Recommended medium to large bookshelf/stand mounted speakers?

**joeinid** · February 5, 2020, 10:09 AM

Just curious what you guys like.

I’ve been looking at speakers like the Wharfedale Linton. Retail with stands is only $1500 and performance is reported to be outstanding. Harbeth killer?

Obviously Harbeth is always on my list but interested in other alternatives.

I absolutely loved the size and form factor of the TAD CR-1 but NOT the tweeter (sorry).

I’d like something on the more forgiving side and not so “truthful” that’s also tube friendly.

I’m curious about what you like and recommend.

This will eventually be a second system.

**Mike** · February 5, 2020, 03:00 PM

Since no one has responded, I’ll take a shot. Take a look at MBL 120’s. Not tube friendly, but damn good. Super smooth too.

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**joeinid** · February 5, 2020, 03:01 PM

Great pick. Reviews has been spectacular.

**aKnyght** · February 5, 2020, 03:14 PM

viking acoustics has just come out with the mk-iii version of its berlin r standmounts ...can't say enough good things about my mk-ii's ...and, they are great with valves!

also, there is a "demo boutique" in the boston area where one can audition.

**Mr Peabody** · February 5, 2020, 04:28 PM

I'm not familiar with model numbers but from what you describe maybe take a listen to Spendor or Salk, although I'd have to check specs on Salk to see if tube friendly.

I really like Sonist for a tube friendly speaker.

There's probably others but these should give you some options

**Mr Peabody** · February 5, 2020, 04:37 PM

I saw Sonist last time I was at Axpona and spoke to the owner, however, I can't find a website. Not sure what to think about that.

**Skanda** · February 5, 2020, 05:16 PM

Joe, if i remember correctly you had Raidho D1.1's at one point right? That could be an interesting avenue to pursue as they have updated it to a td model with the new tantalum-diamond drivers. also the new designer is the former lead designer from kef so - i don't know for sure - but he may have tweaked that crossover to keep the bass more natural at higher volumes.

I can't say for sure but you may be able to get them at more realistic prices these days, but ofcourse you run the risk of a slow sale should you choose to part with them. That said, I don't think i've seen any td 1.2's pop up on the usual sites.

**Skanda** · February 5, 2020, 05:18 PM

sorry for the double post, but not knowing what the potenial budget might be, i was really really impressed by the zellaton legacy. what a wonderful sound.

**joeinid** · February 5, 2020, 05:27 PM

Hi

No budget yet. If I find something that I have to have, I’ll figure out a way to get them

Jock let me borrow his Raidho D1 a couple of years ago. Raidho and vinyl (which I’ve avoided setting up) is glorious. Otherwise I’m not a fan of the treble on a non vinyl setup. They throw an impressive sound stage with a tremendous 3D presentation.

Originally Posted by Skanda

sorry for the double post, but not knowing what the potenial budget might be, i was really really impressed by the zellaton legacy. what a wonderful sound.

**Skanda** · February 5, 2020, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Hi
If I find something that I have to have, I’ll figure out a way to get them

I hear that!

**jadedavid** · February 5, 2020, 07:07 PM

Just picked up a pair of Vapor Audio Cirrus Black speakers.
Still working on dialing them in but pretty impressed so far.
Audio-Technology woofer with a RAAL tweeter in a Plywood CNC cut and stacked inert cabinet.
Fairly easy load for a moderate power tube amp.
FWIW

**Jack** · February 5, 2020, 11:43 PM

Fritz Carrera Be or Rev 7SE depending on which tweeter direction you want to go in.
Reynaud Bliss Jubilee
Wharfedale Evo 4.2

All should work with tube amps in the 30-40 watt range. I know the Fritz does and the Bliss's predecessor did with the Music Reference RM-10. Though the Linton 85th has gotten rave reviews and should start turning up used.

**Randy Myers** · February 5, 2020, 11:59 PM

The Music Culture (MC) are a very nice reasonably price bookshelf/stand speaker. From the founder of MBL! Hard to get in the US though.

**Oly** · February 6, 2020, 06:10 AM

The Confidence 30, 50, and 60 from Dynaudio are wonderful speakers that deserve consideration.

**Mordante** · February 6, 2020, 08:08 AM

Wonderful tube friendly

Stenheim Alumine Two

**Mike** · February 6, 2020, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Mordante

Wonderful tube friendly

Stenheim Alumine Two

Agreed!

