Small Speakers

[DavieCee]

This will have been done before so a link to old threads is more than acceptable but I couldn't find them.

Due to a new layout in our house I need new, smaller, wife-friendly speakers. For reference, my Roksan Kandy speakers on Partington stands are too big. Realistically I am looking at the ultimate in bookshelf speakers. There will be a budget but any speakers will be cheaper than a divorce so probably up to £1k for starters. I also realise the compromise in bass output as a sub is also to be discounted.

For use in a 3m x 4m x 2.5m high room. Fire away.

 

[Leeps]

What's the rest of your system Davie?

I'd take a strong look at Neat Iotas. They're detailed and musically very engaging...and very petite indeed. They can be wall-mounted or stand-mounted and come in a range of colours. I'm not a fan of the official stands though and I have heard reports that they're not the most stable. So I'd go for 3rd party 700mm high stands (Try Atacama Moseco that also come in a variety of colours that could match your choice of Iotas).

Speakers and stands should come in just under your £1k budget.

 

[CnoEvil]

The best (by some margin) small speakers that I've heard under £1k are LS50s. The R100s are also good.

 

[Al ears]

What's the rest of your system Davie?

I'd take a strong look at Neat Iotas. They're detailed and musically very engaging...and very petite indeed. They can be wall-mounted or stand-mounted and come in a range of colours. I'm not a fan of the official stands though and I have heard reports that they're not the most stable. So I'd go for 3rd party 700mm high stands (Try Atacama Moseco that also come in a variety of colours that could match your choice of Iotas).

Speakers and stands should come in just under your £1k budget.

Do you already have the stands? Depends on the rest of your set up. If your amp Can drive them then Spendor SA1's every time.

 

[CnoEvil]

Do you already have the stands? Depends on the rest of your set up. If your amp Can drive them then Spendor SA1's every time.

The SA1s are my second favorite speaker, though they lack scale and vibrancy compared to the LS50s.

 

[record_spot]

If you're in a small room, Tannoy's DC4 or DC6 (now widely available as end of line and discounted) are alarmingly good. I've had my DC4s for several years now, tried other speakers but passed up on them all. Lovely and detailed sound, very musical, bass more than respectable for their size and the real wood finish is appreciably better than your veneers and a nice change from gloss black.

Lastly, the dual concentric design gives you a big stereo field, but with a wonderful placement for instruments. At £350 the DC4 was good value, £500 for the DC6, now both can be had for less than £200. A steal.

 

[richardw42]

£1k will buy an awful lot of active speaker.

What speaker dimension are you after ?

 

[MickyBlue]

I have to echo what has already been mentioned, the ls50's are by far the best i have heard for a long time, and at £799.99 you will have enough remaining to buy the mrs a slap up meal and a trip away, ive learnt to keep them sweet! lol

 

[lpv]

I have to echo what has already been mentioned, the ls50's are by far the best i have heard for a long time, and at £799.99 you will have enough remaining to buy the mrs a slap up meal and a trip away, ive learnt to keep them sweet! lol

ATC SCM 7... even better speakers than ls50 and for the same money and sealed design so much better near walls etc ( Kef's are c.r.a.p. on that)... but above all I agree with Richard - for 1k you can get superb actives that leave all the passives in the dust... all of them.

 

[CnoEvil]

ATC SCM 7... even better speakers than ls50 and for the same money and sealed design so much better near walls etc ( Kef's are c.r.a.p. on that)... but above all I agree with Richard - for 1k you can get superb actives that leave all the passives in the dust... all of them.

Though very close, David Price of HFC would agree with you: http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HiFi-Choice-group-test-conclusion-384-May-2014.pdf

Though to add balance, Stereophile in their 2015 Recommended Components, has LS50s in Class 1 (restricted LF) and the SCM 7s as Class 3 (restricted LF): http://www.stereophile.com/content/2015-recommended-components-loudspeakers

 

[DavieCee]

Thanks for the replies.

