The best speaker for a small room...at any price point.

A follow-up to my earlier recommendation.  I own a pair of Wilson Benesch Vertex (from the Geometry series).  Extremely satisfied.
Cheers and good luck!

Davey, I had original Quads and moved to the new series, which give another octave top and bottom, but are no more musical. I modded two pairs of 2905's to improve clarity, and could not be happier. Larger, irregular room.

One of my friends has a triple of stacked original Quads, and they sound wonderful in a room of 9x18x29. In fact, the best room I have ever heard.

One other thought, and that is to acquire a pair of stacked Quads...the original versions. To my ears, these speakers are some of the purest transducers in the critical midrange of anything that I have ever heard...not sure if they would work in a small room...and if I can accept their limitations in the other areas of the frequency spectrum.
Anyhow, other thoughts on speakers for this size room is appreciated.

@perazzi28. I have always liked the Wilson Benesch speakers I have heard in the past. I will try and hear a smaller stand mount in their Geometry series, although they too seem to have few dealers here in Calif.

Do yourself a favor and try to listen to anything by Wilson Benesch in their Geometry Series!
http://wilson-benesch.com/geometry-series/

KEF LS-50 with a SVS SB-1000 is excellent in a small room @ about $2K.   My room is about the same size as what OP proposed.  I compared to my Pioneer S2EX ($6K) and the KEF system is much much better at least in my small room.  I recently bought Tekton Impact Monitors so I could eliminate the subwoofer but they are not set up yet.  I was told by several people that have heard/owned both that the Tektons should be much better than the KEF system in my room.  

Consider Davone Studio’s ($2995). Not a lot of US dealers but I’ve been very happy since purchasing 11 months ago. Used with Clearaudio Concept TT & Parasound HINT 6. 

I second: Fritz Carrera BE. Own a pair in similar size room and at 86db will drive almost anything with unbelievable imaging and solid bass to around 37HZ. And Fritz has 30 day trial period with full refund....how can you go wrong!

If you are not going to move, the electrostatic Martin Logans have a small and musical sweet spot.

I have some Watkins Generation Four.  They work great in a small space.  I bought them on trial planning to return them.  I immediately knew that was not going to happen.

I am pretty proud of these and we received spectacular feedback during AXPONA.  I am currenty waiting on parts from Europe but will be back in stock in a couple weeks. Great soundstage and true sound reproduction.  If you are interested I might be able to express in parts.    

https://verdantaudio.com/collections/verdant-audio-speakers/products/blackthorn-1-standmount-speaker?variant=26459232567396

A lot of recommendations for speakers that are still too large for that size of room IMO. I'd stick with speakers no larger than the size of ATC SCM11s. Their sealed box will make them placement friendly. If an in-home audition is not an option, I'd probably choose those or the new Spendor Classic 3/5s. 

Augment the low octaves with a DSP-adjustable sub.

Consider future system changes. If you limit yourself to choices of high sensitivity/efficient speakers, then, now and/or future, you will be able to use lower power amps successfully. Then your amp choices become many, opportunities for a great deal for one increases, saves money, space, .. that opens the options to tube amps. Not only are tube amps lower power, among them, the cost reduces as you reduce your power needs.

A system of monitors without too much bass, properly matched to a well controlled self powered sub woofer will make imaging easier, as the monitors will make narrower sound waves, narrower faces, improved imaging, less room interaction. 

Powered sub-woofer also helps you use a lower power amp, as most power is needed for controlled bass.

You can upgrade the monitors and/or subwoofer separately in the future.

Take your time, it is work to get a setup with sub-woofer right, but, then you get the advantages I mentioned.

I have a 10X10.5X8 room for my ATC SCM-19's. I listen near field, an ideal listening location for a small room with monitors. If you set your room up right and have the power the drive the ATCs you'll be very happy.


Rollin

I also have KEF LS3/5, and I don't miss anything when playing acoustic music.
Kind regards.

I used to have B&W 802D in 12x13 room. They sounded excellent at 7 feet from my chair with condition that most of wall space was covered with acoustic panels.
Most KEF speakers (starting with LS50) will work in small rooms too. QUAD ESL line is DESIGNED with small room in mind.