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**aKnyght** · February 6, 2020, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Mordante

Wonderful tube friendly

Stenheim Alumine Two

+1!!

[ fwiw: with nearly the same footprint but in a floorstander, the alumine three is astoundingly good as well. ]

**kzhtoo** · February 6, 2020, 12:13 PM

It’s about time Joe tries some Magico. So, A1?

**joeinid** · February 6, 2020, 01:30 PM

Ha!

I’m not sure I’m a Magico kind of guy. With the right amp, they can be outstanding.

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

It’s about time Joe tries some Magico. So, A1?

**Gene** · February 6, 2020, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Ha!

I’m not sure I’m a Magico kind of guy. With the right amp, they can be outstanding.

What makes you say that, Joe? We're just regular guys who know a good thing when we hear it.

**MikeCh** · February 6, 2020, 04:24 PM

Hi Joe,

I have not heard these myself but they caught my eye recently:

Tannoy Eaton

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0hrBhHV7s4E

**Phishphan** · February 6, 2020, 06:33 PM

Kef Reference 1?

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**joeinid** · February 6, 2020, 06:56 PM

Thank you so much for all the recommendations so far. A really nice and diverse selection.

Since the Wharfedale Linton are so cheap, I ordered a pair. These seem like Harbeth killers for a lot less. Owners reviews have been stellar.

I’m still thinking about the Maggie LRS. Not sure if I have enough juice for them but definitely am excited to hear them.

I’m still thinking about what else strikes my fancy. KEF and Tannoy/Fyne are still on the list.

If Magico had a killer stand mounted, I’d seriously consider it. I have my Duo as my main speakers and don’t want to “replace” them. Since I love variety, I’m looking to play around some. Sort of cheating a little on my Avantgardes, if that makes sense.

**joeinid** · February 6, 2020, 06:58 PM

Once Mike demos his Stenheim Alumine THREE, he's going to give me a full report.

Originally Posted by aKnyght

+1!!

[ fwiw: with nearly the same footprint but in a floorstander, the alumine three is astoundingly good as well. ]

**rrwmd** · February 7, 2020, 11:59 AM

Fyne f701 maybe
https://www.fyneaudio.com/product/f701/

**Randy Myers** · February 7, 2020, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thank you so much for all the recommendations so far. A really nice and diverse selection.

Since the Wharfedale Linton are so cheap, I ordered a pair. These seem like Harbeth killers for a lot less. Owners reviews have been stellar.

I’m still thinking about the Maggie LRS. Not sure if I have enough juice for them but definitely am excited to hear them.

I’m still thinking about what else strikes my fancy. KEF and Tannoy/Fyne are still on the list.

If Magico had a killer stand mounted, I’d seriously consider it. I have my Duo as my main speakers and don’t want to “replace” them. Since I love variety, I’m looking to play around some. Sort of cheating a little on my Avantgardes, if that makes sense.

These just got a very nice review... either Stereophile or The Absolute Sound.... I can't remember which of the two reviewed them. In the review they like the matching stands!

**joeinid** · February 7, 2020, 01:57 PM

Thanks Randy. The midrange is supposed to be stellar, treble good and surprisingly good. I’m excited.

**Mrppv** · February 7, 2020, 02:20 PM

Would love to hear these:

https://soundkaos.audio/vox-3-mini-monitor-big-heart

Not a lot of reviews yet, but the mentions so far are really good. Pics are from the manufacturer's site.

**joeinid** · February 7, 2020, 02:51 PM

The bigger sound kaos speakers that I heard were absolutely wonderful. Only needed a few watts but filled the room with beautiful music. I bet those are great too.

**Randy Myers** · February 7, 2020, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Mrppv

Would love to hear these:

https://soundkaos.audio/vox-3-mini-monitor-big-heart

Not a lot of reviews yet, but the mentions so far are really good. Pics are from the manufacturer's site.

Very cool unique design!

**Bubbalouie** · February 8, 2020, 12:52 PM

Focals love tubes. I have a pair of 806V with Focal stands and when I turn on the Jolida, the soundstage opens up and the music draws you in. The 3D holographic texture is something to behold and to be amazed. I have never experienced anything like this before.

**joeinid** · February 8, 2020, 06:23 PM

I’ve never really given Focal a chance. I know some models can be a little forward in the treble but careful amp matching yields beautiful results. Focal with Naim and McIntosh have been popular combinations. I’d love to hear them with tube amps.

