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Genre-based speaker suggestions…

H

Hilandr

New Member
I’m getting back into the hobby after 20+ years now that I have the money and a dedicated space for listening (approx 14’x10’ room). I’ve read my ass off over the past couple of months, but so many reviews are based on sterile charts or dominated by folks into Jazz (which I detest) or Classical. I also tend to listen to more current music and genres that aren’t necessarily typical of my age group (45+).

I’m hoping to get some bookshelf recommendations (preferably under $1k but could go higher) based on my listening preferences and genres. My source 95% of the time is lossless Apple Music into a variety of amplifiers, ranging from a vintage Akai AM-2800 to a little Fosi Audio T20 with tubes. I’m also considering an Audiolab 6000A or Cambridge CX81 (among others).

I tend to favor:
  • Laid-back presentation and a decent-sized soundstage;
  • Smooth/silky treble (I tend to prefer ribbon or soft dome tweeters);
  • Strong bass dynamics/impact - I’ll be using a subwoofer, so don’t need crazy extension;
  • Musicality and Warmth - I don’t do any ‘critical’ listening and don’t care about frequency response charts. I like when a speaker is ‘fun’ and excites me.

In terms of genres:

FREQUENT
Pop/Top 40
Hip-Hop/Rap (lyrical and emo)
Singer-Songwriter/Acoustic
Alternative
Instrumental/Post-Rock

SOMETIMES
Film Scores
Classical
Country
Classic Rock

NEVER
Blues
Metal
Jazz

Any input is appreciated!
 
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Hilandr said:
I’m getting back into the hobby after 20+ years now that I have the money and a dedicated space for listening (approx 14’x10’ room). I’ve read my ass off over the past couple of months, but so many reviews are based on sterile charts or dominated by folks into Jazz (which I detest) or Classical. I also tend to listen to more current music and genres that aren’t necessarily typical of my age group (45+).

I’m hoping to get some bookshelf recommendations (preferably under $1k but could go higher) based on my listening preferences and genres. My source 95% of the time is lossless Apple Music into a variety of amplifiers, ranging from a vintage Akai AM-2800 to a little Fosi Audio T20 with tubes. I’m also considering an Audiolab 6000A or Cambridge CX81 (among others).

I tend to favor:
  • Laid-back presentation and a decent-sized soundstage;
  • Smooth/silky treble (I tend to prefer ribbon or soft dome tweeters);
  • Strong bass dynamics/impact - I’ll be using a subwoofer, so don’t need crazy extension;
  • Musicality and Warmth - I don’t do any ‘critical’ listening and don’t care about frequency response charts. I like when a speaker is ‘fun’ and excites me.

In terms of genres:

FREQUENT
Pop/Top 40
Hip-Hop/Rap (lyrical and emo)
Singer-Songwriter/Acoustic
Alternative
Instrumental/Post-Rock

SOMETIMES
Film Scores
Classical
Country
Classic Rock

NEVER
Blues
Metal
Jazz

Any input is appreciated!
Click to expand...

This:
Klipsch RP-500C II Center Channel Speaker
Reviewed at Erin's audio corner looks ok. It's a center speaker but, you can stand it on end. Less than a grand for the pair.
Why not?
 
Check out the ELAC line. I have the original uni-fi UB5 standmounts. They are a 3-way speaker with a 5.5" woofer, and a concentric midrange/tweeter. Very good powerful bass but no midbass boom. Pretty forward mids that project into the room. The soft-dome tweeter it is slightly rolled off above 3k. There is a UB5.2 out and the new uni-fi reference. Need a good amp. I have a true 60w/ch running mine but I listen at moderate levels so don't need the power. I'm not a big jazz fan either so I hope to get to heaven!
 
IMO most audiophiles these days are boomers listening to 1970s rock and a majority of speakers are built to satisfy this need... classical music is niche.

That said, a speaker which can actually do full scale orchestral music well, can really also do anything else well too, so it's a good baseline.

The limiting factor in your case is the room is too small for full range speakers with deep bass to sound good. I would focus on stand mount speakers with a ~6" woofer.
 
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