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Bookshelf speaker with electrostatic sound

Hi,

I'm looking for recommendations for an efficient bookshelf speaker for my second system in living/dining area. About 3,000 cu. ft. Vaulted ceiling goes to 14". They will sit on top of 12" deep bookshelves, about 6' high. They'll be used primarily as background music at low to moderate levels.

I've had various electrostatic/tube systems for 30 years. I like the open, quick boxless sound from electrostatics. So naturally that is my reference. I realize I can't replicate that sound in this application, but I thought it may help with recommendations.

Tonal accuracy and balance is important, especially at low to moderate levels. No rolled-off or excessively bright treble, or overemphasized bass or treble for affect. Rear porting or emphasis on porting for bass will probably not work. I'd like to avoid speakers that exhibit nasal qualities. Not interested in speakers that demand really good amplification. I deal with that in my other system.

Initially they'll be paired with Onkyo TX-8555 receiver, but I'll consider a small integrated down the road, tube or SS. Just want to keep it simple for casual listening. Source is radio and digital. Prioritized music tastes are classical, jazz, folk, blues, rock, alternative.

Budget: Less than $1,000.

Thanks!

Scott
sschmidt
mateored
258 posts
 
Another thought, if you are really lucky, you might find a pair of Soundsmith Dragonfly monitors with the optional ribbon tweeter upgrade. I've never heard them, but the reviews are exceptional. There was a pair on A'gon last week for $775 without the ribbon tweeter.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
This may be too late for the OP, and I'm baffled why I didn't come up with it sooner, given I reviewed the larger sibling for Dagogo.com.

The Eminent Technology LFT-16A is a hybrid dynamic/magnetic planar. It would be worlds closer in terms of the overt aspects of panel sound similar to ESL than any dynamic trying to "fake it."

The only other option would be a line source, which would be prohibitive likely in a smallish package. It would be possible, perhaps, but might be pretty scary sounding, along the lines of something from the Sharper Image. :(
theogenes
1 posts
 
I'm not particularly familiar with the electrostatic sound, but my understanding is that it is a very 'fast,' detailed, and clean sound. With that said, the ATC SCM7s can be found used for under a grand (I got mine on the Gon for considerably less), and I would be absolutely amazed if you can get more detail, clarity, and excellence of tone for the same money as the 7s.

On the downside, they aren't particularly efficient, but they aren't the watt-hogging power suckers they're sometimes made out to be. I'm currently running mine in my second system with an entry level Denon receiver, and it sounds much better than it has any right to.

Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide, or what you get a chance to audition!!
sschmidt OP
19 posts
 
Thanks all. Definitely good options. I hope to listen to a few of them in the next couple weeks. I may also give the Clue a listen to since they're made here in my back yard. Unfortunately more than my budget new.
toddnkaya
493 posts
 
Are the speaker in bookshelves up six feet high?
If so, there is no way I would spend a grand for background music.
Usher makes a fantastic speaker the 520 that is front ported and will be all the speaker you will ever need. Or Triangle Titus around the same price point. I would look for a front ported speaker . You can't expect great sound stuffing speakers in a bookshelf , not to mention having them at 6 feet in the air. Usually stand mounts are at 24 inches and require a foot of room to the front wall. You might even be able to send less than $250 , with a speaker like the Audio Engine series.
Todd
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