Floorstanding Speaker Feedback


Am considering a small(ish) pair of floorstanding loudspeakers and am trying to narrow the possibilities for our downsized retirement home. They will be paired with a LSA Statement integrated amp. They need to be nearly full range (30hz- ish) and need high WAF. Room is open concept, fairly large (600 sq. ft and adjacent to other rooms). Mostly jazz, classical, female/male solo voice, etc. Nothing loud nowadays. Will be replacing best speaker "system" I've owned (A heavily modded pair of Van L. Speakerworks - of Chicago - Quartets and a pair of REL T-7 subs). The short list so far are: Revel Performa F208, Dynaudio Focus 260, LSA 2.1 Statements, Usher Mini Dancer 2's and Vienna Acoustic Baby Grands. Budget is $3000-$5000. Have also considered DeVore . . . but the Orangutan o/93 are a tad outside the budget. Anyone who is familiar with any or all of these care to comment? Appreciate the feedback as I narrow my "search".
zeljoh

Showing 9 responses by zeljoh

Thanks. Open to suggestions for sure. Should mention that I like electrostatics. But typically too big, too unattractive (to wife) and most require a sub (IMO). Although I have considered the Martin Logan Ethos . . . a bit above budget. At this point limiting myself to more conventional "box" speakers.
Should also mention that I have communicated with John at Van L. Speakerworks. If I sell the Quartets I'd be interested in a custom pair of his floorstanding Silhouettes done in a Quartet (MTM) configuration.
Thanks Mapman. You know, I didn't realize Ohm was still around. Don't know why they weren't on my radar. I used to listen to them years ago (early 80's) at a local brick and mortar shop. Always liked "their look" and honestly don't remember a thing about them sonically. I would imagine they have evolved over the years and are a much different speaker today??? You have given me some food for thought. Am sure they have their pros and cons . . . like all speakers. Something to research.
"I'd say Revel F208's, especially if you like electro stats. I don't consider them small but sure would be nice in a 600 sq ft room."

Yes. I'd have to say these are the "leader in the clubhouse." Checks all the boxes. Modern, updated, attractive design from a great company with a solid history. I do think they'd pair well with the Statement amp. Although I think this amp would be a good match for any high quality set of speakers. Have to admit to having been an Usher fan over the years (have owned a couple of their speakers including BE-10's). And have personally always liked Martin Logan - so the Ethos, if I can find a "deal" are also high on my list. Am thinking those are the final "3". Don't relish the idea of selling what I have . . . but hey, that's what makes this hobby so much fun. Sure. :)
"In your price range, and given that you don't expect to play your speakers at ear-bleeding levels, you should not limit your choices to small floorstanders."

Thanks. My current sub/satellite speakers are phenomenal. I'm specifically looking for floorstanders at this point.

"If you like the Martin Logan sound consider a used Montis."
I agree. If I thought I could find a mint pair for $5K or less . . . they'd be my choice. Thanks.

Have appreciated everyone's recommendations and have learned about and rediscovered some names I hadn't given much thought to. I've always thought ice cream shoppes should have one flavor to make the decision process easier!! :) And probably a good deal more boring.
The Gershman speakers have my interest. Can anyone further describe the Sonograms and Avant Garde models? Comparisons to other speakers? Thanks.
Keithtexas,

Thanks. The LSA Statements are on the "list". Am also looking at a pair of Essence Electrostatics right now. Am leaning the direction of electrostatics - Essence, Martin-Logan or Janszen. But am investigating others including a pair of demo Gershman Avant Gardes. That's the update.
Thanks, all. I can certainly relate to the "gone are the days of the great audition" thread. Nowadays, being left with online reviews, personal suggestions, magazines and the like certainly seems to make the search become based upon "faith" as much as anything. Makes the decision(s)very difficult.
By way of update the "search" ended yesterday when my new Usher Mini Dancer 2's in walnut finish arrived at the house. They ticked all the boxes and are stunningly beautiful (in my opinion). Not really small that's for sure. Time for some break-in. Here's a good one . . . sold my amp, new one hasn't arrived. So for now, they're just decorations.