if possible give a listen to the Manger Z-1
unlike any speaker discussed on this thread, in a good way
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We sell kef, Focal Jern and Alta
you may want to look at the new Jern 35 which is a tiny, ultra dense loudspeaker utilizing Scanspeaks best drivers.
the cabinets are constructed from graphite and cast iron and there is absolutely zero cabinet resonance they sound more like a 25k to 30kpair of reference loudspeakers and when used with a great matching subwoofer you will find them hard to beat at double to triple the price https://www.lbtechreviews.com/news/hi-fi/high-end-2022-new-iron-speaker-with-exciting-technology the Alta audio Alec and Adam floor standers are very small so they might work as well. the kef reference ones are extraordinary and for 9k represent a great value for a reference loudspeaker.
the sopra ones are outstanding if you value resolution and sound staging. Dave and Troy audio intellect NJ Kef, Focal, Alta and Jern Dealers |
Thrax audio makes a really nice Bookshelf called the Siren in the price range you noted. It also comes with a pluggable port https://www.thraxaudio.com/sirens There has been a reviews by Stereophile magazine in the past year on the speaker https://www.stereophile.com/content/thrax-audio-siren-loudspeaker
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+1 Joseph Audio Pulsar, musical, many fans with very positive reviews. Zu Druid 6 - 101db is an extremely efficient speaker which is typically matched with low wattage tube amps including flea watt. I’ve demoed Zu a few times at audio shows, but never resonated with me - suggest the OP demo them to decide |
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Re a bookshelf, I have also been considering the same thing or possibly a small floor stander. Right now I have Thiel 3.7's and Avantgarde Duo's. I just moved and transporting those things was a royal pain so now I am committed to downsizing my system. I have been looking at the Kii 7 as a cheaper alternative to either the Kii 3 and Dutch&Dutch 8c. I have not heard them but plan to next week- I'll report back. |
I second avanti1960’s suggestion of the B&W 805 D4 Signature. Near-ribbon resolution, 3-D imaging, and in growing importance to me, easy to pick up and move. Mine are powered by a Benchmark AHB-2. The clipping lights don’t blink until the loudness exceeds about 96dB SPL average at the listening seat. I gave up on tower speakers years ago because the bass never seemed just right in my room. With a pair of JL Audio E110 subs and the B&Ws, the subs are adjusted for perfect very full range sound. And they are easy to pick up. Did I mention that? |
I haven't listened to the Focal Sopra No. 1 but recently changed out Dynaudio Contour 20's to Focal Diablo Utopia Colour EVO's and am very happy with them. Huge improvement in a challenging room. I use them with two Scan-Speak 32W/4878T Revelator 13" Subwoofer’s. I use a preamp for 2.2-channel and share the FL/FR mains, Subs and external amps via Home Theater Bypass to an AVR for TV. I have a couple other rooms in the house I make the choices in but the Family Room is a compromise as decor is as important a hobby to her as stereo is to me. Her asks were hide the components and as many wires as possible, no tower speakers, and black in color. We are both very happy with the choice. 2-channel is the priority but I am hoping to modify a Viva Utopia stand to use as a center channel stand for my 3rd Diablo.
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$15k for bookshelves is a generous budget. My limited exposure to pricey bookshelves is Dynaudio C1 platinums, Contour 20 (non-i), and Heritage Specials. Also Paradigm Persona B. The C1s were pretty amazing, the Contours would have been great if I hadn’t heard the C1s. I now own a pair of the Heritage Specials. I can heartily recommend them for the sound, but there have been some stunning speakers with interesting woods in this thread. If I ever make it to AXPONA or some other show, I’d like to go the the Joseph Audio room to hear the Pulsar 2 Graphene. In terms of what else I’d like to hear, a Fritz Carbon 7, and a Watkins Gen IV, but these are less pricey with more of the small manufacturer vibe. I’m interested in trying out speakers that have a certain following of loyalists. |
Beautiful room george r. I don’t have much experience listening to bookshelf speakers VA Hayden se are pretty cool, Raidho D 1.2 are always amazing at axpona, but if I was shopping for a ‘close to full range’ stand mount that I could place a few feet from any reflective surface I’d buy the paradigm persona b and use some of the change to buy my wife something nice. |
I'd like to add my voice of recommendation to these already mentioned: B&W 805 D4 Marten Parker Duo Keep an eye out for used Focal Diablo Utopia Colour Evo's; They often show up in your price range. If you're looking for small, these pack an AMAZING amount of sound in a little package while maintaining excellent quality: Raidho TD 1.2 Magico A1 |