**tdimler** · February 9, 2020, 11:30 AM

Maybe not large enough, but if I was looking at bookshelves, I'd give serious consideration to Joseph Audio Pulsar2 Graphene. I've always loved the Joseph sound and his speakers are easy on the eyes too.

**Jim Smith** · February 9, 2020, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by tdimler

Maybe not large enough, but if I was looking at bookshelves, I'd give serious consideration to Joseph Audio Pulsar2 Graphene. I've always loved the Joseph sound and his speakers are easy on the eyes too.

Agreed 100%. Smooth, uncolored, great imaging - also, amazing bass quality from such a small enclosure. Haven't heard the new Fynes, but so far, these would be my choice. The only stumbling block may be efficiency - but it is an easy load, if enough power is available.

**MPW** · February 9, 2020, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Agreed 100%. Smooth, uncolored, great imaging - also, amazing bass quality from such a small enclosure. Haven't heard the new Fynes, but so far, these would be my choice. The only stumbling block may be efficiency - but it is an easy load, if enough power is available.

Jim, have you taken any pics yet of the new speakers in your room? Would love to see the new look and hear how it is sounding. Inquiring minds need to know!

**Jim Smith** · February 10, 2020, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by MPW

Jim, have you taken any pics yet of the new speakers in your room?

Working on it...

**u-sound** · February 10, 2020, 07:07 PM

really love my little tunetots.
not worth as a bookshelf or stand mounted, as it sounds meaningless that way.
used as desktop speaker with the isobase they are outstanding. nearfield gets you closer to the music

**Dth31** · February 10, 2020, 09:08 PM

“I’d like something on the more forgiving side and not so “truthful” that’s also tube friendly.”

Audio Note speakers fit this description. I have AN/E’s with silver voice coils and Alnico magnets. They fill the room with beautiful sound using my 2A3 and 300B amps. Exceptionally musical. I absolutely love mine, and that’s coming from a Magico M3 guy!

**aerialacoustics** · April 18, 2020, 12:41 PM

what about the the yamaha ns5000 that is supposedly very coherent with all 3 drivers made out of a stiff zylon fiber material. Never heard it. But it may have potential. Definitely going to be a "softer" or gentler sound than metallic tweeters.

Also what about the a pair of sonus faber guarneri homage? the most beautiful midrange for a stand mount? guarneri evolution may work too, if you want a bigger sound.

**joeinid** · April 18, 2020, 01:27 PM

I’ve always loved the Sonus Faber speakers. I might have to revisit them. Also those Yamaha look cool but like a bit of vaporware. Not finding out much about them.

**dznutz** · April 18, 2020, 07:37 PM

Youll love Wilson Benesch

**Jack** · April 18, 2020, 07:46 PM

Interesting new entry in the market that I would love to hear but unfortunately Bob Neill is probably the only person that has a pair in stock.

https://jm-reynaud.com/voce-grande.html

**dznutz** · April 18, 2020, 07:54 PM

No matter how well designed, a 2way bookshelf speaker will always have limitations... you want a 3way.

**johndoe21ro** · April 19, 2020, 03:26 AM

Raidho TD1.2, Wilson Benesch Endeavour, Triangle Magellan Duetto 2, Borresen 01, Dynaudio Confidence 20...

**dznutz** · April 19, 2020, 10:16 AM

Im always fascinated by people who recommend speakers which they have never owned.

**Jim Smith** · April 19, 2020, 02:25 PM

Joseph Audio Pulsar 2

**Nikhil** · April 19, 2020, 04:40 PM

The Dynaudio Confidence 20 got a positive review at highfidelity.pl
http://highfidelity.pl/@main-929&lang=en

A pre loved Dynaudio Confidence C1 might be worth taking a look at.
Easy load for tube amps and superb in smaller rooms.
Looks like they are available used for about $3K

.

**joeinid** · April 19, 2020, 05:44 PM

Dynaudio C1 are awesome but need to be played louder than I’d like late at night. I had a pair of the platinum and oh man they were good. Turn up the volume a little with a great amp and they’re spectacular. Totally disappeared and awesome tone.

**FRO** · April 19, 2020, 06:00 PM

I love my office speakers - Evolution Acoustics MMMicro on dedicated stands.
Incredible imaging and even good low end!

**joeinid** · April 19, 2020, 06:33 PM

I like these ....

https://www.soundstageultra.com/inde...ipment-reviews

Thread: Recommended medium to large bookshelf/stand mounted speakers?