Next step suggestions, from Spendor SP100r ?

Maz,

To get a better understanding of what you might like, perhaps you can list some speakers you heard that sounded good to you (regardless of price). Also, if you have any other particular requirements or limitations (such as placement issues) tht would be helpful to know as well.

Near or below your price point, I would recommend auditioning the Gradient Revolution (extremely versatile in terms of room placement because the bass section is configurable to match different locations). I have heard this speaker in a small room and in a room where it was placed near the corner and the sound in both instances was quite good.

For a somewhat warm balance (without being muddy or slow sounding) I like the Gershman GAP 828. This might be a little above your stated price range, but, I bet you could work something out.

I personally tend to like speakers that are a bit more immediate sounding (good dynamics, particularly at lower volume levels, sense of speed rather than a slower, "heavy" sound). This sound quality is hard to achieve without becoming harsh or dry and thin sounding. A few speaker companies that manage to pull this difficult trick off include Classic Audio and Horning. I have only heard the higher priced Horning model, so I have no experience with the model in your price range (Aristoteles), but the brand is on the right track to me.

Because you mentioned WAF, I would suspect that Magneplanar speakers might be out of contention. If that is not the case, the 3.7 model is something that should be auditioned -- great value for the money, in my opinion.

Good luck on your search.

I would recommend B&W or high end JBL, but those are probably too forward sounding for you.

I would go with ATC or PMC. They have soft dome tweeters.

Thanks Larry. Regardless of the price, I like DeVore speakers.
Magneplanar was an option but unfortunately they are too big for the available space, see the picture at the link in the first message, not so much space available :-(
Dave, about JBL I will have the opportunity to hear, with my amplifier and DAC, the Array system, cannot remember at the moment if 1400 or 1000, I will check next week.

Maz65, a few random opinions:

the Magneplanar, DeVore and JBL are all excellent loudspeakers, but being that you have severe placement restrictions, how will any of these speakers sound better than what you already have? From looking at your system pic it appears one speaker has to be in a corner and the other speaker is next to an open area. Both speakers look like they are fairly close to the rear wall. Most full range loudspeakers will have problems in the lower midrange thru bass with your arrangement. That's why I earlier suggested the bass equalizer. Additionally, the Maggies and the DeVores will not go lower in the bass than the Spendors. Someone suggested Gradient Revolutions -- I have these speakers and they don't have the midrange of the Spendors and they are very inefficient (you'll need a new amp). The Gradients have better placement flexibility, a more linear bass and far outclass the Spendor in soundstage/imaging. Basically, if you switch to any of the speakers mentioned I think you could lose the things you like about the Spendors without really gaining the improvements in the bass you desire.

Maz,

I am a fan of DeVore speakers too. I recently heard the Orangutan with Line Magnetics amp and that combination is quite good. I don't consider the DeVore speakers to be what truly deep bass fans would be looking for, but, they do deliver a lively and well balanced sound. Dave mentioned the high end JBLs. I also think that the high end models with the horn drivers (e.g., Everest) sound very good.