Best in depth of soundstaging and ease for 2k?

Thanks for the responses guys. This is all stuff I hadn't considered. I realize it might be helpful to tell you all what I've already found...

I've looked at the JM Lab Cobalt 826-S and Electra 906, the Joseph Audio Rm7si signature MkII, and the Joseph Audio Rm22si signature MkII. I found the Cobalts to be a little tinny for my taste, especially on the high end. I liked the electras much more, but heard them in a really bad room. I'll be hearing the Electra 926's tomorrow, which should be great, but they're realy stretching my price range. The Joseph Audio sounded really good, very warm (I actually liked the monitors more than the floorstanders), but there's not available used as far as I can tell. I'd also prefer something with a bit more presence, and try to add warmth with the components.

Thanks.

From my experience, larger speakers will perform much better for ochestral and classical. The monitors are nice but it doesn't have the big presence.
If you have enough space then I would consider a coaxial or horn setup.
I have both setup.

I use Maggie 1.6 in a room about the same size. Put bass traps (build them yourself and save a bundle) behind the woofer panel (write me for specifics if serious) and you will have all the tight and articulate bass you will ever need and a soundstage much wider and taller than the room itself. I say again, I can not begin to tell you the difference the bass traps made as the speakers are really pretty large for a room that size. The smear in the soundstage just really cleared up.

A used pair of Maggie 1.6 go for about $1100 average on this site depending on age and condition. I hope to get a pair of Mye Stands also for mine and maybe some other tweaks. Very happy with these speakers! Smooth and clear!!! and they will handle the large musical passages. Make sure your amp can deliver some "muscle".

Good Luck!

R.

Hi Omains,

The Harbeth Monitor 30's are a superb loudspeaker, and would certainly be worth considering in your situation, although they may be at the top end of your budget. I had the opportunity to listen to the PMC TB2's the other day, and was floored by these smaller monitors. Smooth, spacious and dynamic, and get the midrange right. Great bottom end down to 40hz. Among the very best smaller speakers I've listened to. There are a pair or two for sale on Audiogon at present, well below your stated budget.

Good luck!
Mike

If you liked the Joseph Audio's, I would again suggest listening to the Silverline SR-17's. You can find a used pair for around $1300, and they are extraordinary. You can drive them with as little as 5W. They have a huge soundstage, and you will not want for a floorstander, especially for your taste in music.

Alternatively, I've converted a number of avowed 'horn haters' with my George Wright/Klipsch setup--as open, airy and natural sounding as anything I've ever heard. I would recommend at least auditioning the SET amps, especially for your musical preferences. You could well find yourself in musical nirvana.
Good luck!
Howard