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

Philharmonic BMR ($2,000 new 2 week trial), Fritz Carbon 7s used), or Buchardt Audio S400 MKIIs ($2,400 new 45 day trial).....these are what I own, all are great speakers

Easy recommendation: ATC sealed/acoustic suspension 2-ways. You could get the SCM12 Pros new for <$2K; or the SCM19 or SCM20 passives on a used basis.

I own the SCM12 Pros. The sound is mindblowingly good: assertive, detailed, dynamic beyond belief, yet musical and truthful, not tiring/edgy. ATC all the way!

PS: I second the recommendation of buying something from The Music Room (www.tmraudio.com), I bought an expensive pair of high-end headphones from them, and it was a painless, ideal transaction.

Note: @perkadin stated the URL as "trmaudio.com," which doesn't work & leads to malware alerts

Dynaudio Evoke 20 Bookshelf Speakers - Black, Pair open box at

$2,039.15
You Save $359.85 (15%)
Condition *New Open Box here

Just to add to what @mesch said, I wanted to add this video review I found recently. I know it comes down to taste, but for my taste (and sense of value) Dynaudio cannot really touch Fritz. I've heard the Fortys, the Evokes... it's just no contest.