Speakers for 2nd System!


Folks, I’m putting together 2nd system in a small room. This room doubles up as home office space.  The dimensions are 12’ D x 11’ W x 8’ H.  

I am open to recommendations for bookshelves or floor standers with a small footprint. I won’t be adding subs due to limited space. High efficiency 96db and above speakers are preferred. 

The system components so far, 

Leben CS600X - 28-32W

Technics SL - 1200M7B with Hana ML

Softone Model 4 Phono

Raysonic CD128 

Cables - Sternklang (ribbon) IC and Speaker with HIJIRI “Nagomi” Power Cords. 

Budget, I would like to stay under $5k but wouldn’t mind going over for something exemplary. Not interested in DIY projects or ugly stuff - aesthetics and high performance are equally important..lol! 

Thank you! 

lalitk

Showing 2 responses by sameyers1

I will speak to brands I know, but not knowing your music preferences, understand that my listening is jazz and classical and I value clarity, accurate instrument timbres and tight bass.

+1 for Totem - I own a pair of 8 yr. old Sky Towers, smallish, but with surprisingly deep bass. Totem makes several  bookshelf models, all in the 87 dB efficiency range, a couple that will not require more than 20-25 watts per ch in a small room. Bass down to about 50 Hz on several, and lower for models with larger woofers. One advantage is the ability to place these speakers within 6" of a rear wall. They mate well with tube amps.

+ for ATC - The SCM 7 is remarkably clear and coherent, but needs a sub given the small size of its bass driver. Skip the SCM 11 and try listening to the SCM 19, but your amp will probably not have the power to make it sing.

Aerial Acoustics 5T - about the size of the ATC SCM 19, but a bit more efficient at 87 dB. Will sound great with your amp if you’re not requiring very high volumes. It’s a 4 ohm speaker. Again, lots of detail and coherence with bass down to 50 Hz. Also  can be placed close to a rear wall on shelves, in bookcase or on stands.

I prefer all of these to the Harbeths, Spendors and similar BBC monitors, especially with a tube amp like yours, which will provide a rounder, fuller sound. All of these speakers excel at detail without being tiring. But it’s all a matter of taste.

Good luck in your search.

@freediver
 

Sorry I missed the 96 dB spec. I focussed on the Leben piece. Given his interests, many of the speakers suggested above (e.g. the BBC monitor types, Totem, ATC) are all inappropriate.