I don’t know if you can get the speakers 3 feet or more away from the front wall, but from the description of what you like to listen to, “Looking for a wider, deeper stage and possibly more involving presentation. Listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music”, it might be worth your while to check out Magnepan - 1.7i or .7. Budget-wise you could probably squeeze in a nice pair of subwoofers too, if you’re so inclined.
Help with upgrade bug...
First time posting. I've had this fairly satisfying system for some time now and am looking at upgrading to a higher end set of speakers. Looking for a wider, deeper stage and possibly more involving presentation. Listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music -- using XRCD and SACD, primarily.
Oppo BDP 105
Benchmark DAC3 HGC (headphone or occasional Ipod/Mac duties)
Plinius 9200 integrated
Totem Acoustic Forest
Kimber Hero/8TC and Shunyata power cords
Monster HTS3600
Room is about 15x11 feet. 8 ft ceiling. Current speakers are along the shorter wall, about 2 feet out, 6 feet apart.
Budget probably around $5k, give or take (used or new). I've been somewhat partial to standmounts but would not be totally opposed to another set of floor standers. The low end extension of my Forests are for the most part, enough for my ears with the music I listen to. If I do get standmounts, I wouldn't be totally opposed to adding a sub later on (although integrating them would be a different discussion altogether).
I've looked considerably at the Dynaudio Confidence C1 (Platinum), Contour 20 or Special 40 (given I've heard good things about Plinius and Dynaudio synergy). I've also considered the Joseph Audio Pulsars. Unfortunately, demo possibilities are limited.
Thanks!
Oppo BDP 105
Benchmark DAC3 HGC (headphone or occasional Ipod/Mac duties)
Plinius 9200 integrated
Totem Acoustic Forest
Kimber Hero/8TC and Shunyata power cords
Monster HTS3600
Room is about 15x11 feet. 8 ft ceiling. Current speakers are along the shorter wall, about 2 feet out, 6 feet apart.
Budget probably around $5k, give or take (used or new). I've been somewhat partial to standmounts but would not be totally opposed to another set of floor standers. The low end extension of my Forests are for the most part, enough for my ears with the music I listen to. If I do get standmounts, I wouldn't be totally opposed to adding a sub later on (although integrating them would be a different discussion altogether).
I've looked considerably at the Dynaudio Confidence C1 (Platinum), Contour 20 or Special 40 (given I've heard good things about Plinius and Dynaudio synergy). I've also considered the Joseph Audio Pulsars. Unfortunately, demo possibilities are limited.
Thanks!