Recommendations for against the wall high efficiency speakers


I’m a believer in synergy, not individual components.   I’m setting up a new system in my condo and like most condos, I’ve got some limitations.   My room is 16’ wide and 35’ long, 9’ height.   The system will be placed 2/3 down on the long wall.   It’s the living room and my wife says no ugly room treatments as it’s our living room.   Just to head this off - I don’t need a new wife.    I listen at moderate levels (usually 70-85db).   Mostly progressive rock and jazz, all streamed, no phono.   Budget is $8k, for used speakers.   Once the speakers are mostly set, I'll work on amps, preamp, DAC, streamer, & cables ($25k all in budget, all used components).

 

The speakers will need to be placed right up next to the wall, so I was thinking of Ohm or Larsen, but these aren't very efficient – are there other options?   I’d like much higher efficiency as I like the dynamic presentation I generally get with that setup, but I don’t know of any efficient speakers I can place next to the wall.

 

I can add subs, if necessary, but I do need to take into account my neighbors above and below me.

 

I should add that historically, I've really preferred the sound of dipoles or open-baffle designs, but I don't have the space for them here.

 

Any suggestions or recommendations for my new-to-me main speakers?

noodlyarm

I like the Audio Note speakers quite a bit.  They are reasonably efficient and designed for corner or near back wall placement.  The Gradient Revolutions are also great at near wall locations (very flexible because the bass section can be tuned for different placement situations), but, they are not that efficient.

Zu speakers are quite efficient and can be placed near the wall.  Zu speakers are very "fast" sounding and extremely lively, but, to some listeners (myself included) they sound quite harsh and edgy.  People into electronic music seem to favor these speakers.  

Another recommendation for the Audio Note speakers. I recently upgraded my old pair of AN-E LX to the AN-E LX Signature hemp and the difference is remarkable. I have mine placed in the corners of my room. If you find yourself in the DC area and want to take a listen let me know. 

I heard some AN speakers, not sure the model,  at THE Show a few weeks ago.  They were placed at the corners of the room and sounded great!  Top 5 of THE Show.

I recently moved up the Zu line from Soul VI to Druid V (not VI).  Outstanding speakers from a value/performance perspective...and they have a great WAF.  I'm thinking of selling my Soul VI if you're interested.