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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
kiko65
279 posts
 
I hear you Smrex13,
MANY people favor the Supreme Plus for the type of music you listen to in a relatively small room. Call Walter (Underwood Wally). I snatched a new pair for $590.00 plus s/h. Not fully broken in yet but extremely happy with what I'm hearing. Superb imaging, mids are just right! Awesome little speaker with more than enough "bang" for the bucks.

To quote "if there is a better standmount for a small room than the MSP, I have not been able to find it yet".

The best monitors I've EVER heard, regardless of price, are the unassuming Spiral Groove Canalis Anima $3,200.00. These speakers will give the ANY standmount a run for their money, regardless of $$$$$. The best standmounts I have ever owned, totem model 1s. eBay is selling a pair of the 1s for $2,000.00. These are truly unbelievable speakers at the asking price.

Lots of choices? Good luck on your quest.
early's avatar
early
60 posts
 
Harbeth are good speakers. I owned the 5HLs for a year or so. What became very apparent over time was a very homogenous, vanilla like sound to the wide spectrum of music I enjoy. Listened to the P3s a lot too. Harbeth have great resell!
Zu speakers have a 60 day return and are not particular about amps.
The Soul are $2K and great near field and low volume.
Good luck. Stay in touch.
Scott
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Scott - good to hear from you. Interesting about your Harbeth experience. Did they not have quite enough liveliness? I've heard people say that Harbeths are not for rock. I really liked the Zu Audio speakers that you had paired with your tube amps, but I'm afraid they might be too forward for my already slightly forward Oppo. I'm thinking of getting a more "musical" CD/DAC, and I'm experimenting with some Cardas interconnects and room acoustics to settling things down a bit. Just too many choices !

Scott
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Original poster update: As an experiment I brought my office speakers home (Focal 706V - I like them for casual listening) to compare them to the floor standing Triton 7s. Well, I think the problem is solved with the Triton 7s - either they are defective or they just cause far too many room reflections to be listenable. The Focals are so much cleaner and more transparent. The sibilance is no longer an issue, and I can make out lyrics that were obscured on the Tritons. The Focals have a bottom end rating of 55hz, and it's more than enough in my room. I don't think the Focals are world beaters - they don't resolve as much detail or have quite the warmth that I'd like, but there is no comparison between them and the Tritons. Frankly, I was shocked - I know they Tritons are well respected, and I don't mean to criticize them. Since I bought them used, I may very well have gotten one with some problems. Or, it just may be my room. In any event, I'm no longer concerned about the "lack" of bass with a bookshelf. Now, I just need to decide which one to buy

Thanks again for all your input.

Scott
zkzpb8
208 posts
 
Smrex - FYI, I’ve found Harbeths to sound great with rock. P3’s have been called broadcast monitors (vs studio monitor) - and although they’re known for sounding great at lower volumes for long periods - their professional roots come through when you push them loudly with some dynamic music too! They’re great with everything, IMO...
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