+1 for ATC. I owned the KEF LS50 (V1, passive) before switching to the ATC SCM 11v2 and the difference was astounding. The KEFs were more analytical, and very detailed….but the ATC is way more fun to listen to and not at all fatiguing. Warmer, more holographical, bigger sounding….. I did my research and landed on ATC. So glad I did. Now I have SCM 40v2 and will likely never upgrade, short of moving to a bigger room or coming into a windfall…. Just my $.02.
- ...
- 46 posts total
There are a million small speakers that range from $200 to $50k. Budget would be super helpful. If you like Thiels with a Carver Amp, I am going to guess the sound profile you like will be a bit forward. For sound, and not crazy expensive, I would look at: raidho x-1 with stands vivid Kaya S12 with stands Wilson-Benesch Vertexes Verdant Nightshade 1 and Blackthorn 1 B&W 805 D3s focal Kanta no 1 and Soprano No 1 these are all brilliant speakers that will run $6k to $13k with stands and short of some really crazy expensive speakers, these will sound great, and will give “best” type performance. there are lots of less expensive options but won’t be “best” type quality. |
Check out Wavetouch audio V2 speakers. The best sounding room at The Home Entertainment audio show 2021 (Long Beach, CA) to my ears. It was a smallest sound system (Oppo bdp-95, Chord Hugo DAC, and a 3 watts tube integrated amp only) at the show. The sound was very realistic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hUIlxgcF1k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDfzDqOhSEI |
Dynaudio Heritage. I’d never listened to Dynaudio speakers before last week and I’m not a fan of small speakers. Three and a half years ago, wife and I had to move into a travel trailer while a LONG renovation was done. I spent months auditioning, buying, trying out dozens of vintage and current production small speakers and ended up with three that I thought were very good - ProAc Response 2s, Revel Performa M106, BMR Philharmonitor. All easily bested the KEF LS50 and can be found for less than $2000. Last week I happened to wander into a store that had the new Dynaudio Heritage. Those things blow everything else out of the water! They’re beautiful, too, with very fine walnut veneers. The only drawback is price, $7000. I’m still waffling but will be buying a pair, I’m sure. Can’t stand the thought of missing out on the chance to own such fabulous speakers - limited run of 2500 pairs. |
- 46 posts total