Speaker Upgrade - Compact Designs

[the record spot]

I'm currently, as per the signature line below, using a pair of Tannoy DC4 speakers, mainly through necessity as my listening position in my room is across the width about six feet away from me, as opposed to firing down the (longer) length. I've been well impressed by the Tannoys having owned them for the last couple of years. They remind me of the musicality of Mission's legendary 75 series (having owned the original 751 and 752) and they are a remarkably easy, but insightful listen.

So, naturally, I'm thinking about upgrading! Apart from the Kensai, what other diminutive, but brilliant speakers - new or used - should I be looking at?

Requirements: prefer a real wood finish, not fussy for white gloss thank you, sealed or ported, front port might be better, albeit my existing DC4 is rear ported (however, the thump is noticeable off-axis and they already sit two feet out from the wall!).

I'm no bass fiend, but prefer an articulate and accurate bass. Bright speakers not required, in terms of sound and finish(!), metal dome tweeters are welcome (the original 751 came with such a tweeter and it was a lovely sounding box).

So....suggestions maybe? Budget is around £1000, the Kensai is an exception but I live in hope of an ex-demo. Happy to spend significantly less however!

EDIT: Some examples:-In: PSB Imagine Mini, Klipsch WB14

Out: Tannoy DC6 (too big), Cambridge Aero 2 (too big, but looks like an interesting proposition for others!).

 

[nopiano]

Maybe the Acoustic Energy AE 1 Classic, which I think was one of the first metal dome tweeters ever. Or the Guru Junior which is wood but I think no grilles, but super sound and likes being near walls.
LS50 would be a good option but very black and no grilles, so not v domesticated!

 

[gasolin]

Paradigm atom or mini monitor

 

[sublime]

Another vote for the Acoustic Energy AE1

 

[the record spot]

Maybe the Acoustic Energy AE 1 Classic, which I think was one of the first metal dome tweeters ever. Or the Guru Junior which is wood but I think no grilles, but super sound and likes being near walls.
LS50 would be a good option but very black and no grilles, so not v domesticated!

Thanks for the suggestions!

The Gurus look interesting!

However, the LS50s are too big (and don't appeal I have to say), the AE1 Classic is also a bit on the large side too alas.

 

[CarlDW]

Neat Iotas? I heard a pair at the Manchester Sound and Vision show and was extremely impressed. Not available in a wood finish though...

 

[the record spot]

Good shout, thanks! I've seen these and size-wise, they're fine, I can compromise on the finish to some extent! My Pioneer S71-B is a matt black finish for instance.

 

[matthewpiano]

Agree with the Neat Iota suggestion. Great little speakers.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

I must sound a bit like a broken record but PMC DB1 will always get my vote. You may be able to get them in a wood finish second-hand, or, new it would have to be the Gold version avialable in ......black mdf only.

If you reside in Essex I'd be happy to let you road test them, under supervision of course as I could never let them out of my sight for long, they're just too precious

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Dynaudio x14, beautifully finished and a very silky midrange, you'll never get tired of them. mine X12 still manage to impress me all the time.

Epos Elan10, very nice sounding speaker, heard them with Creek A50 and loved them!

last but not the least ATC SCM7.

No metal dome twiter, sorry... :roll:

 

[mpapo]

Proac Studio 115 is a wonderfull speaker. Not that many reviews though ...

 

[the record spot]

I must sound a bit like a broken record but PMC DB1 will always get my vote. You may be able to get them in a wood finish second-hand, or, new it would have to be the Gold version avialable in ......black mdf only.

If you reside in Essex I'd be happy to let you road test them, under supervision of course as I could never let them out of my sight for long, they're just too precious

Thanks for the kind offer mate, am up near Edinburgh however!

 

[drummerman]

Harbeth P3ESR

regards

 

[the record spot]

Thanks for the earlier link DM, it was just for the one speaker alas!

 

[drummerman]

Thanks for the earlier link DM, it was just for the one speaker alas!

Yes, I did eventually notice. Couldn't remove it quick enough

I once nearly bought their predecessors. Lovely speakers.

regards

 

[davedotco]

If you like the Kensai and are prepared to step a little away from the obvious, take a look at the Martin Logan Motion 15.

Tiny ribbon hybrids that seem to polarise opinion somewhat, but some people like them a lot.

Not heard them myself but the price is reasonable and they should be worth a listen, don't expect PMC or Harbeth levels of neutrality though.

I have heard a fair number of speakers of this type and indeed own a pair of small ribbon hybrids, all I can say is that, if they work for you, they could be something of a bargain.

 

[plastic penguin]

I'm currently, as per the signature line below, using a pair of Tannoy DC4 speakers, mainly through necessity as my listening position in my room is across the width about six feet away from me, as opposed to firing down the (longer) length. I've been well impressed by the Tannoys having owned them for the last couple of years. They remind me of the musicality of Mission's legendary 75 series (having owned the original 751 and 752) and they are a remarkably easy, but insightful listen.

So, naturally, I'm thinking about upgrading! Apart from the Kensai, what other diminutive, but brilliant speakers - new or used - should I be looking at?

Requirements: prefer a real wood finish, not fussy for white gloss thank you, sealed or ported, front port might be better, albeit my existing DC4 is rear ported (however, the thump is noticeable off-axis and they already sit two feet out from the wall!).

I'm no bass fiend, but prefer an articulate and accurate bass. Bright speakers not required, in terms of sound and finish(!), metal dome tweeters are welcome (the original 751 came with such a tweeter and it was a lovely sounding box).

So....suggestions maybe? Budget is around £1000, the Kensai is an exception but I live in hope of an ex-demo. Happy to spend significantly less however!

