Monitors for a bedroom system.......

The aspect of the request that I don't get is wanting a "..great, deep soundstage.." which is to be appreciated playing ambient music while nodding off (laying down I presume). Most monitors in that price range will be soundstage champions anyway, that is, after all, a strength of a good monitor. But I'm not sure you'd be able to appreciate that aspect of them while laying down and listening to ambient music, which, by definition doesn't even have a soundstage, but is more of a surround sound with no pinpoint sources. Perhaps you may want to consider a surround system in the bedroom for ambient music.

That said, I'd agree that $2k seems like money better spent someplace else. Great monitors exist that could be very rewarding, and look great to boot, at a much lower pricepoint. Given the remainder of the requested qualities I'd take a good look at Silverline Audio's offerings. With the close proximity to the wall you may want to seek out a monitor that is not rear ported.

Sweet dreams.

Marco

As far as the pricepoint is concerned, I can speak for myself when I say that the reason I question the investment is that, in my opinion and experience, you would be just as well served in the reclined position, in a bed, in a typical bedroom, with your speakers six inches from the back walls, by speakers that cost a whole lot less than $2k. I don't think the other poster was making any sweeping generalizations either (he actually made some good suggestions) - seemed to be offering his opinion. Do we really need to qualify every post with an "IMO" to make it clear that it is only one persons opinion? Hey, for all I care he can go and spend $20K, but that would occur to me like folks who spend $65K on a Hummer that stays on smooth pavement in Los Angeles. If that's what floats your boat, have at it. Since the original poster started out by asking for some advice, I assume they're soliciting opinions and can sort out the rest for themselves.

Marco

I still feel that you would "get your money's worth" spending the 2k, as the speakers he mentions are quite good, and will sound better (even in his listening position) than a cheaper, worse sounding (in the case of the audiophile) set of speakers.

Oh, I get it; you want good sound. Well then, once you get the bedroom sorted out, I'd set up your bathroom next. A pair of Kharma Exquisite Reference oughta do quite nicely in there! Cause you'll be wanting nothing but the best sound in each and every room no doubt. Oh, and once you hear that bass response echoing off those tiles, you'll be saying to yourself, "...why that's the best $75 grand I ever spent!" I guarandamntee you that those premium barkers will sound better than a cheaper, worse sounding set of speakers while you're cutting a brick in there. Just wait'll you hear the garage system I've got in mind for you!!!

Marco

Would the Kharmas sound better than the Bose? If the answer is yes, you just validated my point.

That isn't much of a point. Since you seem to need a translation: Just like listening in a bathroom, listening in a bedroom, at low volumes, to ambient music, while laying down, with the speakers six inches from the wall, all implies some serious compromises to how much of the performance you are paying for is actually something you will be able to appreciate. Given those considerations, it is my opinion that there are plenty of great monitors that folks have mentioned above that are well below the $2k mark, that I seriously doubt that you, the poster, or anyone else would consistently pick out while listening to Enya reclining in a bed at low volumes, as being inferior to, for instance, your B&W 805s or any $2k monitor.

The speakers have to have presence at low volumes. In fact, they only need to play at low volumes.

This person is looking for speakers that they will be playing only at low levels while nodding off in bed listening to ambient music. At typical lower volumes human ears are not capable of hearing low frequencies of sub 50hz. Want proof? Get a test tone (pink noise) generator, or a CD such as Sterophiles Test CD series. Set your system up at the low-volume level you're likely to be listening at in bed using some music you like (my guess would that would make for 60db peaks or lower perhaps). Cue up a 50hz test tone and see if you can hear it (or feel it for that matter). I truly doubt it. If you are only going to be listening at lower levels, bass doesn't really come into the equation (unless you are adding some form of equalization or emphasis with a subwoofer). A single-driver alternative like the Cain&Cain Abby may be worth consideration, though it is not a monitor. Single driver speakers, when done right, have remarkable low-volume presence. You'd need to pay careful attention to the balance of the system you pair them with. Used Abby's are around $900-1200.

Marco