I have to downsize my listening room. Looking to get a pair of bookshelf speakers for a room size 13x14 which has furniture carpet and I plan to do some acoustic treatment if needed. Would love to get some subs as well. Currently I have rels510 which might be too much for this small room..
@allenf1963 , I read your post and was intrigued by the speakers (actually I have found myself intrigued by many of the suggestions as not too long ago I was looking to upgrade my existing two ways which are in a small room). If I remember corectly, based on my limited knowledge regarding efficient and minimum impedance, those looked like they would be a pretty easy load to drive. If I was still looking for speakers, I'd seriously consider looking at those.
Anyway, as I typed, I read your post, and nothing I remember reading was objectionable or seemed to cross any lines. As I remember you did state that you were not affiliated with the company, and I've seen likes to different products provided before on other posts. If you find out why your post was deleted, let us know.
@grislybutter-- Thank you very much. I have NO IDEA why anyone would have flagged the comment unless they have a personal beef with Watkins Stereo Center LOL.
All I did was give background on the business (it's been around since 1974), told how William Watkins patented the dual woofer that Infinity bought, mentioned some of the legendary speaker models they have made, and gave info on how the OP could look at their website and buy direct. It blows me away what the Mods delete sometimes.
I appreciate your info. I sure as heck am going to inquire why it was removed. If someone asks about speaker suggestions and the Mods censor brands, that is some royal cow dung (I don't want to use the proper word for fear of being accused of cursing!)
So can someone that has been around this joint for a long time explain to this to me? Do the Mods delete your posts if you mention companies that don't advertise with them? I posted a reply yesterday giving the OP information about a speaker manufacturer from my home town in Upper East Tennessee -- Watkins Stereo Center. I gave details on Watkins new Generation 4 speaker that has gotten rave reviews. Today, I got the message below. I had NO PROFANITY in my post. It WAS NOT SPAM. I DID NOT THREATEN anyone. There was NOTHING VIOLENT in my post.
So, what gives? I am absolutely baffled at the decisions made by the "Mods" at this site. How do I find out what was so offensive about recommending the Watkins Generation 4 speakers? Does anyone have the knowledge of how to access the "way back" feature of the internet so I can show what was posted before it was removed? This is ridiculous. I also noticed another thread got the axe within the last few hours. Thank goodness we have people protecting us. OP, check out the Watkins Gen 4 before this gets deleted!
Hi allenf1963
Your Post was removed by a moderator
2024-08-23 22:07:04 UTC
Do yourself a favor, and give these speakers a chance -- Watkins Generation 4, the recipient of The Absolute Sound's 2017 Golden Ear Award and thei...
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Best to assume you will require room tuning for maximum performance. A smaller room can be a blessing, especially if it is a dedicated room for music. A highly experienced close friend is having a wonderful time with his Dynaudio Heritage bookshelf speakers in a new, smaller space. A floor standing version has been announced. The mentioned Duch & Duch 8c's are used by Prof Edgar Choueiri to demo the BACCH crosstalk cancelling at audio shows, a mature DSP process I've truly enjoyed for a full year now. After 50+ years of "chase," I would never be without it. Nearfield benefits the BACCH greatly. Best, Pin
The Harbeth 30.1 monitors are fairly large 2-ways. On the face of it, they might seem kind of large for your room. They are not: I have mine in a desktop/nearfield configuration in a 13' X 13' home office, and they sound amazing.
I try not to think how great they might sound in a better setup than mine. No matter: I love them to pieces.
A pair is for sale on AG at very good price. No idea if this is a good seller, and if it was me, I'd ask for many more pix. Still, these are well worth considering:
I'd second the Legacy Audio Calibres. The AMT tweeter is very extended and airy; very good dynamics/power handling and the midrange is wonderful. I've owned a pair for 3 years and love them-
Looks like a lot of great recommendations already. I'll throw in the Magico A1's. I picked up a pair over the summer and couldn't be happier. They are super versatile with both stand mount or a true bookshelf (I have mine stand mounted). Very articulate and full with plenty of low end. Best "small" speaker I've ever owned.
Damn I had know idea there are so many best ever speakers offered out there, especially the little stuff. Even shopping with a fixed budget in mind a person won’t live long enough to review most offerings. Build it and they will come…hey that’s a movie isn’t it Lol.
Cheers
I purchased the Fritz Carbon 7 II several months ago after watching a review posted by Dave on Youtube...one of the best audio buys I ever made all things considered. Fritz speakers are a incredible value (a steal in my opinion) and Fritz is a really good guy who cares about customer service and a passion for audio and will discuss your application with you (room size, equipment currently in place) before selling you gear. It would appear the OP is seeking a very high end set of speakers but if you are looking at under $10,000 for a set standmounts do yourself and your wallet a favor and check out the Fritz line A+.
