Loudspeaker Recommendations: Standmount or Small Footprint Floorstanding under $2k

I've been extremely happy with a pair of Nola Boxer S1 speakers in a system with a Raven Audio Blackhawk LE amp. It did for me exactly what you're describing, more fullness in the lower frequencies while maintaining a very open articulate sound in that range. They brought a kind of coherence to the music I hadn't had before. The Boxer has had a number of upgrades and you likely can find one within your price range. Here's one example of the original model, which I owned before getting the S1 model, https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9i1aj-accent-speaker-technology-nola-boxer-full-range 
Lots of reviews online and you can check hifishark.com for listings.

Based upon your description of your system and what you like about it I'd be inclined to add a good subwoofer. Depending upon the size of your room I'd suggest one of the following, REL T/9i, T/7i, T/5i or T/Zero.

Not sure of the size of your room,(important info) however if you have a smaller to mid size room, I second the Nola Boxer choice. I have a pair of Boxer 2's,and they do bass very well. Image wonderfully,great soundstage,just an all around great speaker. Of course your ears are different than mine,so YMMV.

+1 for adding a sub. Only difference would be I would look at a "Swarm" DBA type system ( 4 subs). 

I do have to admit that if you want to replace your speakers the Nola Boxer 2's look to be a very good pair of speakers built with high-end internal parts. Unfortunately, I've not had an opportunity to hear them.

To me it looks like your problem is going to be easy to fix. You mentioned you like the sound of your speakers but going up the totem line further to get the sound that your after is going to be more than your budget I would think. Adding a subwoofer would seem to be the logical move you're going to increase your Sound Stage and get that bass that you're after and you can cross it over so that you won't even know the sub is there. Hope you find what you're after all the best.

If I were you, I would try out a set of the new Wharfedale EVO4.3 towers, with their AMT tweeter.  They showed them at the recent Rocky Mountain Audio Fest and they got really high marks for the price.  That tweeter is really good. And they don't try to make the woofers produce more/deeper bass than they can do well, so there is apparently no mid bass hump. 

You can get them from Crutchfield for $1,600 and also return them for $10 if you don't like them. 

Hi folks,

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. Seems like the Nola Boxer is getting a lot of nods so I’ll read up on those.

I’ve done the subwoofer thing in the past and found I was fiddling with the settings more often than sitting and listening. But perhaps moving up to a small Rel will offer better results.

My room is approximately 13’’ wide by 20’ long. It’s an open family room space with a half wall that goes into the kitchen, and also peels off to hallway that’s to the right of the stereo. Not much I can do about that, but I know I’m loosing a lot of bass as it sound moves down the hall.

You can see photos here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7783
[I have since upgraded the TT to a Clearaudio Concept]

As for other brands I’ve demoed I dig ProAcs, Harbeths and Chartwells (although these are out of my budget at the moment). Not sure if that gives an idea of the flavor I’m after.

There is a listing here for Harbeth P3’s rosewood for $1525.00. You should make an offer on them!

another vote for the Nola Boxer.  I've had the original ones for five years and added a Rythmik L12 sub.  when set up right they are superb. 

I haven’t heard your current speakers, so can’t speak to how some of these suggestions compare, but these are some of the speakers I’ve used in a fairly nearfield situation that can be found within your budget.

Harbeth P3ESR. I love these and they rival my main system in terms of detail, instrument separation, and enjoyment. I have a small SVS SB12 NSD sub in this system to flesh out the bottom end. My room is fairly small, about 12 X 12 with no treatment of any kind. The speakers are maybe 5 - 6 feet from my listening position.

In your larger room, something like the Focal 1008 BE might have more body and presence and will do well with imaging and detail and musical separation. I tried them in the aforementioned room and they were good, but a little too much for that small space. They are now in my home office and sound great there.

Canton makes some very nice speakers, but they don’t seem to be very well known in the US. They are German made. I have the Vento Reference 9.2 DC which are currently available at accessories4less for $1200, which is a steal for speakers of this quality. They are not quite as detailed as the other two I mentioned, but are very easy to listen to and produce a surprising amount (and quality) of low end for their size.

It’s possible you’re looking for improvements in the wrong place. I have not heard the Heed Obelisk, but owned the Heed Elixir for a short period of time. I liked it at first, but over time realized it was a bit grainy and hard compared to some of my other integrateds (Peachtree Nova 300 and ARC VSi55). Perhaps the Obelisk doesn’t suffer from those faults? The reviews I read about the Elixir didn’t match my listening impressions and the Obelisk is supposed to be better than the Elixir, so I may be off base.

I owned a pair of the metal driver Silverline Preludes for years and they are amazingly good speakers...D'Appolito array of aluminum/titanium 3.73" woofers with a screened tweeter of the same brew. Amazing range and slam for a very skinny ported tower, highly recommended if they still make 'em.  Maybe 1500 bucks new? I only sold mine as I wanted very high efficiency speakers for a small tube amp.

@wolf_garcia 

The Silverline Preludes seem to fit the bill too.  Very gorgeous looking speakers!  Are those purchased direct.

@big_greg

I went from a Rotel integrated to the Obelisk and feel the improvements have been great. If thinking other areas need a change I wonder if swapping my DAC or Phono Cart will bring results I’m wanting.

Thanks for the few speaker recommendations. I do love Harbeths and have had my eyes peeled for a used pair within my budget.

I think Preludes are a direct from Silverline thing although mine were "previously owned" and came from a shop in CA. Note that the metal driver D'Appolito version isn't the Prelude Plus as they're a different design with more "normal" drivers...likely another good choice anyway. Also, the designer, Alan Yun, told me on a phone call that the Preludes sound better single wired...I tried both single and bi-wired and he was right.

Acoustic Zen adagios ,2k used