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Best bookshelf/stand mount speakers

Hello everyone. I tried moving my speakers in the room several times and in different places, but still not able to achieve that "it" that everyone is chasing. Currenlty running a pair of Penaudio Serenades on a VAC PHI Beta integrated amp. All first class equipment (as much as I can afford) and was thinking on switching now to smaller form factor speakers to hopefully better compensate for my room deficiencies. I know that this is a whole different topic, but please stay with me for a minute on this one....
I was looking at the Magico Mini II, Q1s, or TAD Compact. Absolutely glorious sound, but unfortunatelly out of my league...
Can anyone please make a suggestion on something similar size and performance wise?
Thank you in advance for your help!
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14 responses Add your response
nietzschelover's avatar
nietzschelover
93 posts
 
If you're talking BEST stand-mounted speakers, I would suggest what I have: Trenner & Friedl ARTs on dedicated Sound Anchor stands.
$4k for the speakers. $750 for the stands.
musicfile
341 posts
 
I think Ridge Street Sason's should be in this conversation as well
Excellent stand mounts
clockmeister714's avatar
clockmeister714
18 posts
 
This conversation, today, would also have to include the Salk Silk. Pulsars for less than half the price? Pretty much. Raal tweeter. Scanspeak Illuminator mid/woofer putting out sick amounts of bass from a 5 1/4 driver. Crazy detail and neutrality. Rock solid imaging. Not the most efficient speaker, but that's about the entire list of shortcomings I've noticed.

Jim Salk is a stand-up guy with terrific customer satisfaction instincts and communication skills. The Silks play lower than the larger Reference 3a mm De Capo i's I replaced -- with a smaller woofer. The imaging precision difference is immediately noticeable. I LOVED the De Capos! But the Silks? With that stunning (standard) veneer? Wow.
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Yea don't let Chinese woofers worry you. A lot of people get too caught up in really high end drivers. The fact of the matter is in practice cabinet resonances swamp the possibly lower distortion etc of such drivers.

Thanks
Bill
mountain-high
62 posts
 
to be honest the Chinese woofer in the Vapor does not bother me at all because it still sounds so good.
jp1208
502 posts
 
Even though I have had issues with Vapor Audio I can't disagree on the sound the Cirrus produces with the Amorphous Core RAAL tweeter. I wouldn't call it a bookshelf speaker since it will give a full range speaker a run for it's money. If you can get a pair without much hassel and frustration then they are to be considered. The Joseph Audio Pulsar is another I would consider if you can find a good deal. The Focal Diablo is a piece of art but I felt you are paying more for this than the sound. The RAAL ribbon tweeter in the Cirrus cabinet is a very serious contender. It can take up to a year to get a pair which can be a hassel.
catama
81 posts
 
Reference 3A mm de capo i speakers. Placement is critical, but once you get it right the soundstage is huge and the sound is magical. You can get them used for about $1200.00.
fffccc's avatar
fffccc OP
5 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Very interesting ideas and many models I was not aware of. I saw the Pioneers on Audiogon, will have to read more. ALL are great leads and your time and effort is appreciated. With best regards and happy listening!
thankful
223 posts
 
Check out the Von Schweikert Unifield 1's or Unifield 2's. They are very nice and extremely musical. The bass is incredible.
goldprintaudio's avatar
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goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
I'll second the Joseph Audio Pulsar suggestion above.

***Joseph Audio dealer disclaimer***
toddnkaya
493 posts
 
Others to consider would be Joseph Audio Pulsars, Selah Audio Tempestas, Evolution Acoustic Mmmicro Ones
jazzfan67
50 posts
 
If you like TAD
You should check out Pioneer S-2ex ($4500)
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Lenehan ML1 Reference have been directly compared to the Magico Mini and bested it:
http://www.lenehanaudio.com.au/index.php/products/ml1-loudspeakers.html

As you can see its much cheaper - but dont let that fool you - it uses hellishly expensive Duelund VSF Copper capacitors way ahead of what even Magico uses.

Disclosure:
I live about 40 minutes from the maker and know him and his product very well having been down there many times checking stuff out and own quite a bit of their gear.

Thanks
Bill
toddnkaya
493 posts
 
I am not sure if Vapor Audio is on your radar. There is a very nice pair of Cirrus speakers with matching stands for sale on Audiogon now. Upgrades include amorphous core Raal tweeter, and major crossover upgrades. These are amazing speakers,that can play with the big boys. I recommend buying used if you want to avoid long wait times. I own the Breeze model which are much less expensive but are also stellar performers.
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