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Floor to Bookshelf

I have a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 towers that I like but are simply too large for my listening position. A smaller pair of floorstanders would work just fine, but since I presume I will one day be moving everything into a smaller listening space, I'm thinking of taking this opportunity to move down to standmount speakers. 

That said, I'd love some recommendations for a pair of speakers that would still feel like an upgrade in sound. Non-fatiguing detail is most important to me, as is imaging and soundstage. Right now I'm looking at the Dynaudio Evoke 20, but those are a bit pricey. I'd like to spend less if I can but the budget is probably $1k-$2k.

mightee
dickieboy's avatar
dickieboy
42 posts
 

You may want to give Fynes a listen. Very good in that price range and easy to drive. Their smaller floorstanders might work and save you the price of stands. Beware of bright speakers in search of resolution, as these might be fatiguing long term. That's why I suggested Fynes. Good luck, listen to everything you can. 

akgwhiz
179 posts
 

I'm a strong advocate of published or open souced DIY speakers.   Several out there have a great following.  I own the NADA "stand" 2-ways made with Scanspeak's best drivers, XOs in furniture grade cabinets.  Name recognition brands would cost many times.  I've seen them used for $1600 to $2200 of late.  Uncolored, detailed sound.  If handy, could try a design by Troels Gravesen (see site) for his Illuminators (basically same as NADAs).  Follow links to CAD cut full blown cabinets to his specs.  Few if any tools needed except soldering.  Finishing.  Something larger, 3-way, will be my next speaker.  Never heard them but Fritz speakers have massive following in the same category.  Many models out there used. 

akgwhiz
179 posts
 

Oh, search hifishark and it'll return results for many sites at once.  See my system for example of NADAs.  

allenf1963
276 posts
 

In my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, there were a couple of smoking deals listed last week that still may be available.  A trade in pair of Dynaudio Evoke 20's in Walnut, mint condition with loaded stands for $1,750; and a set of Fyne Audio 501SP in gloss Walnut, rated as borderline perfect with low demo hours, for $2,850.  I know the dealer and the boutique store, and I've seen both sets of speakers -- they look and sound like they came straight out of the shipping crate.  Also listed a mint pair of Silver and Red KEF LS50's with IsoAcoustic stands for $800.  I've bought used gear from the store before and every purchase was like new (Audio Research SP17, Rega P3, Sutherland KC Vibe, and led me to a consignment deal for a McIntosh MC-225 that he didn't take a cut).

 

If interested, contact me and I'll send you the contact info.

yyzsantabarbara
4,582 posts
 

Magnepan LRS+ for $999. I have them in a treated room (office) that is 12 x 11 x 9 (+4 feet extra where I stuffed a desk in a closet).

You need 2.5 to 3 feet away from the front wall. You also need a powerful amp Way more than 100 watts even in a small room. I tried the following and they worked the best:

  • PeachTree GAN400 (very good for the price)
  • CODA #16 (great with LRS+)
  • Sanders MagTech (great with LRS+)

 

  • Parasound A21+ (I owned this before but never tried on LRS+, but it would work well with the LRS+)

The original plan was to get one of the following stand mounts, Magico A1 | Yamaha NS3000 | Vivid ?? | KEF Reference 1 Meta. However, after taking a flier on the LRS+ ($999) and dialing it in with the treatments and amp. I closed the book on spending more on speakers for my office.

BTW - I also use a KEF KC62 sub with the LRS+. The sub needs to be fast. If I were to use the CODA #16 with the LRS+ I really do not need the sub.

BTW2 - I used to have KEF LS50 Meta + KEF KC62 sub in the office. The LS50 was easier to drive but I like the wall of sound aspect of the LRS+ more. A great small room speaker.

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