Wilson Benesch Endeavour. Exquisite detail, flexibility, & musicality. True reference performance when paired with reference grade electronics and will work in small rooms as well as large rooms.
gryphongryph +1 Graham LS5/9... I use an Aesthetix, Calypso Sig & Chord SPM-1200e on mine; no sub required in my med 18' x 26' size room. Been through a ton of standmount speakers & these are my jam!
Another plug for the Dynaudio Heritage Specials. The more improvements I have made in my system, the more and more they truly shine. They are incredibly musical, have very good dynamics, image and soundstage is great, and sound great with a wide variety of music. I’ve only grown fonder of them over time.
I listed the ps audio Aspen fr5 at the beginning of this thread, I’m pleased to see others agree. Really folks find a way to audition these, they punch way beyond their price point. Much of what’s been listed here pretty polished handcrafted wood included are just…well just plan small box speakers.
Cheers
Every speaker mentioned here is a fine speaker...I would stay away from Active ones because you have no choice but to use their electronics. The Borresens and the new PS Audio would be my 1st. choice.
If the TAD are even remotely in your budget, I would give those first choice. An absolutely stunning design. Absolutely state of the art technology and execution n Expensive, but you can easily see, and more importantly, hear where every cent was spent. I cannot imagine a.more perfect small room speaker.
I just heard the studio electric M5 a few weeks ago when I bought an amp. It was really good. I bet the M4 is great as well. If the Tads are anything like the S1ex I had I would pass for my tastes. Still use the same “high tech” drivers but probably better crossovers.
PS Audio FR 5 speakers are getting very good reviews. PS Audio sells directly to the consumer in the US. I have many of their electronic/digital components and not only do I like them but their customer service is excellent.
Due to hurricane Ian in 2022, I had to move into a condo while rebuilding our home. I started with LS50 metas and they were so thin and lacking in bass. I moved on to Fyne F501-SPs which were much better than the Kefs. I then moved up to Fischer & Fischer SN70s which cost double the Fyne' and sound 4x as good. Lastly upgraded to TAD ME1's and they blew me away with their imaging and musicality. They just sound right. I'd love to audition the Marten's and Kaya 12s to compare. I don't think you can go wrong with the ME1s. Good luck !
@gdnrbobmost people don't take anybody seriously here but themselves. It's a miracle when they read the post and react to that and not to their own feelings about the day or their spending that they want to brag about.
Do yourself a favor, and give these speakers a chance -- Watkins Generation 4, the recipient of The Absolute Sound’s 2017 Golden Ear Award and their 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019,& 2018 Editors’ Choice Awards. The late William "Bill" Watkins (and now his son, Bill, Jr.), have been manufacturing amazing speakers in my hometown of Kingsport, TN, since the early 1970’s. There have been several Audiogon posts over the years where individuals have found a pair of Watkins Stereo legendary WS-1’s, WS-1E’s and WE-1’s and are inquiring about what they’ve found. I spent MANY a weekend in the 1970’s sitting in a hazy party basement listening to Rainbow, Genesis, Led Zep, Black Sabbath, Robin Trower, Rush, and other excellent "stoner" bands through Watkins Stereo speakers. Finding a pair of those speakers is a Holy Grail search for me now. Mr. Watkins became well known when his woofer design was purchased by Infinity. From their website:
"Owners of several U.S. patents on loudspeakers, we designed the Infinity-Watkins Dual Drive Woofers, renowned for their ability to reproduce low bass. You can read about the inclusion of our Watkins Dual Drive Woofer in the Infinity Reference Speakers series on David’s Audio website. We also built the first room absorbers (Echo-Muffs) to be rated a breakthrough by Stereophile Magazine."
The Gen 4 speakers have gotten rave reviews and in my opinion, they outperform any bookshelf speaker I’ve heard in the sub-$10,000 price range. At $3,000 a pair, you will be amazed. I’ve heard them go toe to toe against Sonus Faber Amator II’s, Concertino’s, Nova 1’s, and Amator III’s, and the Gen 4 is right there with them -- I like the Gen 4’s bass better, actually. Available factory direct at $2,995.00 a pair with a risk free 30 day return privilege (terms apply).
I’m not affiliated with Watkins Stereo in any form or fashion -- I just enjoy seeing a business that I’ve known for almost 50 years continue to thrive in little old Upper East Tennessee. As an added bonus, the cabinet woodworking is beautiful. The Cherry and Walnut are my favorite, but I’ve seen an Alder and Maple pair that were freaking striking.
Here are upgrades that have been made to the original design:
@saurabhgarg I would recommend a different solution for a small, almost square room. The Larsen 4 speakers work wonderfully in almost any room. They sit smack against the wall and project a large soundstage behind them. I used to sell these and I never met a room where they didn't work fabulously and better than any conventional box speaker. I don't know what they retail for now but before the pandemic they were around $2K. Highly recommended
Hi,
Of course all the advice you have been given is very valid. But take into consideration the Marten Parker Duo, they are certainly not cheap but they sound really great.
regards
Alessandro
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