Checkout used stuff. There is a really nice pair of Dynaudio Special 40’s on trmaudio.com for 1900. This would be an upgrade over the Evoke series and still within budget but just barely. I’d also check out Totem, ProAc and Sonus Faber. The Diamond series from Wharfedale is one of the best value speakers, so it might be difficult to make a noticeable improvement looking at new speakers in that price range.
Floor to Bookshelf
I have a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 towers that I like but are simply too large for my listening position. A smaller pair of floorstanders would work just fine, but since I presume I will one day be moving everything into a smaller listening space, I'm thinking of taking this opportunity to move down to standmount speakers.
That said, I'd love some recommendations for a pair of speakers that would still feel like an upgrade in sound. Non-fatiguing detail is most important to me, as is imaging and soundstage. Right now I'm looking at the Dynaudio Evoke 20, but those are a bit pricey. I'd like to spend less if I can but the budget is probably $1k-$2k.
33 responses Add your response
considering that you'd probably need stands (and maybe a separate subwoofer), query how much floor space you're actually savings w/bookshelves vs. a smaller (fuller range) floorstander. as with @perkadin i'd also buy used--scrolling through the listings i saw some nice psb synchrony and monitor audio in your price range in addition to those he mentioned. |
| Post removed |
You may want to give Fynes a listen. Very good in that price range and easy to drive. Their smaller floorstanders might work and save you the price of stands. Beware of bright speakers in search of resolution, as these might be fatiguing long term. That's why I suggested Fynes. Good luck, listen to everything you can. |
I'm a strong advocate of published or open souced DIY speakers. Several out there have a great following. I own the NADA "stand" 2-ways made with Scanspeak's best drivers, XOs in furniture grade cabinets. Name recognition brands would cost many times. I've seen them used for $1600 to $2200 of late. Uncolored, detailed sound. If handy, could try a design by Troels Gravesen (see site) for his Illuminators (basically same as NADAs). Follow links to CAD cut full blown cabinets to his specs. Few if any tools needed except soldering. Finishing. Something larger, 3-way, will be my next speaker. Never heard them but Fritz speakers have massive following in the same category. Many models out there used. |
In my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, there were a couple of smoking deals listed last week that still may be available. A trade in pair of Dynaudio Evoke 20's in Walnut, mint condition with loaded stands for $1,750; and a set of Fyne Audio 501SP in gloss Walnut, rated as borderline perfect with low demo hours, for $2,850. I know the dealer and the boutique store, and I've seen both sets of speakers -- they look and sound like they came straight out of the shipping crate. Also listed a mint pair of Silver and Red KEF LS50's with IsoAcoustic stands for $800. I've bought used gear from the store before and every purchase was like new (Audio Research SP17, Rega P3, Sutherland KC Vibe, and led me to a consignment deal for a McIntosh MC-225 that he didn't take a cut).
If interested, contact me and I'll send you the contact info. |
Magnepan LRS+ for $999. I have them in a treated room (office) that is 12 x 11 x 9 (+4 feet extra where I stuffed a desk in a closet). You need 2.5 to 3 feet away from the front wall. You also need a powerful amp Way more than 100 watts even in a small room. I tried the following and they worked the best:
The original plan was to get one of the following stand mounts, Magico A1 | Yamaha NS3000 | Vivid ?? | KEF Reference 1 Meta. However, after taking a flier on the LRS+ ($999) and dialing it in with the treatments and amp. I closed the book on spending more on speakers for my office. BTW - I also use a KEF KC62 sub with the LRS+. The sub needs to be fast. If I were to use the CODA #16 with the LRS+ I really do not need the sub. BTW2 - I used to have KEF LS50 Meta + KEF KC62 sub in the office. The LS50 was easier to drive but I like the wall of sound aspect of the LRS+ more. A great small room speaker. |
I’m very familiar with the Dynaudio Evoke series and they are quite good. However, I spent 7 months with Fritz speakers and wrote about them here and here. They are extensively discussed on this forum -- use the search bar or see, e.g., here. I think the Carbon7 mk II might be perfect. I suggest you give him a call. He’s a sweetheart and will work with you. @fritzspeaks |
+1 @hilde45 I own the Fritz Carbon7s. Easy to drive, fit the description your looking for, would need to find a used pair to fit budget($2600 new). Contact Fritz, he sometimes has a discounted pair with return policy. |
@lanx0003 +1 The contours are hard to beat for that price if anyone loves their sound - which I do :) |
I found myself captivated in a Dynaudio vendor room for a solid 45 minutes during an audio show, entranced by the sound demo of a pair of Contour 60i speakers. The sound was pure and rich, with good control of sibilance. While I haven’t auditioned the 20/20i yet, I’d assume the smaller model carries the traits of its highly praised big brothers, given the rave reviews. |
https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2642092 @mightee, the monitor audio i've heard are transparent and very extended at the high end--i wouldn't call them bright (in the sense of having an energized, hard-edged treble), but neither are they as warm/smooth as some of the above picks. you're getting a lot of recs for dynaudio, which may work well for you. |
@mightee -- I attempted to send you the information twice from the private message you sent me. Let me know if you got it. The Audiogon Mod notice popped up -- I believe because I included a phone number in the 1st attempted reply. Audiogon doesn't like that...they think I'm trying to sell you something privately. |
@allenf1963 i got it, thanks so much! I’ll drop them a line this weekend. |
Just bought a week or so ago I think the best stand mounts I have ever owned. Bache Audio Sonata-Ex-2Compared to Spendor, Dyn, Rogers, Kef and Tetra. He is here on the Agon. Glad I found him while out surfing for something new. He does give a trial period. Look up Bache Audio- I don't see any listed- may have to contact him thru another ad?? |
Easy recommendation: ATC sealed/acoustic suspension 2-ways. You could get the SCM12 Pros new for <$2K; or the SCM19 or SCM20 passives on a used basis. I own the SCM12 Pros. The sound is mindblowingly good: assertive, detailed, dynamic beyond belief, yet musical and truthful, not tiring/edgy. ATC all the way! PS: I second the recommendation of buying something from The Music Room (www.tmraudio.com), I bought an expensive pair of high-end headphones from them, and it was a painless, ideal transaction. Note: @perkadin stated the URL as "trmaudio.com," which doesn't work & leads to malware alerts |
Dynaudio Evoke 20 Bookshelf Speakers - Black, Pair open box at $2,039.15 |
Just to add to what @mesch said, I wanted to add this video review I found recently. I know it comes down to taste, but for my taste (and sense of value) Dynaudio cannot really touch Fritz. I've heard the Fortys, the Evokes... it's just no contest.
|