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Help with Shortlist of Speakers! (SF vs Devore vs Others?)

Hey everyone,

First time post but long time lurker. I've been aggressively researching and listening to speakers over the past several months and I could use some help with more experienced folks (who are not trying to sell me a product). Here are pictures of my space and dimensions. Essentially 22'X12'x11' but with an open concept into the kitchen and a hallway. A decent size space but the listening distance to speakers is relatively close. Right now I'm using a cambridge audio Azur 651w (amp) and Azur 851N (preamp/dac/streamer). I plan to upgrade the amp in the future so if the sound could be improved but is still enjoyable today I am OK with that.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RL9QojAHog3CjD6HFTToxoat3_i9a4zG/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SO47Y5JEnRY2RGuAlWJsGUI9i8Q42twl/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vNNNCKpn3ywU3ZzE-MxKOT0GjpFu0gF9/view?usp=sharing

So far I know I like a warm speaker with a visceral bass. I like to feel the music and have a very large soundstage. I do not like when the speaker is too bright or thin. The Sonus Faber Olympicas II/III and Devore Fidelity Orangutan 93/96 have caught my attention. A gentleman at the speaker shop recommended the Audio Physic Avanti but I have yet to try them out.

Given my space, what would you all recommend in terms of size? I'm torn between the SF II & III and the O/93 & O/96. I was scared off by a salesman at one of the audio shops here in San Francisco who said the Dynaudio Countour 30i (which I also liked) would be way too big for my space and really drove home the fact a bigger speaker would overpower the room. 

Anyways, would love to hear your thoughts on this and if you have any other speaker recommendations that come to mind for <$15K.

Cheers!


128x128jpearson3131

Showing 3 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
for fun go see Randy. at Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica and give the Vandersteen Quattro a listen Built in powered subs, 11 bands of room taming EQ below 120 HZ, your main amp can loaf, Award winning 3D sound, made in Hanford ( you will drive right by the exit headed to LA ). Or simplify your life with the Treo CT ;-) no sub but plenty of bass in a back wall friendly bottom port design. Also with the famous carbon tweeter…made in USA

Bratwurst with cut mustard.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
@havocman a careful read of my comments might reveal that I was being generous and in ALL caps recommended other speakers be included in. the audition list. Ya, have a look at my various systems page for many speakers capable of 3D “ cut mustard “ imaging….
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
the Larsen throw a massive 2D image with what i call incisive definition…..As others have mentioned there are other speakers you should ALSO audition, especially against the wall.

Please note the perfectly neutral to all tastes speaker as yet does not exist, well except for ….. ( cue the hype crowd )…

So my comments are NOT bad marks for Larsen. I spent a few enjoyable hours with them in Napa….

enjoy your journey and the search and most importantly the music !,,,,
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