Speakers for a small room, looking for feedback


I would like to get opinions on the following speakers. I have only been able to hear the ATC's at this point & would welcome comparisons.

The speakers will be located in a 12X13 room, angled from the corner (6-9" away from walls). While the focus is on 2-channel, they will also be used for HT. I would like to have detailed & clear highs & a warmer mid-range. Bass just needs to be adequate, but defined (sub only for HT). The presentation should not be forward, but not too recessed. The intent is for a very musical, non-fatiguing speaker that isn't boring.

Top choices at this point:
* ATC 20's - great sound stage; very nice tweeter, but vocals a bit forward; adequate bass, very nice
* ATC 35's - they don't soundstage as nice as the 20's, but the mid-range is excellent; tweeter not as crisp as the 20's; very musical (& homely)

Comparisons: (very few reviews out there)
*JM labs 907 Be or Electra 926
*Paradigm Signature S4
*PMC FB1
*Tyler Reference
*Spendor s5e (local dealer only does custom or referalls, need to find cooperative dealer)

Do any of the above speakers provide what I am looking for? I would appreciate any comments or comparisons of the above speakers. thank you.
macct
There's a few tricks to taming the SCM20's, which take a little bit to get used too. I've requested that ATC offer the SCM35 with the same Excel tweeter that's in the SCM20's, no response yet.

Maybe the Tyler Reference can creep into competition, but having had the JMLabs and ATC's side by side for three years. ATC pretty much win out in every category.

Dynaudio would be a good alternative to look at but they can get a little boomy in a small room like that.

Too bad your Spendor dealer is a dork.
I tried the Dynaudio Contours 1.4 two separate times. Neither time was ideal. The first, they were connected with Adcom gear in a large room and the vocals seem very forward. The second time in a smaller room with Ayre gear it was a nicer presentation. It just didn't move me as the ATC's did(as well as concerns about being close to a back wall).

In terms of the ATC 20's, how do you suggest taming them? is there a way to make the vocals not as forward?

Any feedback on the other speakers mentioned? I have selected them based on reviews and internet comments. Once again. thank you.



I have not heard the speakers on your list, but I have a room that size with similar placement constraints. My experience with a number of speakers is that you need to steer clear of rear ported speakers.

I hope this helps.