tube friendly monitors...unfortunately on a bookshelf. suggestions to narrow search?


Hello.  I didn't see a recent discussion that covered both tube-friendly and bookshelf friendly speakers.  I am looking for any friendly advice or suggestions for a starting point to limit the search.  Unfortunately, office space demands that the speakers be placed on bookshelf, about 4-5 feet apart.  I suppose rear-ported should be avoided, so that is limiting.  Here goes:

--budget is variable.  it's an office with necessarily poor placement, so probably don't want to go nuts.  maybe 500-2000.  used in good condition is fine, and they don't have to be particularly "pretty."

--25"x25" openings with 12" shelves, but the bottom is 22."  So, can extend slightly beyond the sides and top, but will have several inches at the bottom--can't bring them to the edge.  10x12 room.

--driven by Cary CAD120Smkii.

--mostly listening within five feet at low to moderate volume.

--can add a sub and active crossover.

--would prefer decent detail, with some warmth. 

--avoiding metal drivers, this time around.

--for the space, mostly classic rock, classical, and jazz.


Have Polk Lsim703s there, now, on auralex pads, with 24x24x4 acoustic panel behind them.  I like them, but not sure how tube and bookshelf friendly they are.

Thinking something along the lines of VA Haydn Grand SE.

Any suggestions for the search?

Thank you.
stfoth

Showing 8 responses by simon

north, yes, I have a Decware  ZROCK on order which should be arriving within the next week or two.
I would highly recommend the Omega Super 3i monitors.  Tube friendly and sound wonderful.
stfoth, mostly due to space constraints. Also because I felt they would be a better match for my Decware SE84UFO at 2 watts. I am thinking about going with the Super Alnico HO monitors. I just picked up an Audion Super Sterling 120 which should be an ideal match with the Alnicos at 24 watts.
I am also using the Omega 3 HO monitors. They sound pretty bad out of the box but just wait until you get about 30-40 hours on them and prepare to be amazed. I have about 70 hours on mine as of this post and they just keep getting better by the day. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
stfoth, it's an amazing combo. Vocals are the best I've ever heard. I have a Decware ZROCK Bass EQ unit coming in a week or two to give them a tad more bottom end at lower listening levels. Otherwise the only change I've made was switching to an SED winged C black plate rectifier which gave it more air.  The Audion has more punch and will play louder but the little Decware amp still drives me out of the room at 3/4 volume and the mids are simply far superior.
north, I'm not using mine in the near field. I will keep the 3 HOs for the living room. The Alnicos would be overkill plus I don't have the space. The 3 HOs are amazingly fast which I like. Definitely no need for improved Sonics. I will probably buy a pair of the Alnicos to mate with the Audion once I get my man cave back. Lost it temporarily to an in-law. My living room set-up is anything but ideal as you can see in Virtual Systems if you search for Omega.
stfoth, I'd like to make a suggestion. I also stream Tidal/HiFi but from my laptop. I changed my driver settings for Tidal by selecting the "Bass Boost" option under the Enhancements tab. I'm using this option until my Decware tube EQ unit arrives. Switch back to Triode mode and see how it sounds.
stfoth, I've had over 20 different monitors over the years but I've never owned a Spendor. All of the monitors I've owned needed a generous amount of power to sound their best. The Omegas are the first monitor I've owned anywhere near their efficiency.  The whole flea watt system is a new experience for me.