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Speakers for small room,near field

I need some wisdom and advice from you fellow Audiogoners. I've been shopping for some replacement speakers. They are for a pure stereo system (no multi channel stuff here!). The room is approximately 12'x 30', with normal ceiling. My system consists of a McIntosh 6450 integrated amp (100 watts X 2), McIntosh 7008 CD changer, Audio Note DAC-1, with Boston Acoustic A-150 speakers (circa 1981). I listen to mostly jazz, acoustic and classical. However, I've broken out the old Led Zep from time to time! Even though the room is quite long, my listening position is limited to within about 6-8 feet due to seating constraints. My budget is around $2000 - $2500 (maybe a little more) new or used. I've been reading reviews trying to figure out what would be good in my particular system until I can't see straight!! So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance-

John
stereomaniac
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mp10019
37 posts
 
The Fact is, room size in Europe is even smaller!
I think Europeans have the upper hand with regard to
Designing Speakers for small rooms. JMLABS I hear designed there Mezzo speaker for the small room. I have auditioned the JMLAB Mezzo in a small room and it was Fabulous...
Mp10019
stereomaniac OP
75 posts
 
Has anybody had any experience with Krix speakers, specifically the Lyrix model? I heard them locally and they sounded very good. I wonder how they would compare to some of the suggestions here, i.e. the Proac 1.5 speakers.

John
gbright
13 posts
 
I've read about the Krix,but haven't heard them. I will also agree with the [Audio Physics],either the Sparks or the Tempos. Both are exclnt. near field and also do well if you ever have more room. Sounds like your entire soundspace might prefer the Tempo's a bit more than the Sparks, simply due to the large overall room volume. Well worth hunting down a listen.
bigo
34 posts
 
I have a room 12x20 with 8 foot ceilings and like you I am limited by the seating arrangement so that I am about 9 feet from my speakers. I have Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods with a Rogue 99/88. The detail and sound stage are very nice with this combo. I have also listened to the Audio Physics Spark III with the Rogue Integrated and enjoyed that also. Good luck.
danvetc
527 posts
 
I have a small room and listen in nearfield, as well. I am amazed at the performance of my Harbeth C7ES monitors. They evolved, like other BBC babies like Spendor, from the demands of sound engineers who spend hours in close quarters trying to (hopefully) "get it right." This kind of accuracy is not for everyone's taste, as some enjoy hearing the speakers. You really should try to demo something like a Spendor there in Denver. If this type of accuracy is what you want, you will never be happier. There are ways to home demo Harbeths if you are willing to go to the trouble. Good luck. Charlie
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