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Standmounts around 2k?

Yes, another "what would you recommend" thread. I've decided to take a more focused approach to building my system by first choosing speakers that fit my room and match my tastes. Amp matching will come after that. Here are the details: front end digital (Oppo or Marantz), listening room 13x15 (fairly live), play at low to moderate volumes (jazz, vocals, acoustic, some basic rock but not metal/hard rock). I'm very sensitive to excessive sibilance, and since I'm listening to digital I'm looking for a speaker on the darker side of neutral with a smooth tweeter. I currently have a floor stander (GE Triton 7) with a ribbon tweeter that is a bit too boomy in the bass and revealing/etched in the highs.

I'm looking for a stand mount that meets the above criteria around 2k or maybe a bit higher. The speakers in that range that have been suggested to me as meeting the criteria are:

a. LSA Statement 1
b. B&W CM5
c. Harbeth P3-esr
d. Nola Boxer
e. One of the Tekton Lores (a smaller floor stander)

Am I in the ballpark with these? I can't listen to them before buying, so ideally I would purchase from a dealer with a good return policy.

Thanks for any guidance,

Best, Scott
smrex13
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
It seems that Dynaudio's excellent stand-mount speakers would be excellent contenders. Their new Excite X14 got a particularly enthusiastic review in this month's Stereophile, showing very low cabinet resonance, excellent dispersion and driver blending characteristics, and a very listenable presentation. $1500/pair; add good stand's and you're at budget.

Given your wariness of edgy treble, I also recommend you consider something using the Heil-type folded ribbon tweeter as available from GoldenEar (Aeon 2 or 3), Martin-Logan's Motion series (Motion 35XT), or perhaps even a powered monitor with this tweeter as available from Adam (available from Guitar Center of Musicians Friend) or Emotiva Pro (online from Emotivapro.com).
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Hadn't though of Dynaudio - I'll read the reviews. I do remember there being a lot of good publicity around the X12 a while back. Interestingly enough, I have a Golden Ear tower with the Heil folded ribbon tweeter, and perhaps I actually find their sound to be a little "mushy". Lines like "telling truths" comes across as "chelling chruthsss". I bought them used, so there's certainly a possibility of a defect. I compared them to the KEF LS50 when I had them, and I did find the LS50s to be much clearer with vocals (but lacking in other ways). One of the main attractions of the Harbeth is that they are excellent with human voices.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
I haven't heard them but the reviews for Fritz speakers are all favorable. It might be worth your while.

All the best,
Nonoise
mr_bill
273 posts
 
Smrex,
How else did the LS50s compare to your Tritons? (other than the lower bass of course). I'm thinking of the LS50s.
Thanks!
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Mr. Bill,

I found that the LS50 needed more power than I was giving them, especially at low volumes. At the time I was using a Hegel H80 (75WPC), and it sounded a bit like the vocals were being projected at me while everything else was a bit recessed. When I really cranked the volume up, they came to life. However, my listening room is small/medium sized, and I'm in an apartment. Listening at high volumes isn't an option. I think they're exceptional speakers, and the bass was quite remarkable. As I mentioned, vocals were very clear and realistic, and that is something I miss now that I have the Tritons. Paired with a slightly warm, high powered amp, I think the LS50s would be far beyond what you can get anywhere near the price point.

Feel free to ask anything else.

Best, Scott
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