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Bookshelf speaker for an apartment

I rented a 1BR apartment as a 2nd home and want to upgrade my speakers.  I currently am using Totem Mini's through a Denon AVR-X6200.  My speakers in my main system in my home are Sopra 2's.  Due to Covid I am unable to audition speakers but have read good things about the Focal Chora 806, Aria 906 ane the B&W 707.  I would like to keep the budget under $1000 for the pair but go a bit higher for the right speaker.  I welcome suggestions.  Thank you.
selectfpr
rbstehno
1,406 posts
 
Decooney- I agree that’s why I mentioned when he upgrades his amp in the future the totems will sound better. Even with his current setup, the totems would sound better than the focal or b&w.
I sold all my Totems (multiple pairs of mani II’s, model 1 biwire, arro’s, and mites) and went all usher. Usher speakers don’t require the beefy amps to make them sound their best until you get up to the top of the line floor standers. I’ve had 7 different pairs of ushers and still use a few of them now.
erik_squires
15,870 posts
 
Both the Focal and B&W are speakers that pay particular attention to how the top end and having a house sound.

Compare to Fritz or Joseph Audio for a very different presentation.

Pick the best sounding and cheapest among them. :)
antho768's avatar
antho768
16 posts
 
I may get laughed at, but I have the Pioneer EBS/73 bookshelves and they rock. $400 a pair maybe a little lower. Has anyone else had a chance to listen to these speakers?
schwantner
42 posts
 
On the classifieds here I saw a few that might fit the bill, again depending on the sound preferences of your ears, and if you are looking for low end or, efficient, volume, etc.  You could also add a sub later if you find the need.B&W Natulilus SCM1 are front ported, and used here on AG for $850, Focal 906 here for $911, Paradigim Prestige 15B for $900, Dynaudio Excite X14 for $800, KEF LS50 $790, Revel Preforma M20 $750 with stands even, and more of course some for less.  I have seen a few Spendors for this range, but usually a bit older.  Depends on how much the beautiful cabinet means, and physical size. I do agree if you can find sealed or front port you are likely better off if jammed for bookshelf space.  But these are ones I would enjoy for different reasons. There are some fairly decent powered units out there for around that amount as well, then just hook up a small digital source unit. 
pjr801's avatar
pjr801
192 posts
 
What source do you use?  I think the speakers you have suit your situation. Are the totems bi-wire able? Perhaps a matching sub might be an option. With the home theatre amp, you can bi-wire using separate speaker outputs, it has a sub out option , dependant on the bass output inside your room. "Totem also offers a matching KIN Mini Sub subwoofer ($800), which lowers the frequency response down to a respectable 32 Hz"https://kinbytotem.totemacoustic.com/product/kin-sub/
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