For info - Current set up is a variety of A/V inputs but really the set up is for Hi-Res digital files into a Beresford DAC, Roksan K2 amp and the K2 speakers on Partington Dreadnought stands (filled). I would like for any future purchases to at least match that level. Not much point otherwise.

My previous set up was Arcam Xeta1 and Tannoy 611 MKII so I am familiar with them but I thought they only came to life at loudish levels. I do also have a basic Tannoy 5.1 system which I have been using in another room with the Arcam but I prefer a quality stereo system to a basic 5.1, and there is also the sub issue.

For size - As discrete as possible. Any amp can go under the TV but I forsee speaker size and placement being the issue. I know nothing about active speakers. FWIW, the KS50s are not much smaller than the K2s. Maybe I should put the cash towards bribery and corruption.

My first step will be trying to incorporate my current set up but this post in in anticipation of a frosty reception.

 

[lpv]

ATC SCM 7... even better speakers than ls50 and for the same money and sealed design so much better near walls etc ( Kef's are c.r.a.p. on that)... but above all I agree with Richard - for 1k you can get superb actives that leave all the passives in the dust... all of them.

Though very close, David Price of HFC would agree with you: http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HiFi-Choice-group-test-conclusion-384-May-2014.pdf

Though to add balance, Stereophile in their 2015 Recommended Components, has LS50s in Class 1 (restricted LF) and the SCM 7s as Class 3 (restricted LF): http://www.stereophile.com/content/2015-recommended-components-loudspeakers

any opinion of any reviewer/ middleman are of no importance to me.

 

[iQ Speakers]

I would love to compare some LS50 to the new IPL M4M I built. I've heard the LS50 and they are very good, along with the Q Acoustics they are products that perform better than they should for the price.

 

[lpv]

Thanks for the replies.

For info - Current set up is a variety of A/V inputs but really the set up is for Hi-Res digital files into a Beresford DAC, Roksan K2 amp and the K2 speakers on Partington Dreadnought stands (filled). I would like for any future purchases to at least match that level. Not much point otherwise. My previous set up was Arcam Xeta1 and Tannoy 611 MKII so I am familiar with them but I thought they only came to life at loudish levels. I do also have a basic Tannoy 5.1 system which I have been using in another room with the Arcam but I prefer a quality stereo system to a basic 5.1, and there is also the sub issue.

For size - As discrete as possible. Any amp can go under the TV but I forsee speaker size and placement being the issue. I know nothing about active speakers. FWIW, the KS50s are not much smaller than the K2s. Maybe I should put the cash towards bribery and corruption.

My first step will be trying to incorporate my current set up but this post in in anticipation of a frosty reception.

how about in walls speakers?

 

[CnoEvil]

ATC SCM 7... even better speakers than ls50 and for the same money and sealed design so much better near walls etc ( Kef's are c.r.a.p. on that)... but above all I agree with Richard - for 1k you can get superb actives that leave all the passives in the dust... all of them.

Though very close, David Price of HFC would agree with you: http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HiFi-Choice-group-test-conclusion-384-May-2014.pdf

Though to add balance, Stereophile in their 2015 Recommended Components, has LS50s in Class 1 (restricted LF) and the SCM 7s as Class 3 (restricted LF): http://www.stereophile.com/content/2015-recommended-components-loudspeakers

any opinion of any reviewer/ middleman are of no importance to me.

Maybe so, but it was my roundabout way of putting the speakers in some sort of context for the OP....and highlighting that opinions differ, so demoing is essential.

 

[DavieCee]

Thanks for the replies.

For info - Current set up is a variety of A/V inputs but really the set up is for Hi-Res digital files into a Beresford DAC, Roksan K2 amp and the K2 speakers on Partington Dreadnought stands (filled). I would like for any future purchases to at least match that level. Not much point otherwise. My previous set up was Arcam Xeta1 and Tannoy 611 MKII so I am familiar with them but I thought they only came to life at loudish levels. I do also have a basic Tannoy 5.1 system which I have been using in another room with the Arcam but I prefer a quality stereo system to a basic 5.1, and there is also the sub issue.

