Hi, everyone!
I'm actually a long-time member who lost his email and had to start over. (I had a 5.0 system in Gainesville, built around Salk Songtowers and a Dared DV-6C for those who might remember.)
I re-upped my enrollment in the community because I'd welcome any input that other members may have on assembling an unfussy 2.0 system in a tricky space, in a country where auditioning isn't practical so versatility is paramount. I need speakers and amplification only, I have a single source (a digital streamer with line-level analog outputs).
Details:
The room has a wide soundstage but it's imbalanced (side-wall is tight on one side but not the other) with a *very* narrow accommodation for the speakers themselves. Auditioning is across-the-board impractical (I've tried). There's a huge credenza across the front wall of the listening space and it can be slid sideways only a few inches before it interferes with the bedroom door (see picture).
Candidate speakers I've been considering include Splendor S5e's, Audio Physic Virgos, and an old but recently rebuilt pair of KEF 104/2's on eBay. Amplification will probably be Arcam, Naim or Dared. Looking primarily second-hand to save money.
Sonic priorities are: tight upper-bass control, microphonic detail, smooth but unmuffled highs, and soundstage (the British sound, in other words). There has to be enough bottom for movies, but I wouldn't miss any extra. No chocolate-fudge sundae sounds need to be considered.
I've had high satisfaction in the past with:
Speakers:
KEF C-80s,
Linn Ninkas,
Audio Physic Spark IIII's
and of course the Songtowers;
And amplification by Onkyo/Integra, Naim, Arcam, Rotel and Dared.
I know an un-auditioned system probably sounds at least a little reckless but I've had good luck with recommendation-only purchases in the past and I am ready to risk it again, especially under the circumstances. Any ideas are welcome, and thanks for having me!
