Finding a Bookshelf for Luxman C900U/M900U


Hi everyone, I’m finding a bookshelf to replace the B&W 802D. My genre: Mainly Jazz & Acoustic Pop, 20% of Classical/Opera, and some Bossa Nova, 

 

Here is my story, I used to have a B&W 802D powered by the Luxman C/M-900U and Holo May KTE. However, the 802D is quite big for my room (WDH: 4m x 5m x 2.7m), the 802D create a tremendous bass in my room, which sometime make me feel tired when listenning in the long session. So I decide to move down to the bookshelf which will help me to avoid the room mode. 
 

The budget is around $5k -> $7k (secondhand speaker is a great choice).

 

My wish is TAD CE1 but out of budget. I have some name in my mind:

 

- Focal Utopia Diablo (Ver 2 not Evo)

- Dynaudio Confidence C1 Signature

- B&W 805 D3

 

128x128darkknight8586

Marten Parker Duo...they are extraordinary speakers.
The best I've ever listened to
I liked them more than Dynaudio Heritage, Focal Utopia Diablo Evo, B&W 805 D4
Exceptional speakers...

I currently have KEF Reference 1 Meta and they are excellent, very neutral, they reveal the source and amplification. If upstream is bright or warm, you will hear it. They’re chameleon-like, they can be tuned. I have found that they like a strong SS amplifier, the bass improvement and control is very noticeable.

I’ve also had Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 Graphene. Those are also very nice, excellent tonality and detail, but in my set up they were lacking bass and the KEF sound like a full range compared to the pulsars. I would love to find a nice pair of Perspectives though.

I have also owned the C900U/M900U in the past but did not try them with the KEF or Pulsars but they were outstanding components and should pair well with almost anything. 

@agbrace I have the KEF Reference Ones as well, not Meta, an excellent recommendation in this price range. Interesting to hear that you had a chance to compare them with Pulsars and chose the KEF’s. The Pulsars were on my list to try, but happened into a deal on the Ref’s and I love them. 
 

I did hear Operas at AXPONA this year and made a specific note that I liked them. Given the deal the OP has on those, I think it is low risk to give them a try.