ProAc D2http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/tested-proac-response-d-two-loudspeaker/

There is probably no "direct" answer as a soundsystem has to be seen as a whole, including the acoustic characteristics of your room and your personal tastes!
I love the Dynaudio Contour 20 on my friend's Krell KSA-100s amp + KRC3 Preamp, Ayre QB9 DAC.  Il like my Ryan R610 coupled with my Rega Elex-R amp + Rega DAC-R.

Lenehan Audio ML1 or ML2 reference. I am currently in an apartment, so I have my ML2's in storage. I have my ML1's on springs for both sound quality and it decouples them from each other and the floor. Helps keep the neighbors happy :-)

They sound great with upgraded Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP,
https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/242616-primaluna-premium-hp-integrated-cap-upgrade/

There are many reviews, like:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-lenehan-ml-1-monitor

If you want to know more, or who nearest you may have them?
Ask Mike which recording studios use them, and the older ML1 vs Magico Mini's in NYC. I don't know of more recent comparisons, sorry.
mike@lenehanaudio.com.au

I have never heard Marten speakers but they came to my attention recently and I will have a listen to their smaller products soon.

https://www.marten.se/products/oscar/oscar-duo/

Another glowing review !
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/aerial-model-5t-loudspeaker/

Check out the Aerial Acoustics 5T!
https://www.stereophile.com/content/aerial-acoustics-5t-loudspeaker


 

I use Nola Micro References in my 11 by 14 room, along the long wall.  They work very well, and have excellent bass extension on their own,  I agree with the idea of smaller monitor speakers for a room of that size; you can try to integrate a sub for any deeper bass you'd want.

Boenicke W5 or Soundkaos Vox 3

@keithr I will put the Stenheim’s onto my audition list. I thought the larger model 3’s were ok at Long Beach, but not in any way ground breaking or “lust worthy”. Nonetheless, their room was a factor ( as was everyone else’s that day) and the speaker was well built. The little stand mount may be a contender. Do post back when you have had a chance to listen to the big brother...model 5?

TAD ME-1

You can hear them at Excel Audio in Newport Beach.

 @daveyf What about the Stenheim monitor? I am hearing it’s big brother this weekend. Should work fine with your Jadis. 

Sounds like you are in Tokyo?

I'm in a 12x12 and using Aperion Grand Verus Towers. Man I love'm! Not to big or overpowering but the addition of a DBX Dynamic Range Enhancer allowed me to tweak the sound and match the room size. 

Starwarrior
Thorens TD124 / Ortofon OM40 / Mac MA252 / Brennon B2 / Cambridge DAC Magic / DBX Dynamic Range Enhancer / Audio Control C101 EQ / Aperion Grand Verus Towers /

Im currently using Harbeth p3esr 40th anniversary with an a/d/s pb1500 sub from the 80's and a Rouge amp and preamp running nos Mullard and rca tubes. Harbeth have a surprisingly good bass on there own for there size but with a good sub the mids which is what these speakers are know for even become more alive and detailed. Theres something magical about Harbeths mid range. 

 @keithr  Unfortunately, i wasn’t that impressed with anything at the show (particularly suitable for a small room).The Magico M2’s were ok, but I suspect too difficult to drive with the kind of amps I prefer. 

@firsnot. In the area that I live, a speaker, basically any speaker, is a mere fraction of the price of the room. Therefore, the budget for a speaker (any speaker) that would work in a small room is nothing compared to what a large room will cost me. If that makes any sense to you.

Small Maggies.  

Limited deep bass, to minimize the impact of room nodes down low.  Cardioid dispersion takes the side wall reflections out of play.  Gentle top end for natural octave to octave balance.  Excellent performers in pretty much every respect (assuming there’s enough grunt from your amp).

Raidho D1.1's.  Absolutely amazing and perfect for a smaller room.  If you want slam type dynamics, maybe another choice.  Maybe the Magico A3's.  I would also audition some Harbeth's or DeVores.  Depends on the type of music that you like to listen to.  I own the Raidho XT-2's, which I love, but with an unlimited budget would go for the D-3.1's, which are considerably more $$$.  That is my dream speaker.  I listen to all kinds of music, from hard rock to acoustic and even some classical.  But on my Raidho XT-2's, on good recordings, there is the "they're in the room with me" type sound.  Fantastic.

