Seeking advice on Speakers that create an intimate 2 channel listening experience


So the past month I started a couple of threads on speaker choice on AVS forum (One asked for Powered/Active floor standing Speaker choices and another one around non-active FS speakers for a tube amp I was looking at).

But I've come to realize this was the wrong tact, got lots of flack much deserved and wanted to try to solicit the advice/opinions on this forum which I just discovered.

Short background...Hunkered down in a suburb just outside NYC now for the past 3-4 months, I started to get the itch for a dedicated 2 channel stereo Turntable setup in our living room in May. After much research and twists and turns and immediate upgraditis, as some know on here from other posts, I've finally settled in and now own a Rega Planar 10 Turntable. I also own a Sutherland phono --20/20 with LPS and that's staying. Right now the phono preamp is hooked up direct to a pair of ELAC ARF51 floorstanding speakers (all drivers powered by built in AB amps) which I like a lot BUT ITS HERE THAT I WANT MORE. Btw, I love the ELAC design of mounting the tweeter concentric in the mid driver -- makes sense to me.  I kinda wish ELAC would take the same design and make a reference speaker but thats for another day.

So to swap out the ELACs, I will obviously need an amp, but I will figure that out later and want to focus on getting the right speakers for me for what I want. So what do I want?

1. Floorstanders. Close to full range as possible. No subs.
2. Looks count since in my main living room.
3. Speakers that prioritize Imaging Imaging Imaging. That disappear in the room creating an intimate but 3D listening experience. Clean (Accurate) warm sound. No distortion. I would easily sacrifice low end for untiring highs and warm mids I don't listen to metal or hiphop anymore so I don't need loudness, more like lounge experience if that makes sense. Apologize if I got the adjectives wrong but its personal description of what I'm seeking.
4. Price Point - -$10k-25k. Room is 22x18 with 25 foot ceiling

I would like to audition/demo before I buy and since I live in the Tri-State area it should be possible. But I'm finding that obviously difficult to do right now. I listened to a pair of Salk speakers but didn't love them. And have an appt with the Audio Doctor in NJ in two weeks.

Thanks in advance.
aj523

Showing 2 responses by verdantaudio

Two options:  
 while you are at Singer, listen to the Raidho C2.2 and/or C3.2s.  He used to have almost the entire line there. 
Raidho’s deliver incredible imaging and three dimensional soundstage.  I am a Raidho dealer in Jersey City but am new and don’t have demos.  

Another interesting speaker is the Avantgarde Zero TA XD and the Zero 1 XD.  The TA is passive and pairs beautifully with Tube SET amplifiers.  The Zero 1 XD is fully powered.  There is no NYC dealer but I am considering bringing in a pair largely because I am the importer of a SET line that is brilliant with Avantgardes.  
Please let me know if either line intrigues you.  You can view details of the Raidho line including list prices at my site - artaudio.us.  PM me if you have any questions about pricing, etc...
Raidho has wonderful speakers that start at $5900 and yes, do go up to $240,000 but the two models I suggested could be purchased in your price range new or used.      Like I said, PM me to discuss pricing in more detail.  
They are really worth your time and the soundstage and imaging are...addictive.  They are super flexible in terms of what amps work with them.  
Avantgarde cannot be sold on-line.  Info can be found here but both products are comfortably in your price range.

https://www.avantgarde-acoustic.de/en/products/zero-serie/zero-ta-xd.html