Very small very sensitive floor stander 1000?

05-03-09: Dgaylin
Acceptable height is of course the height of the Arros because she likes those. Or a bit higher (maybe 36-37" max).

If you both like the Arros, why don't you use the $1K budget for a more powerful amp instead? I suspect you need current delivery more than power anyway.

Since it's a bedroom system, do you need to have small unobtrusive electronics as well? In that case, look into a PS Audio Trio C100 integrated amp or a NuForce integrated. There are a couple of the earlier model NuForces in the A-gon classifieds well within your budget. The NuForce is small and sexy enough your wife might consider it worth the extra money. I know my wife will extend the budget with sufficient visual appeal.

The better ICE-powered amps are not only compact, they provide the low level detail you'd need in a bedroom system and the fast current delivery you need for the Arros.

5-03-09: Tvad
The Mirage speakers are almost 42" tall... 2" taller than the
Preludes, and the Mirage go down to 52Hz wheres the Preludes go to
35Hz.

So claims Silverline, but the href=http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/307silver/index4.html>
Stereophile measurements indicate the Preludes are down 10dB at 50
Hz, so I'd bet the Mirages' bass is at least as strong with its three woofers,
five passive radiators, and ribbed elliptical surrounds.

Also the test indicates that in spite of Silverline's claimed 91dB sensitivity, it
measured 87.5dB, which is about the same as the Totem Arro.

By the way, I just checked the specs on the Totem Arro, and it's factory-rated
as a 4-ohm loudspeaker. Your problem with your current amp is probably
current delivery, not power. I suspect you are using a tube amp and its high
output impedance isn't up to the current demands of the Arro. Any chance
your amp has 4-ohm taps?

Johnnyb53, excellent research. I had forgotten that the Preludes' specs were
exposed as overly optimistic by John Atkinson.

When I heard the Preludes at two audio shows (2007), they sounded incredible.
Of course, they were being driven by a 600wpc Pass Labs amplifier....

Hi Dgaylin,

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Omega Super XRS either 3 or the newer 5). They come up used not too infrequently, are 93db sensitive, and in the right veneer look excellent. I haven't owned them, but I've heard them many times and they are wonderful.

Thanks all for the additional suggestions. Yes, upgrading the power amp is a good idea. I still need speakers though -- my Arros are in use as rear surrounds. A waste you say? Perhaps, but they look really nice in the family room (meaning they don't stand out), which is how it must be.