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Recommendation for detailed/analytical bookshelf speaker?

Hi. As it is almost impossible to find the "perfect" speaker and having to choose, I always tend towards very detailing and analytical speakers. What I love the most is having the sensation that the artist is playing right in front of me, being able to hear the instruments as close to reality as possible. I hate the "veiled", dark, opaque or recessed some speakers provide and if to hear as close to reality, holographic, microscopic means to get some fatigue after a while or any other inconveniences I wouldn't care. I can always hear music in a more relaxed way at other times with some good bluetooth speakers I have, but for the time when I can to examine music, close my eyes and feel every note playing at me as if the instruments were there, I don't like having limitations.

I've tried a pair of KEF R7 speakers (those are floorstanding), a pair of Triangle Titus 202, a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and Polk Audio miniscule OWM3 with my gear: NAD M22 V2 amplifier, NAD M10 integrated and Cayin A-50 MKII and believe it or not, the sound that I've found closer to "being there" and reality were the OWM3 mini bookshelf speakers. The highs on the OWM3 are the clearest BUT the Triangle Titus also do a very good work. The KEF R7 speakers are way more expensive than the others but I find the sound is darker than the other ones.

I've read and read forums and watched YouTube videos but I think I'm at a lost in my "quest". The last hint I read was that the Martin Logan speakers, with their "Folden Motion" or "Folded" tweeter provides quite a good sense of clarity and detail at the expense, some times, to get a "cold" sound. If by cold they mean extra detail, extra analysis, then I'm in.

So, after that long explanation (my excuses), could you please suggest me bookshelf speakers (that room I'm using is not big: 12'12" x 19'3) that could get me the kind of sound I'm looking for? Thank you very much.

Best regards,
insoc
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helomech
1,494 posts
 
The Stirling Broadcast LS3/6s are very detailed and holographic, nevermind the specs, they're meaningless. 

A cheaper option is the Revel Performa M106. Not as musical a speaker but less than half the price of the Stirlings. 

Between these are the Focal Electra 1008Be, currently on closeout at Music Direct. 
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scratcha
164 posts
 
Also, look into Watkins, Fritz and Salk

Very Good speakers!
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
For detailed and analytical, one speaker you can look at are Monitor Audio.  They are very fast and analytical.  However, I would be careful in your search because you are are searching for "being able to hear the instruments as close to reality as possible".  I say to be careful because it is easy to go too far in the "detailed and analytical" area and once you cross that line, the sound becomes too bright or too harsh or too sterile and un-natural.  In some systems, the Monitor Audio could be good, but in other systems it is just too bright/harsh.

I don't know your budget, but B&W 805 D3 are excellent speakers.  They retail for $6k, but you can find them used for $4500 frequently.   Another set I would look at are the Revel PerformaBe M126Be bookshelves.  I heard the tower speakers at RMAF and I would say they are a very natural sounding speaker -- not bright/harsh and not laid back.  The M126Be are $4k retail for a pair, but it looks like there are a set on ebay for $2895.

Someone suggested Focal 1008Be.  They are very detailed and revealing, but I would also be careful because they can tend to be somewhat thin in the midbass/midrange depending on the electronics.
jafant
18,802 posts
 

auxinput

Second- Monitor Audio and/or B&W 805 speakers.


Happy Listening!

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