Not sure where you are located, but you should try to go to an audio show like Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Colorado, or Axpona coming up next month in Chicago, and identify speakers that really knock you out. Keeping in mind 1) the room you're going to have and 2) the importance of the amp/speaker interface.
Speaker alternatives
I was musing about my speakers and thought I'd invite you to muse along with me. Most of you know a lot more than me.
Presently I have Revel Ultima Studio 2's, powered by an Ayre AX-5 Twenty. They are about 2 feet out from the long wall of a 19x14x9 room, about 7 1/2 feet apart. The sound is excellent, focused but spacious stage, extended, dynamic, resolved, musical. I might prefer a little bigger room, but sitting position near the rear wall allows for good integration of the sound.
So what's the problem? Well, none really. Mostly curiosity, but I may be moving to a little smaller place upon retirement and I was beginning to think of alternatives. Recent listings that caught my eye included Thiel 2.4's and Vandersteen Treo CT's, slightly smaller floor-standers. I recently borrowed Harbeth HL5+ and found them pleasant but lacking in resolution, extension and dynamics compared to what I have and enjoy. Nice, but not for me.
I listen to classical, bluegrass and acoustic music, classic rock and blues, jazz, etc.
Thanks for your insights and suggestions.
Presently I have Revel Ultima Studio 2's, powered by an Ayre AX-5 Twenty. They are about 2 feet out from the long wall of a 19x14x9 room, about 7 1/2 feet apart. The sound is excellent, focused but spacious stage, extended, dynamic, resolved, musical. I might prefer a little bigger room, but sitting position near the rear wall allows for good integration of the sound.
So what's the problem? Well, none really. Mostly curiosity, but I may be moving to a little smaller place upon retirement and I was beginning to think of alternatives. Recent listings that caught my eye included Thiel 2.4's and Vandersteen Treo CT's, slightly smaller floor-standers. I recently borrowed Harbeth HL5+ and found them pleasant but lacking in resolution, extension and dynamics compared to what I have and enjoy. Nice, but not for me.
I listen to classical, bluegrass and acoustic music, classic rock and blues, jazz, etc.
Thanks for your insights and suggestions.