Advice on stand mount speakers


I am looking for my final speaker purchase. Giving up the chase.
I have a small listening room 13 deep x 12 wide x 8 high.
I have had several types/brands of speakers including Martin Logan Aeon I's Vantages, and Scenarios, Audio Physic Scorpios, and Kef 103/3's.
The Vantages are too much for the room. The Scorpios had too much bass but imaging was spectacular. The Kefs were very good but I had to augment the bass.
What I am looking for is a stand mount that has enough bass and has excellent imaging side to side and front to back.

I have been looking for used speakers in the $3500-$4500 range.
That includes a lot of good choices, Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors, Focal Micro Utopia, Merlins, Kef 201/2 and possibly 203/2.
I have no way of comparing these or any others you might suggest side by side so I am asking you all what your experiences/advice would be.
What are the strengths of each as well as weaknesses of them?
I realize the last octave of bass is out of the question but I want meaningful bass without having to resort to a sub.
Power will be provided by a Cary SLI-80 (40/80 watts) or a Phase Linear 700B (350 Watts) for now but will probably upgrade soon.
Thanks all,
Marlin
mlman

Showing 1 response by chayro

In a small room, I suggest you consider Harbeth. They are true monitors, which means they are designed to work well for nearfield listening, which is not the case with all speakers. You don't list your musical tastes, but if you enjoy vocals and acoustic music, they will fill the bill very well. Unfortunatly, IMO, the sad truth is you cannot predict how a speaker will work in your room until you get it installed in your system. I have had several speakers that, in a perfect acoustic environment, sound much better than the ones I have now, but just wouldn't work in my room. Good luck.