and classic rock up to loud dB ( >= 12 o'clock on -dB dial).

Classical breakdown: 70% chamber/solo instrumental and vocal, 30% orchestral and opera.

Gear: Micromega M-100 int amp, Nola Boxer v1, dual Syzygy SLF870 12" 1000w subs w/ room-correction, all source material is streaming (.flac or Qobuz)

Room: challenged 3700cf L-shape with speakers centered at 7' point of a 27' head wall. Vaulted ceiling to 13', hardwood floors, some rugs.

Budget: under $5K

Grateful to hear from other standmount owners with similar listening profiles.
usery

Showing 9 responses by usery

usery OP
131 posts
 
thanks gregm. ATC SCM19 v2 is on the short list.

If it helps the speaker fronts can be up to 3' off the headwall (Nola Boxer baffles currently at 28" from wall).
usery OP
131 posts
 
thanks schubert.  100w/side for the Signature One is a constraint given my amp (Micromega M-100 which I'm staying with for now).

I found this thread while looking for recommendations.  Not super relevant to this discussion but still interesting (B&W and ATC in use at more than a few classical recording studios).
usery OP
131 posts
 
@edcyn - if you've owned the Boxers several years I'm guessing v1 like mine (2013), maybe v2?  I continue to have similar listening experience to yours - even less-snuff recordings are still pretty amazing.

My Boxers are going nowhere: they'll move to 2nd listening room if I score an 'upgrade' for main room  : )
usery OP
131 posts
 
@E yup I should. Do you happen to know any owners of a sealed Fritz speaker?

@shkong while Vaugn Cab is impressive in spec & appearance, it’s a floorstander. I must have standmount (WAF, bad cats etc).

@ebm I haven’t seen Joseph Audio stand-mounts recommended specifically for classical music. Are you thinking the Pulsar?
usery OP
131 posts
 
@bobedwards based on your mention I looked into ProAc Studio SM100. Not unlike some of ATC’s studio monitors. Some of the head-to-heads favored ATC but may have been individual preferences. Cabinet finish is studio so not optimal for my main room.  ProAc Response D2R was also on my list from last year.

The more I read about/look at ATC SM20 (passive hifi version) the more I jones for it. Sadly it looks near-impossible to find in North America - even some UK retailers must special order from ATC, then they build-to-order.
usery OP
131 posts
 
"...the SM20 is now available in the states..."
Thanks affordable - do you mean the hifi version of the SM20 is available in the US? (passive and hifi veneer instead of studio cabinet)? I checked some of the retail websites from Lone Mountain Audio’s dealer sheet - none of them mention the hifi SM20.

Do you have the hifi version?
usery OP
131 posts
 
verdant said:
...make me want to take an ice pick to my ears...
thanks Verdant for the helpful post esp. with you demo’ing a M-150. Note I have a M-100 (less 50w power and no room correction).

What specifically are you hearing for the M-150 sound profile, and what speaker attributes are you thinking won’t work well with the M-One family?
usery OP
131 posts
 
Update on the search for standmounts for classical music - short-list shortened in order of fit^:

  1. Philharmonic BMR Monitors (built by Salk Sound)
  2. Fritz Carbon 7 SE MK II
  3. Stirling Broadcast BBC LS3/6*
  4. ATC SCM20pSL*
^  fit = value/price ratio + spec match to my parameters (see OP) + accessibility of designer/builder

*  >= $5K new; pre-own hard to find and multiple K more $$ than 1, 2 

Anyone out there heard or even better own Philharmonic BMR's?

usery OP
131 posts
 
@jackd - thanks, saw those earlier.  For my spec the BMR's seem hard to beat: true 3-way, driver quality, exceptional midrange, designed by classical musician etc.  
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