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Speakers suggestions for my setup and room please

Hello:

I have to ask the experts here on your thoughts....

Room: @18 X 18 X 8 ft ceiling, on the cozy side

Output System: AI Mod 3A preamp, Atma-Sphere M60 Mk2, B&W CDM-1 monitor speakers

Musical tastes: symphonic, solo, chamber classical music; folk/acoustic; pop/electronic; Tom Waits (yep he's his own category)

My main reason for considering new speakers is that I've realized through listening to the various speakers out there and my own that my current B&W CDM-1 is just by nature not the last word on large-scale symphonic music. It should come as no surprise, but perhaps now I am going to finally get a system I can really enjoy for all my musical tastes, not just the non-symphonic stuff.

I am looking for full-range speakers, not towering ones since my room is not that huge. I know my room itself will present a limit to how much it will sound "large scale," but I am hoping to find ones that will maximize that potential.

I have classical music training, have played in and listened to hundred and hundreds of symphony concerts in the finest halls by the finest orchestras (NY Phil, LA Phil in Disney Hall, Saint Louis Symphony, Cleveland in Severance Hall, Seattle in Benaroya...) so I would really value the symphonic experience, perhaps more than any other genre of music. (yes, I know....a bigger listening room?)

I am game for electrostatics if you think my system will match those well.

Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thank you.
jimhsu
mmike84
309 posts
 
You should focus on something efficient. Absolutely not electrostats unless you plan to change amps. I'm sure Ralph at Atma Sphere would suggest some very good pairings.

Based on the diversity of your music I'd suggest Coincident. You didn't give a price range but there are many models that can fall inside any budget.
bondmanp
1,782 posts
 
Another efficient design that is compact and should do what you want are Reference 3a speakers. They make both slim towers and stand-mounted monitors. They mate well with tube electronics. The ones I've heard have been very impressive. If there is no dealer near you, you can deal directly with the manufacturer, and they will let you do an in-home audition.

What's your budget?
dorkwad
534 posts
 
You have the uneviable square room dimensions which is a tough hurdle to overcome. Look to highly adjustable speakers like VMPS which allow you to tailor the sound via tweeter, midrange, and bass adjusting to get the best sound in YOUR room, not just the store. Whatever you decide, if you're having a hard time getting the sound from your system you'd like, try having your system oriented so it's shooting diagonally from one corner towards the opposite corner. Jim Smith, the sound guru who sets up systems for shows and people's own home systems, has that tip especially for near square rooms. Specifically, the VMPS RM30, 626R, or the RM-2 would give you tremendous dynamics, clarity and transparency throughout all frequencies, bass that will massage your colon, and ADJUSTABILITY to get the best sound in your room. Good luck, Bob
racamuti's avatar
racamuti
362 posts
 
This one is a no brainer-Shahinian! All of his speakers sound great with symphonic music, just buy the model that you can offord. Good luck!
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