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Speakers with warm treble and good bass

I've been on the hunt now for a several years, attempting to find speakers that match the criteria of having good bass and soft, warm treble output.  A good liquid midrange with good texture and timbre separation is another top priority.  The speakers I have owned and tried:

Paradigm Studio 60 v3
LSA 1 Standard Edition Monitors
Totem Staff
Golden Ear Triton 3
Vandersteen 2ce Sig ii
Tekton Pendragon
Acoustic Zen Adagio
Spatial Audio Hologram M3 Turbo S

Out of all of those, the most enjoyable due to warmest sound signature was the LSA 1 monitors.  Of course those were the most deficient in bass out of that entire list.  Contrary to that, the Golden Ear Triton 3 had the best bass (obviously, due to the built-in powered subs).  The Adagios had the best detail and least distortion, but were a bit too analytical in the end for my tastes.

So far, surprisingly, the speakers that seem to get the best blend of everything for my tastes have been the Paradigm Studio 60 v3.  These are not "reference level" speakers by any means, but they achieve a nice balance of detail, dynamics, bass, and have a surprisingly good midrange.  Unfortunately, the pesky metal dome tweeter has gotten on my last nerve during many listening sessions.  

I am trying to stay in the price range of the aforementioned speakers.  What suggestions do you all have for speakers that can meet this criteria for a smooth, dynamic, and warm sound?

Thanks
jwglista
helomech
1,694 posts
 
I must also mention that I was surprised at a couple speakers you mentioned as being too bright. I agree that evaluating room acoustics is a good idea. 

One thing I've noticed about metal dome tweeters, however good or warm, is that they always sound more analytical than fabric domes. IMO, any metal dome tweeter is going to sound less musical overall compared to a fabric dome. This is just my personal experience. I think people often associate their analytical sound with brightness. I do like some metal dome tweeters, though only because I'm a bit of a detail whore.
mike_in_nc
1,153 posts
 
Some good recommendations already. I am surprised the Harbeths and Spendors weren't on your original list. They seem to be exactly what you are looking for. I also have found the Aerials excellent, and in the way you are looking for.

As to acoustics, if you haven't taken care of the first reflection points on the walls and eliminated any slap echo in the room as well, you are on a fool's errand, as no speaker will perform anywhere near its potential.

Best of luck!
pschlott
4 posts
 
I have found my Acoustic Energy AE109s have a warm treble and solid bass. The soft dome tweeter and ported dual mid-bass drivers deliver the characteristics you are seeking with either tubes or solid-state amplification.
sunseekerespana
12 posts
 
Look at the Zingali range. They are hand made in Italy and use a wooden horn. Deigned for tube amps with low output they are superbly smooth and great bass but have the detail and speed of a horn without the forward or harshness you are concerned about.

And of course the midrange is magical. Look good too.
why0why
70 posts
 
I am surprised there is not a single recommendation for B&W. I have a small listening room and I am running an old pair of B&W 602’s. They definitely tick all of the boxes you mention. I have tried many different speakers and gone through tons of amps and integrated/receivers and they just sound great with everything.

I recently found a great deal on an open box set of the newer CM series from B&W and after auditioning them, they sounded almost identical to the 602’s. Slightly better detail. VERY slight, but not $1000 better. I returned them.

At this point I am considering stepping up to the 805. Typically in the $1600-$2000 range when used. I have also strongly considered the Ascend Sierras because of the huge number of recommendations. I like the sound of the Paradigms too.

The last few months I have been in the "I have to upgrade mindset." But as I sit here listening to my current system, drinking my coffee and reading Audiogon, I think I have finally calmed the urge. What I have sounds damn good. Good luck on the never ending quest :)
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