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Great Small Room Speakers for $3-5k

Hi all, I'm looking to upgrade from my current speakers (Zu Audio Omen) in my small room (13x10x7: WxLxH) and willing to spend $3-5k. I'm looking for a slightly more transparent speaker than the Zu's and also a smaller speaker. I'm open to new and used speakers. So, I've turned my attention to bookshelf speakers and small footprint floorstanders. I have a Rel subwoofer to buttress low end. Most of my listening these days focuses on blues, soul and R&B, classic rock, and alternative hip-hop. 

My system is: Rogue Audio Sphinx v3, Bluesound Node 2i, Rega P3 TT, Rel T7/X sub.

My nearest Hifi shop focuses on Harbeth, Spendor, and KEF. So far, I've liked the Harbeth P3ESR and Compact 7s and the Spendor A4. But, I'm curious to get other suggestions. I've been interested in the Devore Fidelity O'Baby but are just above my price range and can't be demoed right now.

Does anyone have experience with those aforementioned speakers in a small room? What else should I consider for a smallish room in this price range?

regaflush917
lak's avatar
lak
4,822 posts
 

Sounds like a good plan to me, please keep us posted on your progress and auditions.

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

if you already have a sub, Harbeth bookshelves make sense

dayglow
2,479 posts
 

@nickamland    Do you like the treble of your Zu Omen? If you do a Harbeth might be to relaxed in the treble. 

mesch
3,530 posts
 

I support your plan. Make the comparisons over an extended period. Play each for a long listening session with in a day and also each over several days. 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,226 posts
 

If you do go the route of trying out the Atalante 3, be prepared for break in. It'll take a week or two of steady playing. The cone material of the mid woofer is unique in the industry with higher strength than glass fiber or even Kevlar. I used my Ayre test CD (with pink and white noise and frequency sweeps) to aid in break in and it was only after the 3rd time that everything fell into place. It's good practice to occasionally use it anyway.

Don't get me wrong as it sounds great right out of the box but odd at the same time, as if something is amiss. It's just the cone breaking in. I'm now routinely going through 2, 3, and 4 hour listening sessions, reveling in the sound. 

Also, if you employ subs, forgo the use of them to see just how low and convincing the base performance is and to judge the speaker on its merits, alone. You'll be pleasantly surprised. I have no desire whatsoever for a sub with these speakers and I've come from using JBL 4319 speakers with 12" woofers. 

All the best,
Nonoise

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