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Seeking advice on Speakers that create an intimate 2 channel listening experience

So the past month I started a couple of threads on speaker choice on AVS forum (One asked for Powered/Active floor standing Speaker choices and another one around non-active FS speakers for a tube amp I was looking at).

But I've come to realize this was the wrong tact, got lots of flack much deserved and wanted to try to solicit the advice/opinions on this forum which I just discovered.

Short background...Hunkered down in a suburb just outside NYC now for the past 3-4 months, I started to get the itch for a dedicated 2 channel stereo Turntable setup in our living room in May. After much research and twists and turns and immediate upgraditis, as some know on here from other posts, I've finally settled in and now own a Rega Planar 10 Turntable. I also own a Sutherland phono --20/20 with LPS and that's staying. Right now the phono preamp is hooked up direct to a pair of ELAC ARF51 floorstanding speakers (all drivers powered by built in AB amps) which I like a lot BUT ITS HERE THAT I WANT MORE. Btw, I love the ELAC design of mounting the tweeter concentric in the mid driver -- makes sense to me.  I kinda wish ELAC would take the same design and make a reference speaker but thats for another day.

So to swap out the ELACs, I will obviously need an amp, but I will figure that out later and want to focus on getting the right speakers for me for what I want. So what do I want?

1. Floorstanders. Close to full range as possible. No subs.
2. Looks count since in my main living room.
3. Speakers that prioritize Imaging Imaging Imaging. That disappear in the room creating an intimate but 3D listening experience. Clean (Accurate) warm sound. No distortion. I would easily sacrifice low end for untiring highs and warm mids I don't listen to metal or hiphop anymore so I don't need loudness, more like lounge experience if that makes sense. Apologize if I got the adjectives wrong but its personal description of what I'm seeking.
4. Price Point - -$10k-25k. Room is 22x18 with 25 foot ceiling

I would like to audition/demo before I buy and since I live in the Tri-State area it should be possible. But I'm finding that obviously difficult to do right now. I listened to a pair of Salk speakers but didn't love them. And have an appt with the Audio Doctor in NJ in two weeks.

Thanks in advance.
aj523
aj523 OP
385 posts
 
Some OP nostalgia....
Around 1991 after I graduated college, I bought my first pair of speakers at the Listening Room in Scarsdale NY.

There I auditioned, eyes closed, 4 sets of speakers all in the same price range -- Thiel, Mirage, Snell and Def Tech BP10. I don’t remember the model numbers for the first 3, because I wound up buying the BP10’s. That bipolar sound, whether a gimic or not, had me at hello some 30 years ago. I think the other 3 are no longer making speakers and Def Tech has cheapened their line in my opinion since the 1990’s. The Listening Room closed up shop years ago. Times change, but I’d like to do a similar thing with at least 4 speakers again.

P.S. I paired it with a Pioneer Elite receiver from the Listening Room (I think Dolby Surround had just been introduced), and that receiver was a tank, it was beautiful  and never an issue (It was over $1k at the time) so I kept it for 30 years, rarely used, and only recently gave it away in full working order.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
627 posts
 
Charney Audio in Somerset NJ will give you exactly what your looking for. Engage in intimate 3D listening with articulate bass from a well designed and constructed work of art. If you drive or take mass transit Charney will accommodate you. Contact Brian and set up an appointment it will be well worth your time.
http://charneyaudio.com/


flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
I meant the speaker line MC was dancing around.   Good luck with your search. Such a long list from which to choose.
rcronk
52 posts
 
With top notch equipment I still run my 'home made' speakers.  $25,000 for a pair of speakers??? Come on, really!
sawbuck
27 posts
 
At your price range you would be hard pressed to pick a BAD speaker.

Imaging was your dominant concern and goal, imaging can be found in dealer showrooms.  So I would go to as many show rooms as possible and listen for the speakers imaging. basically road trip

Please take notes, is the imaging forward or is deep, how many subs were used during test and rate their looks and get their minimum distance from back and side walls and lastly how big are they.

All these issues and possible more impact your enjoyment after your purchase.

Once you make your choice you will now have to find the optimal location for your room. This is not simple or quick and I would recommend dealer help. I would also recommend looking at MiniDsp.com, Their products will help dialing your system in for your room, and any dealer worth their salt will know how to use this tool.

At your price range your music source will play a major role in your enjoyment. The major problems with an excellent system is that you can actually hear more than before including all the issues related to bad recordings. I would highly recommend an external dac as part of your system. the RME ADI-2 DAC  is a good reference point to evaluate dacs. If HDMI is needed look at the Bryston Dacs which is one of a few that offers and HDMI connection.

Biggest point is, your Room is 50% of what you hear from your system, getting your system setup in your room is critical to getting the best sound out of any system.

As for a  speaker recommendation that  would be Ohm Walsh https://ohmspeaker.com/speakers/beta/  They are known for their imaging and sound no matter where you are standing or setting, a rarity for a lot of speakers. They also have their own sub line. Also you can call them and they will help dial in your speaker to your room ( based on shape and cubic volume) before it is shipped. Also the allow you a 120 trail period to make sure they work for you. Style is it only weakness for some people.

Good luck in your quest. Enjoy the Music


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