When someone mention "at any price" the ears do perk up.
Some great thoughts here Davey. I heard the Floorstander Vimburgs
at Axpona in a bigger room. I swear I thought I heard the rosin on the bow when the violin was playing. Best sounding cone in a box speaker
I have heard. The Borreson I heard was a true bookshelf and it was-as so many people say-Which speaker am I hearing? Two to look at.
Now for non cone in a box options. I am sitting in front of a pair of
Sanders 10s I picked up this weekend. My room is 14 x 16 x 8 plus open to kitchen on far end so a lot bigger than the 10 x11 you have. I cancelled every appointment I had this week as I am mesmerized by the sound. Sanders has been doing electrostatics for 40+ years. I am not familiar with the Jantzen product but it sounds interesting too. Muraudio was another one I missed that had people talking. Have fun shopping!! Question-If money is no object, why are you
in such a tiny room? I have some doubts regarding the veracity of your proposal. 

Wilson Sabrinas!

Well if it is electrostats you want then go with the Sanders Model 10,
The panels cross to the transmission line sub at 175 Hz which will allow them to operated 2 feet from the front wall. You will need to put acoustic foam behind them. No big deal. roberjerman I sold Walsh speakers back in the 70's and they were painfully colored back then. Hopefully they have improved them since then but it is a difficult concept. I love the idea of no crossover. Except for subwoofers x-over are nothing but trouble, A necessary evil.  

I'm wanting to buy a pair of rebuilt Quad 57's for the same reason.

Check out GamuT RS3i--outstanding.
If you don't want the speakers in the room, give a listen to Larsen 9's, which are placed against the wall.

What brands did you enjoy at the show two weeks ago? I'd start there.

 

Do you like electrostatics? If so, consider either of the Janszen models. The controlled directivity minimizes wall and ceiling interactions, which is helpful in a small room. They sound great, too!  --very low distortion and maximum transparency.

Imaging and if bass is  not huge to you, reference 3a dulcets, mm decapo

Value: Fritz Carrera BE.

All-out: Gamut RS3i.

Other possibilities: Though not at the same sound level as Raidhos and Vivids, the Larson speakers work up against the front wall and work well with room modes. I heard them at a dealer and was impressed. I'd also consider Kii standpoints--their DSP evens out the bass response and goes quite low. Haven't heard them but would like to...

Agree with the Raidho suggestion (or Borresen if you can swing the funds). Consider the D1 or possible even D2 if it's a dedicated room. Nice thing about Raidhos is they're designed to be placed wide apart and close to side walls (though they need 3+ feet from front wall). They're amazing speakers with a glorious tweeter. Smaller Vivids are also quite nice in a smaller room.
I moved from a large room with full range Peak Consults (and subs) to a smaller 13'x16' room. Both my Raidho D2 and Vivid 1.5 sound great in this room. Bass is solid and tight to 40Hz. On some music I miss the extended bass I was used to, but for most music it isn't an issue (either that, or I've adjusted). Room treatments and bass traps can be a great help if it's a dedicated room. 

https://www.lansche-audio.com/products/s-series/no-4-2/

About 12 years ago, I had used Lansche 4.1 (pre model of 4.2) at a room of 12ft wide and 10 ft deep room driven by Silbatone 300B 8W SET amp fitted with Nos WE 300B made in 1940’s.

The sound was excellent with pristine treble out of plasma tweeter, deep and tight bass out of active woofer despite the small room.

This will be best  cost no object option.

Joseph Audio Pulsar2 Graphene. 

’Ringing’ dome?
Magico new tweeters definitely don’t ring, not in sound and not in measurements. In fact most “soft” domes will harden much faster, and will sound quite nasty at high SPL. The M2 highs were sublime in Munich.

Excel Audio in Newport Beach (near the airport) has the TAD ME1 speaker setup with the Luxman m900u and c900u. If you are close by go have a listen to that system. I am buying the Luxman set and unless I find something I like better and will work in my small room, I will get the TAD ME1.

@yyzsantabarbara   I am also in S.Calif, so listening to the Vimburg's isn't an option yet either. The TAD's would seem to be an option, but also difficult to source for a listen. Plus, I am not sure i would cotton to the hard beryllium tweeter!  
This is why I have stayed away from the Magico line and others with 'ringing' dome tweeters. Presumably the Vimburg's wouldn't have this issue, but who knows?