Beernut,
I strongly agree with Islandmandan's recommendation of the Tannoy System 12 DMT or System 12 DMT II or System 1200 (all very similar). Relatively compact cabinets (50 to 70 litres), the exceptional coherence of the dual concentric speaker topology, high sensitivity (93-96 dB), high power handling (200 Wrms), superb dynamics and, with used prices typically under $1K, outstanding price/performance ratio.
I own or have owned the System 12 DMT and System 12 DMT II, the System 15 DMT II, and the System 215 DMT II. They have the same family sound except as the driver and cabinet size increases, the sensitivity rises and bass extension deepens. They all perform well with both low powered tube amps and high powered solid state amps (though my personal preference is for the latter).
Horseface's recommendation of the Klipsch Heresy is also a good suggestion, although I find the Tannoys are smoother without sacrificing detail and dynamics.
I've auditioned speakers up to $30K retail, but haven't found anything to tempt me away from the System 215 DMT II, which retailed for around $9K and which I bought used for about one-third of that. And the System 215 is just a System 12 on steroids. . .
Happy listening!
I strongly agree with Islandmandan's recommendation of the Tannoy System 12 DMT or System 12 DMT II or System 1200 (all very similar). Relatively compact cabinets (50 to 70 litres), the exceptional coherence of the dual concentric speaker topology, high sensitivity (93-96 dB), high power handling (200 Wrms), superb dynamics and, with used prices typically under $1K, outstanding price/performance ratio.
I own or have owned the System 12 DMT and System 12 DMT II, the System 15 DMT II, and the System 215 DMT II. They have the same family sound except as the driver and cabinet size increases, the sensitivity rises and bass extension deepens. They all perform well with both low powered tube amps and high powered solid state amps (though my personal preference is for the latter).
Horseface's recommendation of the Klipsch Heresy is also a good suggestion, although I find the Tannoys are smoother without sacrificing detail and dynamics.
I've auditioned speakers up to $30K retail, but haven't found anything to tempt me away from the System 215 DMT II, which retailed for around $9K and which I bought used for about one-third of that. And the System 215 is just a System 12 on steroids. . .
Happy listening!