EDIT: Some examples:-In: PSB Imagine Mini, Klipsch WB14

Out: Tannoy DC6 (too big), Cambridge Aero 2 (too big, but looks like an interesting proposition for others!).

You'll probably guess which ones I'll recommend: DB1is. Or Tannoy Precision 6.1, Neat Iotas or Petitie SX. The latter two haven't heard but may just fit your brief. Worth a listen.

 

[Vladimir]

Great suggestions in this thread. I would personall hunt for second hand B&W 805s or SF Concerto around that budget.

Obviosly I personally liked best a pair of new B&W CM1 with their matching stands FS700/CM, so I bought them in the autumn last year. With these stands properly setup they are completely different speakers than with any alternative stand.

Previosly I had the Tannoy DC1000 and Profile 631 and then moved back to big speakers but I just felt I properly loved thos little bookshelf buggers and I went again to get me a pair that has that exact imaging, speed and wow factor. Just like you with the AudioSmile's I was apriori hooked up and ready to cash out for the Roksan TR-5s, however I gave myself a chance to hear what else is out there. I adored the Tannoy DC6, MA Silver 2, Roksan TR-5 but biggest smile on my face came (to my surprise) from the B&W CM1.

With speakers, like with women, you never know what is your synergy, your soul mate. You have to try out as many as possible because dating sites and friends hookups don't really work.

 

[hoopsontoast]

I would recommend a listen to some ATCs like the SCM7 or Harbeth P3ESR.

I have had the SCM7 (mk2) and SCM10s (twice now) and currently have loan of some Harbeth P3ES (non R version).

The SCM10 are the most easy going and best bass depth, they image quite well but dont sound great with poorly recorded material, and can sound flat. The SCM7 are at the other end, can sound a little splashy in the treble but that depends on the amp (like the SCM10), they also lack a little depth to the SCM10s but sound a little livelier. The new mk3 'Curved' version might be better, not sure, not heard it.

The Harbeths dont have the dynamics (especially in the bass) as either of the ATCs but they sound VERY good at low volume and up to most normal listening too, very good soundstage and open presentation.

Another option might be the Rega R1, likely to be lacking in bass depth compared to your Tannoys or the ATCs but will be livlier at low volumes and more like the Harbeths, work well near rear walls despite the rear port too. Its a good while since I owned the R1s so cant really do a better comparison I am afraid, not heard the RS range although I have had some Alyas with the current 'RS' spec tweeter and it was very well balanced, especially in the treble.

 

[shep1968]

If you are happy with floorstanders then try the excellent Kudos X2 or Neat Motive SX2. I demoed both and preferred and bought the kudos and have not regretted it.

 

[KidKomet]

Although I haven't heard them myself, I've read good things about the Leema Xero. Might be worth a listen.

 

[nopiano]

I have just remembered the other model I was going to mention the other day - available in various wood finishes, and also has been around a bit in various versions, the Proac Tablette. Had thought of mentioning the Neat Iota originally too but afaik it is only sold in painted finishes.

 

[the record spot]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I should've been clearer in my originaly listing - I'm still looking for compact speakers and they being standmount speakers, so floorstanders are out. In any case, I have neighbours downstairs, so floorstanders would be tricky.

And compact means, yep, compact! I know everyone has different ideas of what compact is, but in my case, that's not much bigger than the DC4 I currently own, and yes, I know that's a limiting factor for some speakers out their (no Harbeth M30.1s for me alas).

So what are we looking at? Well, the other thing is, I need to be able to try them out in person! So that restricts my choice to some extent, but packaging up speakers and returning them isn't happening. Too much hassle and expense for my personal preference.

I popped in to one of the dealers in town today and they've a few options - B&W CM1, Linn Majik 109 (unlikely), Harbeth P3ESR, Neat Iota (but they do look a tad too compact, all of the above considered!)

So, long and the short of it is, I've slapped the money down for the CM1s to try those out. Next weekend, I'll give the Harbeths a run for their (or my) money. If I see any others that tick the boxes, I'll let you know. Tell you what though, the Spendor D1s look the part...!

 

[Leeps]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I should've been clearer in my originaly listing - I'm still looking for compact speakers and they being standmount speakers, so floorstanders are out. In any case, I have neighbours downstairs, so floorstanders would be tricky.

And compact means, yep, compact! I know everyone has different ideas of what compact is, but in my case, that's not much bigger than the DC4 I currently own, and yes, I know that's a limiting factor for some speakers out their (no Harbeth M30.1s for me alas).

So what are we looking at? Well, the other thing is, I need to be able to try them out in person! So that restricts my choice to some extent, but packaging up speakers and returning them isn't happening. Too much hassle and expense for my personal preference.

I popped in to one of the dealers in town today and they've a few options - B&W CM1, Linn Majik 109 (unlikely), Harbeth P3ESR, Neat Iota (but they do look a tad too compact, all of the above considered!)

So, long and the short of it is, I've slapped the money down for the CM1s to try those out. Next weekend, I'll give the Harbeths a run for their (or my) money. If I see any others that tick the boxes, I'll let you know. Tell you what though, the Spendor D1s look the part...!

Try not to judge the Iotas by their visuals: they're fantastic little things. When I heard them at the Bristol Show, they were one of the (sadly few) speakers that I actually liked regardless of size or budget. Quite a few punters went in to have a quick look and found themselves sat down listening to the music...and the next track...and the next. They need good quality high current amplification to make them sing though (84db sensitivity from memory); so just be a bit careful what you demo them with.

They're definitely on my list of considerations in the future.

 

[the record spot]

Thanks for the heads up. The guy in the shop reckoned they might be a bit small scale? I'd be demoing at home so would get a good idea of their capabilities. The Onkyo would drive them fine though.