Have some fun with bookshelf monitors!!

Some great thoughts here!!

Under serious consideration:

• Fritz Carbon - have always been on my radar but found the Watkins here during that search - probably too much in the same ballpark.  Maybe same with the triangles.
• The PS Aspen FR5 are really interesting.  that rear passive radiator is interesting - and they fit the bill on one end of aesthetics spectrum.
• Zu Method - I like the efficiency and that they are front ported.  boutique and interesting.

ATC and Harbeth both great suggestions.  I have P3ESR already i can swap in - ATC seems like I start to push the budget.

@soix I was so close to a used set of the Joesph’s a couple years back.  I love the look and have been dying to hear them.  Just not a great fit in this room.  But another short list speaker for me.

@elliottbnewcombjr I hear you on the room - but this is not a listening room.  I wouldn’t even consider anything but floorstanders for my main room.  This is a compromise - a special space where audio is not primary.  ease of use for others and aesthetics matter.  But don’t hate me for trying!

Love all the opinions and advice.  Its nice to not hear "why do you need another set of speakers" - thanks for enabling me.

I'd suggest Triangle as well but a different model, the Comete 40th anniversary. Front ported, easy on your budget and great sound IMO

Besides the sound of the speakers, another good thing about Fritz speakers is that you can have a nice, long conversation with Fritz, the guy who makes the speakers... He can answer any of yer questions and has lots of good stories to tell. 

If you only had $1000 or less, then I'd get the relatively new Triangle Borea BR04 bookshelf speakers. They have a better crossover than the BR03, and are a bit larger, and play down to 44Hz in room. I got a pair for a steal and love them for what they are. Reviewers say that no, they aren't "giant killers" but sound as good and have a build quality of speakers in the $1500 to $2000/pair range. Reviewers (and me) like that they aren't bright but aren't dull either, have great dynamics, and the tonality is very fine indeed. 


But, yes, if you are willing to spend $5K then I'm sure you can do better and get something with all the detail and other attributes you may crave. Monitor Audio Gold might be the ticket.  Have fun. 

 Its nice to not hear "why do you need another set of speakers" - thanks for enabling me.

Rock on. I find such comments more than irritating. 

Compare: "why do you need another to go to Italy again" and the stupidity inflates like a giant balloon.