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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
62 responses Add your response
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,666 posts
 
If your looking for something intimate and with a huge sound stage i'd suggest looking at some single driver or point source speakers. Voxative comes to mind in the upper end Omega on the lower for single driver speakers. point source your into Kef, Tannoy, Tannoy's actually may be your ticket here.

I's suggest open baffle or pannels but you don't have the space. 
bubinga
104 posts
 
There is no ideal.  It's all about system synergy and your personal preference.  Having said that, I'd recommend that you look at MBL.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
milhomes, there is only one type of speaker that "disappears," a full range electrostatic starting with the old Quad 57. This is why people have fallen in love with a speaker that so limited and fragile. Nothing does the disappearing act better than the old 57s. There are ESLs now that are some of the toughest speakers made with few limitations. But, they are large and difficult to drive. I do not include Martin Logan speakers in this elite group. They are hybrid speakers and just do not disappear like full range ESLs. Sander's Model 10s are also hybrids but from what I have read they manage to maintain the ESL magic sound stage. ER Audio makes a line of ESL kits at very reasonable prices. Then for the people with adequate resources there is Sound Labs. 

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 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.   
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,794 posts
 
If you are worried about bass, get a set of Audiokinesis Swarm subs. The Swarm is 4 to a set; so you can set up something called a 'Distributed Bass Array'. This will prevent standing waves from robbing you of bass (a common complaint, often right at the listening position) and you will have bandwidth to 20Hz.

At that point you'll have your pick of speakers to use for the mains. They won't have to be all that large, since the need only go down to 50Hz or so. To use subs successfully, they must not produce any output above 80Hz, else they will attract attention to themselves. Speakers that image well but don't go below 50Hz or so are common.
garyalex
117 posts
 
For an intimate and warm presentation you might want to research Jean-Marie Reynaud speakers.
milhomes OP
7 posts
 
Hi verdantaudio. I have no amplification. I will choose the amplification after deciding the speakers and I will go for the amp that best suits with the brand and model of speakers.

There is no much space behind the speakers: 2 feet more or less. Between the speakers are 9 - 10 feet. Take into account that this place is not going to be my definitive sound room but in the future I will have the same or more space and distances.

I prefer a sound where I am more immersed in the soundstage.

Yes verdantaudio and artemus_5: lot of variation on prices and sensitivity. Let’s hope your experts advices help me in taking the correct decision. 
I also prefer high sensitivity speakers or at least that can’t work at low volumes Even though I listen many times to rock music, I must admit that with my neighbours I can’t hear every time music at high volumes and many times I hear music at night when my children are sleepy. That said I also hear through the day music at high volumes. It depends on the moment but I want something that could be capable at low volumes.
 I’m not closed to any option. Just want to hear your experts recommendations.

Thanks so much.
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 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.  
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,927 posts
 
You have a lot of variation in both price and sensitivity. I'd try the Legacy Arris. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,661 posts
 
Add Vandersteen to your list!
https://www.vandersteen.com/categories/floorstanding-loudspeakers
Post removed 
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Ohm Walsh's. There are models that are designed to work well in large rooms. The company has been in business for 40+ years and does not advertise. Located in Brooklyn, NY. I have a pair of the older Sound Cylinders (ca1989) with the 8" Walsh driver. They sounded great playing the AC/DC CD Stiff Upper Lip (amp was the Carver TFM-15cb). Even listening off-axis they sounded phenomenal! 3-D imaging from anywhere in the room! Forget typical box speakers with forward-firing drivers - the Walsh speakers put the performers right in the room!
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