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Intimate, warm and holographic alternative

Me another time... Sorry for the inconveniences.

Yes, recently I started a discussion here with the title: " ATC SCM150 (or JBL Synthesis) (or JBL vintage) (or new Klipsch Jubilee)". See: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/atc-scm150-or-jbl-synthesis-or-jbl-vintage-or-new-klipsch-jub...
Last post from ohlala, advising that studio monitor type sound is not the most "enjoyable" for him, was revealing. I could hear yesterday an SCM20 (yes, I know it´s not comparable in many aspects with the SCM150) but the type of sound have not convinced me.

So now I´m more on the warm side, looking for a intimate and holographic sound with great scene. Really useful some old threadas about this, especially: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/seeking-advice-on-speakers-that-create-an-intimate-2-channel-... 

I would like to hear personal opinions and experiences about the best speakers that give that musical sensation in which the devices "disappear". Suggestions, brand, models...

I was searching some brands and models and here are some that have caught my attention:

- Gershman Acoustics: Avant Garde
- Legacy Audio: Aeris + Wavelet
- Devore Fidelity: Orangutan O/96 (fatigue??; little too "in your face"??; fleshy bass??)
- Harbeth: 40.3 XD (not a true rock and roll speaker??)
- Klipsch
- Spendor
- Tannoy

Listening position is 9 feet from the speakers. My room is big: 41 square meters. I´m worried about bass. I hear a lot of music but specially rock, so I would like something capable.

Thanks so much to everyone. You are very helpful.

milhomes

Showing 2 responses by verdantaudio

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,517 posts
 
What is your amplification or will that be selected to work with your speakers?  This is important.   The amp I would pick to driver Harbeths might make your ears bleed driving Klipsch.

These speakers have wildly different sound profiles and sensitivities.  For example, I would call out Klipsch or Tannoy about being bright and in our face long before I would call out Devore.  Harbeth and Spendor are decidedly warm.  

If you want the speaker to disappear, that is great.  Lots of speakers are capable of that.  Placement and well matched amplification is more important in many cases that the actual speaker.  

You are sitting 9' from the speakers.  How much room is available behind the speakers?  How much space can you get between the speakers?  Distance to side walls? 

Do you prefer a sound where you are more immersed in the sounstage or do you want the image in-front of you?  

There are 100s of speakers in your price range.  Some are radically different than others.  All can disappear if placed correctly and all can sound miserable if placed poorly.  

A little more info can help narrow this.  
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,517 posts
 
With your dimension and the need for flexibility in terms of near wall placement combined with your bias toward high sensitivity speakers, I would look at Avantgarde Zero XD 1s.  They are comfortably in your price range.  Are 104dB so very easy to drive.  If you are looking for a very intimate and engaging listening experience, Avantgarde is second to none. 

There is a fully active model called the Zero XD TA which is a very nice speaker as well and has a very good built in DAC.  

The Uno XD is better but a little above your budget at $31K and is visually polarizing. Not everyone loves the big horns.  

These are brilliant with low powered tube amps.  I recommend 300B or PX-25 SETs to my customers. 

All of these have powered bass modules and will give you brilliant performance in a large space.  

There is one model I would watch out for.  The Uno Fino XD.  It is modestly price for an Uno ($21.4K) but has a ported bass module rather than sealed which creates issues in terms of placement.   
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