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Could use some help in choosing new speakers

Hi all,
I’m in the market for new floorstanding speakers for the following system: Rega P25, Dynavector 20X, Arcam CD92, Bryston B60 (could change soon).

I am looking for ~$800-1,200 used. I have used Totem Arros, really liked their sound overall, but need some more oomph. Right now I am back to my old reliables, Signet 280 floorstanders, which don’t really compare to the Totem’s, save a very nice sounding midrange.

Looking for a great all-around speaker, and love an airy, open, warm sound with a wide soundstage and good imaging/separation, but not giving up too much in detail and accuracy.

They need to be on the smaller side with good looks to satisfy the wife. So a relatively small footprint, and ~40 inches in height.

I listen to all kinds of music, mostly rock and classic jazz, with a fair amount of classical and world thrown in. So a good mix of acoustic and electric music. My listening room is 14'X 28'X 9'(H), speakers against the long wall, and I can't have them out too far from wall.

Unfortunately, it is not feasible for me to get to any stores to listen to anything, as there aren’t any hi-fi stores near me.
From reading up online, these are what I’ve come up with thus far:

Spendor S5e, Quad 22L2, and Monitor Audio RS6

Has anyone opinions as to the differences amoung these, or have anything else I should consider?

Many thanks in advance.
sandman012
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
If you like the Totem sound why not look for a used pair of the Staff or Hawks?
I recently purchased a pair of Proac Response 1.5s in your price range. They meet the physical requirements and to my ears sound just like your description.
I also saw those VR-2s mentioned above and thought someone is in for a treat.
waveform
2 posts
 
Let me just comment on the Quad 22Ls that you mentioned. They have a very nice and smooth sound with respectable low end. However, to realize the impact that you are looking for you will almost certainly need a more powerful amp. I find the 22Ls to sound terrific, but they really need an amp in the 125-200 watt/ch. range. They are terribly power hungry. I was driving mine, in a room similar to yours, with a Bryston 4B (250 wpc) and still was amazed at how high I had to turn up my Anthem preamp to get decent loudness out of them. However, if you can get a powerful amp to drive them, you'll like what you hear.
sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
I guess the Quad's wouldn't work, I don't want a speaker that is difficult to drive.

I'll have to read up on the VR's but looks like a great deal.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Look at the Gallo Ref 3s here on Agon for right around $1300 - nothing in that price range can beat them. Period.

-RW-
sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
Well, the VR's in question sold, but they did intrigue me.

The Gallo's are too odd looking for the wife unfortunately.

ANother speaker I am considering is the Polk LSi15. Any thoughts how these might compare to those in question thus far?
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