For size - As discrete as possible. Any amp can go under the TV but I forsee speaker size and placement being the issue. I know nothing about active speakers. FWIW, the KS50s are not much smaller than the K2s. Maybe I should put the cash towards bribery and corruption.

My first step will be trying to incorporate my current set up but this post in in anticipation of a frosty reception.

how about in walls speakers?

I have my doubts. The reason she hates subs is that she is succeptable to noise and "feels" the bass vibrations. Anything going through the walls sounds like a bass box. But I accept that I could be wrong.

 

[DavieCee]

ATC SCM 7... even better speakers than ls50 and for the same money and sealed design so much better near walls etc ( Kef's are c.r.a.p. on that)... but above all I agree with Richard - for 1k you can get superb actives that leave all the passives in the dust... all of them.

Though very close, David Price of HFC would agree with you: http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HiFi-Choice-group-test-conclusion-384-May-2014.pdf

Though to add balance, Stereophile in their 2015 Recommended Components, has LS50s in Class 1 (restricted LF) and the SCM 7s as Class 3 (restricted LF): http://www.stereophile.com/content/2015-recommended-components-loudspeakers

any opinion of any reviewer/ middleman are of no importance to me.

Maybe so, but it was my roundabout way of putting the speakers in some sort of context for the OP....and highlighting that opinions differ, so demoing is essential.

A demo goes without saying. I am looking at potential shortlists.

 

[CnoEvil]

A demo goes without saying. I am looking at potential shortlists.

Great job.

You'd be surprised at how often this isn't the case, so I no longer make assumptions.

 

[chris_bates1974]

I listened to some small Totem. They were lovely; not full enough for me, as light on bass, but beautifully clear and crisp. Might be another to try and hear?

 

[matthewpiano]

Auditioning definitely the key. In your position I would be wanting to try the following with your current electronics:

Sonus Faber Chameleon B (should be at least as good as the 'Toy' model they have replaced)

Neat Iota (I agree with previous comments about these being very musical)

Dali Mentor Menuet

Dali Ikon 1 Mk 2

(Every Dali I've ever heard has been very enjoyable, and if you like the ribbon tweeters in your Roksan speakers, the Ikon range might suit you very well.)

 

[DavieCee]

Auditioning definitely the key. In your position I would be wanting to try the following with your current electronics:

Sonus Faber Chameleon B (should be at least as good as the 'Toy' model they have replaced)

Neat Iota (I agree with previous comments about these being very musical)

Dali Mentor Menuet

Dali Ikon 1 Mk 2

(Every Dali I've ever heard has been very enjoyable, and if you like the ribbon tweeters in your Roksan speakers, the Ikon range might suit you very well.)

A nice list! Although, to be fair, the only ones with a meaningful reduction in size are the Neats.

A starting point should it go wrong with the current set up. Out of curiosity, remove price constraints as I imagine small high end is a niche product.

 

[Macspur]

Harbeth P3 ESR... you'll never want another small speaker.

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

 

[Deleted member 108165]

My 2p's worth *good* Got mine mounted on wall brackets.

 

[moosey]

Harbeth P3 ESR... you'll never want another small speaker.

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

certainly the harbeths are much more discreet than many 'modern' standmounts, and have a completely different sound to any of the mainstream speakers I had on my shortlist. They are insightful and 'an easy listen'. You might well find an exdemo set for around your budget; finding a dealer is a pain, but David Wren at Radlett Audio offers a great service.

In the end I chose SF Venere 1.5, which are below your budget and offer a 'warm/smooth' sound. They werern't on my demo list but David has a set lying about.

Audition as many as you can be bothered with; the time invested will pay dividends in the long run.

 

[DavieCee]

The Harbeth reviews are interesting, and the Neats meet my spec. Still going to try the current set up first.

Good to be building the shortlist though. I have authorised dealers for those 2 and others in easy reach.