Recommendation for detailed/analytical bookshelf speaker?


Hi. As it is almost impossible to find the "perfect" speaker and having to choose, I always tend towards very detailing and analytical speakers. What I love the most is having the sensation that the artist is playing right in front of me, being able to hear the instruments as close to reality as possible. I hate the "veiled", dark, opaque or recessed some speakers provide and if to hear as close to reality, holographic, microscopic means to get some fatigue after a while or any other inconveniences I wouldn't care. I can always hear music in a more relaxed way at other times with some good bluetooth speakers I have, but for the time when I can to examine music, close my eyes and feel every note playing at me as if the instruments were there, I don't like having limitations.

I've tried a pair of KEF R7 speakers (those are floorstanding), a pair of Triangle Titus 202, a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and Polk Audio miniscule OWM3 with my gear: NAD M22 V2 amplifier, NAD M10 integrated and Cayin A-50 MKII and believe it or not, the sound that I've found closer to "being there" and reality were the OWM3 mini bookshelf speakers. The highs on the OWM3 are the clearest BUT the Triangle Titus also do a very good work. The KEF R7 speakers are way more expensive than the others but I find the sound is darker than the other ones.

I've read and read forums and watched YouTube videos but I think I'm at a lost in my "quest". The last hint I read was that the Martin Logan speakers, with their "Folden Motion" or "Folded" tweeter provides quite a good sense of clarity and detail at the expense, some times, to get a "cold" sound. If by cold they mean extra detail, extra analysis, then I'm in.

So, after that long explanation (my excuses), could you please suggest me bookshelf speakers (that room I'm using is not big: 12'12" x 19'3) that could get me the kind of sound I'm looking for? Thank you very much.

Best regards,
insoc

Showing 1 response by b_limo

In my experience, I preferred ATC SCM 7 v.3 over the LS50. Both are exceptionally transparent but the ATC’s do a wide variety of music well where as the LS50’s fall short on some rock recordings. 3 doors down “the road I’m on” sounds worse on the LS50’s than any other speaker I’ve ever heard. The LS50’s do sound magical with certain recordings and certain genres of music so take my previous statement with a grain of salt.

The bass on the ATC SCM 7 v.3 was incredibly well defined, articulated and textured. They dug deep and were incredibly well controlled and fast with no overhang. I feel like the ATC is a slightly more refined sound. I feel like the LS50’s are actually more fatiguing. They are both inefficient speakers and need loads of high quality current to drive them well.

I’m guessing that the ATC SCM11 v.3 will have enough bass for you whereas the LS50’s will more than likely require a sub.

The ATC’s look better in person than in pictures. They are built like tanks. The grills are more attractive in person and they are the first grills I’ve used where I couldn’t tell a sonic difference with them in place.

LS50’s and ATC’s have kind of been at the top of my radar lately. I’ve had 3 pairs of LS50’s (active and passive) and a pair of ATC’s, all in the past 5 months.

They are both fabulous speakers but for me, ATC wins out. I have some Tyler Acoustics right now (which are awesome as well) but will get some ATC SCM 11 v.3 at some point.

another speaker that I really enjoyed were the Paradigm Signature 2 V.3 with the beryllium tweeters. Theres a pair on US Audiomart for sale currently.

I also prefer a highly detailed, clear sound that allows you to see deeply into the mix. The LS50’s do this well but the ATC’s give the music more of an organic sound in my experience. I can really hear the swing of the music with the ATC’s and the way it sews the harmonies and tones together is awesome. The emotions you can hear in vocals with the ATC’s is awesome!

I hear you mention detail and analytical sound... resolution is another good one to add to your list because that’s what helps you hear deep into a mix, as if peeling layers of an onion back. You don’t have to give up musicality or sweetness in order to achieve detail and resolution, so don’t think you do, otherwise you might settle on a cold, analytical, un-involving sound that doesn’t draw you into the music.

Good luck with your search!