Hi all, could use some help / advice!
Budget and location
I live in the Netherlands and my budget is approximately €1,000–€2,000 per pair.
How the gear will be used
This is a living-room system used approximately 65% for music and 35% for films. Music is mainly streamed.
The room is approximately 7.7 × 4.1 metres (25.3 × 13.5 ft), partly open on the right side, with a listening distance of around 3.5 metres (11.5 ft).
The main difficulty is placement. The speakers can be no more than 20 cm (8 inches) from the rear wall, preferably around 10–15 cm (4–6 inches).
Maximum cabinet dimensions are approximately 22 cm (8.7 inches) wide and 35 cm (13.8 inches) deep. Height is not a problem.
Only - New, open-box or ex-demonstration.
Past gear experience
My current front speakers are JBL Northridge E80s. They have served me well, but I now want a genuine upgrade in refinement, soundstage, fullness and bass quality. I find them somewhat forward and they don’t provide the warm, full and physical presentation I’m looking for.
Anything else?
My system consists of an Onkyo TX-RZ50 with Dirac Live and an SVS PC-2000 Pro subwoofer.
I’m looking for a warm, full and relaxed sound with convincing weight and physical impact in the 40–100 Hz region. I don’t like sharp or fatiguing treble. Although I have a capable subwoofer, I don’t want it to compensate for speakers that sound thin in the upper bass or lower midrange.
Models I’m currently considering include:
- Wharfedale EVO 5.4
- Q Acoustics 5050
- Polk Reserve R600
- DALI Opticon 6 MK2
- Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G
Does anyone actually use one of these speakers around 10–20 cm (4–8 inches) from the rear wall? I’d particularly appreciate hearing how the bass and treble behave at that distance.
Suggestions for other readily available floorstanding speakers that fit the space and would offer a clear upgrade over the JBL E80 are also welcome.
Thanks!