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Advice on near-field speakers (eg, Raidho X-1)

I recently started a thread asking whether a stand-mount speaker could reward critical listening, and enough people were encouraging that I'm moving forward. Given how difficult it is to audition speakers these days, I'd appreciate some advice on which speakers might work well for me. 

I have a small, 10x12 room that I can use as a dedicated listening room. My budget for the speakers is 10k, though I'd prefer less, and I'll be buying a new amp and probably subs to fill out the sound. Like Lou Reed, I have a rock and roll heart, but for this room I'm primarily interested in chamber music, symphonic music, solo piano, and (instrumental) jazz.

It's easier for me to say what I don't want: I don't want a "fun," "exciting," "surprising" small speaker that "punches above its weight" (I want an excellent speaker regardless of size). I'm not drawn to a sound that is lean, punchy, forward, or aggressive, and I'm wary of speakers that (over)emphasize resolution. I don't want a cute toy for rich people (which is how Wilson advertises its TuneTots, though it may be a great speaker). I don't like an overly bright, fatiguing upper end. 

I've lived with Maggies for years and I love that relaxed, open, airy sound that doesn't call attention to itself. I appreciate a natural timbre, open soundstage, and "musical" imaging. A warm sound is better than a cool one. I'd like a speaker that can do strings justice at low-to-medium volume. (Yes, I know I'm asking about small speakers here.)

I've read some intriguing things about the Raidho X-1 and XT-1. They'd likely need subs but they're designed for small rooms and get some very positive reviews. I can't tell, though, whether they have the kind of sound I'm describing. I'd appreciate thoughts from anyone who knows them.

Here are some of the other speakers I've been reading about, eliminating speakers that I have no chance of hearing (Wilson-Benesch, Reference 3A, TAD ME-1). 

Boenicke W5
Harbeth (P3ESR or 30.?; I'm a bit flummoxed by the new line)
JA Pulsars
Dutch and Dutch 8C
Focal Sopra or Diablo ($$)
Magico A1
KEF Reference1
Boressen Z1 ($$)
Spendor

I'd love to take any of these off my list if folks think they're not what I'm after in terms of sound or room. I've heard the Harbeths and can do a home trial of them; I've enjoyed hearing the Pulsars but they're rear ported and may need more space from the front wall than I have. And some of these seem a bit physically big to me but maybe that doesn't matter.

Once again, thank you! I really appreciate the knowledge and wisdom out here.



northman

Showing 6 responses by northman

northman OP
236 posts
 
Scott, that's a fantastic write-up, and I appreciate your positive tone and incredibly helpful advice. Given that you have a stake in these matters, your generous appraisals are all the more welcome. 

@lancelock , I can't say I know much about the Gamut speaker (is there an east coast dealer?) but I have heard some wonderful things. In this case, though, @yogiboy is right: beyond my budget!
northman OP
236 posts
 
Thanks to you both.  Yes, @mijostyn, I certainly do plan to listen. And I know that I am not going to reproduce Maggies with a mini monitor; I mentioned Maggies mostly because that's what I know best and because they exhibit some of the acoustic qualities I'm hoping for. I'm wondering, therefore, if the Raidho X1, combined with a pair of subs, would create some of that open, relaxed, beautiful sound. I don't worry about bass so much with small monitors/stand mounts (though obviously that's an issue to be addressed) but rather I worry that they'll sound too bright, clinical, and forward. 

@djones51, I'm on it! You were kind enough to post in my other thread as well. I have a decent preamp and DAC, so I'd have to rethink what to do with them. Also, the dealers within driving distance are ... perhaps not really traditional stereo stores. One is a store for musicians (as in, sells tech gear for stage performances, mics, etc) and the other is ... I'm not sure what, a lifestyle store. But if either has a listening room or a generous home trial policy, I'll give them a listen. They're intriguing. Thank you for recommending them.
northman OP
236 posts
 
Thank y'all kindly. 

@soix, I certainly haven't given up on the Pulsars. I auditioned them last spring before all hell broke loose, though I was thinking of a different room when I did that. I know I can do a home trial with those and I almost certainly will. I've never heard the W5, though I've read plenty of encouraging things. The only dealer in the Northeast is in NYC, so that one will have to wait. Honestly, I'm trying not to be impatient about this purchase but it's hard. I've always bought my cars and my stereos for long-term use, but maybe I should consider transitioning to what so many here do: buy and sell items, enjoying the process of change. 

@ladavid , thank you for your very kind post. I know what you mean about some speakers simply looking big in a small room. I've heard many positive things about KEF but have never owned a pair. And I almost bought a Hegel amp a while back (long story); I'm going to start with the speakers and then match the amp, but I hear you on Hegel.

@mijostyn, I'm hardly a digital phobic though I haven't considered the DEQX Premate. (I have looked at the JL crossover, though I'm forgetting the model number.) I'm expecting to pick up a pair of subs, not for the boom but for the lower mids (bassoon, double bass, etc). 

I have to say it's fun to learn about all these speakers that I've never even heard of. Usher. It looks like they only have a dealer in CA, though perhaps that's just a distributor for other dealers. Xavian--Prague! Super cool!


northman OP
236 posts
 
I've been looking at so many websites, some that sell new and some that sell used pieces, and it's such a mixture. On the one hand, many people, stuck at home, are investing in stereo equipment, creating long waits for speakers, etc. And on the other hand, there are too many people having to sell their gear for financial reasons. I feel like I'm in both camps: at home and eager for the pleasure and escape of a listening room, and at the same time worrying about my job, my kids' education, and so on.

@djones51, I'm sorry to hear that you have to sell those speakers. It's clear you love them. I hope that the medical situation resolves, that the world returns to normal, and that you can have those speakers (and/or others!) back in your life soon.
northman OP
236 posts
 
@yogiboy , I don't think my personal situation is especially unusual (or anyone's business). I was not expressing my personal anxiety so much as sympathizing with a fellow 'Goner who is forced to sell beloved speakers. 

We're all worried about the pandemic and its effects on the economy, jobs, education, and so on. The speakers I'm looking at are within my means, but the world is so unstable that it's hard for anyone to be too confident of what the future holds. I would imagine that most folks out here are in the same situation, asking themselves: is this the right moment to buy that new amp? Is this the right moment to invest in the stock market? How do I put my recreational needs (those speakers!) into the context of a world that is teetering on the brink?

Also, you refer to "those high priced speakers," but "high priced" is relative. I just read a Stereophile review of Harbeth P3esr and the reviewer called the price ($3500 at the time, I think) "chickenfeed." Well, to most of the world $3500 is a TON of money to spend on speakers; in the audiophile world, that may be considered a modest investment. 

In short, while I appreciate your concern about my personal finances, you needn't be. I'm just in the same boat as everyone else, trying to make sense of a fragile world.
northman OP
236 posts
 
Thanks for weighing in, Scott. I've heard only amazing things about the X-1s. The only drawback I've consistently read is that they're too small to produce deep bass and that they're mighty "fast" for a subwoofer.

I understand if you don't want to be specific about my list but I'm curious (for anyone reading) which of those speakers lean more toward the acoustic tone I'm after and which lean away. The Harbeths and Pulsars I know to be promising but I don't know the Magico and Focals at all. The Boenickes get great reviews but they're hard for me to audition even in the best of times. (Everything I've read about Magico suggests it's not the speaker for me, but the A1 does get positive reviews.) Of course it's one thing to read reviews, it's another thing to try to imagine how they sound.


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