Hello,
I am thinking of replacing a pair of B&W 601 series 1 speakers--probably around 15 years old. I am looking for something that will work well in a small space--sitting on my desk with not much more than a couple of inches of spare space behind them. Challenging, definitely, but there is simply no room to do anything else.
They will be driven by an Arcam Solo, and I listen mainly to classical CDs and Radio 3 on DAB, and some LPs on a very old Thorens 165 (bought with my almost-first pay packet in the early 1970s.) The Solo is also hooked up to a PC via a Meridian Explorer as there are some things I only have as downloads.
The 601s sound muddy and boxy now, and I think it may be because they just don't suit the confined space and placing. I'd like something more open, clearer and more refined. I'd go for "refined" over "exciting" and I dislike harsh treble quite a lot! Downstairs I have a pair of Monitor Audio BX5s and they sound about right to me, but it's a much bigger room.
Budget £400-£500; I've thought about Monitor Audio BX1s or 2s, the small Quad 11s, and one or two others (including the Monitor Audio Silver 1s, which I liked but was told don't like being near walls.) I've listend to a few pairs, but it's hard to hear them in circumstances that reflect the size of the room and placing so the advice of the knowledable and experienced would be appreciated.
I could always consider active speakers, I guess--there is a pre-out on the Solo, but it seems a bit of a waste of a decent amplifier.
Advice welcome!
I am thinking of replacing a pair of B&W 601 series 1 speakers--probably around 15 years old. I am looking for something that will work well in a small space--sitting on my desk with not much more than a couple of inches of spare space behind them. Challenging, definitely, but there is simply no room to do anything else.
They will be driven by an Arcam Solo, and I listen mainly to classical CDs and Radio 3 on DAB, and some LPs on a very old Thorens 165 (bought with my almost-first pay packet in the early 1970s.) The Solo is also hooked up to a PC via a Meridian Explorer as there are some things I only have as downloads.
The 601s sound muddy and boxy now, and I think it may be because they just don't suit the confined space and placing. I'd like something more open, clearer and more refined. I'd go for "refined" over "exciting" and I dislike harsh treble quite a lot! Downstairs I have a pair of Monitor Audio BX5s and they sound about right to me, but it's a much bigger room.
Budget £400-£500; I've thought about Monitor Audio BX1s or 2s, the small Quad 11s, and one or two others (including the Monitor Audio Silver 1s, which I liked but was told don't like being near walls.) I've listend to a few pairs, but it's hard to hear them in circumstances that reflect the size of the room and placing so the advice of the knowledable and experienced would be appreciated.
I could always consider active speakers, I guess--there is a pre-out on the Solo, but it seems a bit of a waste of a decent amplifier.
Advice welcome!