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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
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
I do the same.
You can never leave out PMC and ATC in search for perfect and detailed.
E.g. PMC fact series and ATC 11 or 19. 
Because these speakers don't give you any bass that is not there (recorded) you might want a sub to complete them.

Then you have the whole pro world of speakers. E.g. Geithain 906, Neumann 310. Just to mention something.
tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 
I really like the ATC 19 though you'll need a sturdy 100+ watt amp to get the best from them. Beautiful clarity/detail/refinement but also dynamic and authoritative.  Can play any type of music.
admranger
142 posts
 
As @tobes and @gosta have pointed out, ATCs are worth a listen. I have the ATC 19v2’s and they are revealing to a fault. Upstream equipment is going to be important as there is no hiding from these speakers.

Power is important as well. These things will eat up low power amps. While they play nicely at moderate volumes, ATCs in general seem to like to be played at a higher level.

As stated earlier, they can play any type of music.  Steely Dan to Disturbed.  Mozart to Eva Cassidy.  Haven't experimented with any polka, if that's a priority...  

Stereophile A-rated iirc. They do put out bass to 40hz +/-, but I supplement with twin subs for full spectrum listening.
tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 
Agree @admranger though in case anyone gets the wrong impression, I never found the 19mk2s ruthless in any way - far from it. Revealing and neutral, yes.
I came from over 12yrs with various Harbeth models, also fine speakers, which I found more overtly rose tinted.
The 19s can be quite beautiful sounding when required - when I first heard them at the store with my AHB2 amp I was entranced and that amp hides nothing. The pairing was great IMO. 
tlinkie
107 posts
 
The OP’s taste is similar to mine so I have lots of suggestions.

Agree that the B&W 705 and 805 are worth a listen. Meanwhile a friend of mine has the Dynaudio S40 and they are mighty impressive, but costly.

More toward the mass market, I’d consider the Wharfedale Diamond 220; the Polk RTiA3, the Klipsch RP-150M, and (if you have room) the HTD L3 with its superb ribbon tweeter. I also like the Martin Logan 15s and some DefTechs though I forget the model number.

If you don’t mind vintage, check out the Infinity and ADS speakers from the late 70s and early 80s. In many respects they’re as good as today’s offerings. In some ways better.

Avoid newly-introduced speakers unless you enjoy paying an unnecessary premium.

If your ship suddenly comes in, have a look at the Quad Z-2 or even the TAD Compact Reference One. What’s the harm in dreaming?

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