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Advice about warm, gentle speakers...


Help. I need to use a home theater system for 2 channel music. The system is based on a mid-level Denon DVD player and a Denon receiver and right now the ONLY variable I can change is the brand of front left and right speakers (presently Paradigm Titans). I would like to get something that can soften the digital glare (besides turning down the treble!). The speakers need to be either monitors or small floor standers and I am aiming for a price less than $4,000 new or used. Finally, I am not in a location where I can audition different brands so I hope to narrow it down to a few choices for in-home trials. I listen to all types of music but not louder than about 80-85 db. From reviewing the forums it appears that more “serene” brands include Green Mountain, Spendor, Sonus Faber and Vienna Acoustics. I really appreciate any input on this—thanks in advance for the advice.
aitchnu
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
Vandersteens do work well close to the wall as well as Snell.
mdhoover
695 posts
 
Would 4K have to include the stands?
aitchnu OP
21 posts
 
I do like Vandersteen sound but I need a narrow speaker to fit into the present space without being too intrusive. Mdhoover--I can get the stands separately in addition to $4k for the speakers. Thanks again for all the help!
aktchi
274 posts
 
Aitchnu: From reviewing the forums it appears that more “serene” brands include Green Mountain, Spendor, Sonus Faber and Vienna Acoustics.

Just my take: GMA look ugly, SF's are usually overpriced. I have owned Spendor for years but must say that now a days Harbeth is a better choice for that kind of sound. Other than that you should put Silverline, Salk, Tyler, Acoustic Zen Adagio, and Zu on your list.

Sorry I can't narrow any further for you. :) Good luck.
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
I've been listening to a pair of GMA Continuum 1.5's for the past several days, and all I can say is these speakers are outstanding. In my opinion, so many box speakers have a difficult time in 'letting go' of the music. In other words, there is a distinct conversation that can be heard between the speaker and the music, which makes the music sound tethered to (and encumbered by) the box. With the GMA, the music leaves the speaker so freely as to deliver the music with a liveliness that is entirely non-hi-fi. It literally makes many other speakers sound like they are restraining the energy of the music. In addition, the GMA's have the most tight-fisted bass response I may have ever heard. If the bass response of most speakers is as loose as the planet Saturn, the GMA bass sounds as if the rings have been removed.
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