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Seeking Bookshelf Recommendations

Looking for some new bookshelf speakers for a second system in a small bedroom.   The room is pretty well treated with 6 broadband absorption and 9 diffuser panels. I’m running Audio Mirror Reflection 45 mono blocks with a Canary preamp. Source will most likely be a Gustard R26 as both dac and streamer. I also have a pair of Rel t5i subs and Aperion dual firing super tweeters.  
 

Soundstaging and imaging are king for me. I want the biggest most dimensional sound I can afford.  My amp pairing is really smooth so I’m not looking for anything too warm.  I’d like something that is neutral but full in the lower mids and upper bass but also extended and airy in the treble.  My current Totem Arros do the soundstaging/imaging but are a little weak for me in the lower mids and upper bass.  Also I really value clarity and resolution as long as the magic isn’t lost of course. Basically I’m looking to have my cake and eat it too. My budget is around 3k and right now tops of my list are Fritz Carreras and Kef R3 metas. Also, Joseph Pulsars would be at the very top of my wish list but I’m trying to spend less unless it’s truly worth it.  Others that are lower on the list are Nola Boxers, Totem Signature Ones, Merlin TSM MMM, and maybe even one of the smaller Thiel floor standing speakers
 

As always I’m looking forward to everyone’s thoughts and hopefully there is at least a couple great speakers I’m missing. 

brylandgoodman

Showing 3 responses by bassdude

bassdude
461 posts
 

Regarding the size of the room... the LRS+ requires a room about 10 x 10+. Their sound is optimized in about a 7’ equilateral triangle with the speakers about 2’ from the rear wall. And, because of the small size and light weight you can move them back and forth out of the way very easily.

Admittedly - that’s not as convenient a bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf or table, but it’s no less convenient than bookshelf speakers on stands.

And... there is absolutely no comparison in the sound quality. Not even close...

bassdude
461 posts
 

I like several of these suggestions.- especially the Harbeths and the Magnepan LRS+. I’ve got both and a few more, but these are my choices.

Of these I prefer the LRS+ because with the right electronics there are few competitors <10+ times its cost. The detail resolution, staging and imaging are as good as it gets at any price (provided you’ve got the right electronics).

It’s not a “bookshelf speaker” - but, it’s light and easy to move and nothing really compares. And they’re great in a smaller room, because they’re small.

What you might do… is… get a pair to fill in until you decide what you want… and… then either keep the or sell them when your think you’ve found the answer.

They’re easy to sell, if you decide to do that.

You won’t be disappointed!

 

bassdude
461 posts
 

By the way... if the LRS+ really is not an option... the best stand mount monitor / "bookshelf" speaker I think I’ve heard is the Legacy Calibre. It’s a semi-open baffle, dipole speaker that sounds a lot like the other Legacy speakers (e.g. Aeris, Focus, etc.), all of which are simply "world-class" with few competitors.

I’ve got the XD version (internal amplification, but can be used with external amplification). Makes for a very clean installation with just a good streamer / preamp / integrated on the shelf / desk - very life-like, big sound!

It rivals the sound of the LRS+... I think I like the balance of the LRS+ better - a bit lighter mids and bass with a very open, airy sound. The Calibre has an equally open / airy sound but with more weight and slam in the mids and bass. Which the LRS+ can have with the addition of subs.  Just depends on what you prefer and how much you want to disturb the neighbors....  

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