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 1 response by tt1man

I echo audiokinesis' recommendation of the Larsen 8 or top model Larsen 9.  I own 8's which were purchased prior to the 9's introduction. We used a pair of 9's at the last AXPONA in Schaumburg. Set them up along the long sidewall and attendees were amazed at the sound we achieved no matter where in the room they sat or stood. Tonality and reality weresuperb even in the less than ideal hotel room. Paired with GamuT electronics & cables, Pear turntable, Aurender server, Bricasti DAC, and shameless plug for our Pneuance Audio Pneupod pneumatic isolation feet throughout.  Give Michael Vamos at Audio Skies (Larsen distributor) a call for more details and dealer list.  Good luck!