(large bookshelf) speaker upgrade itch -> haven't been keeping up in several years

[sfesp]

Getting back into listening after a hiatus... for those who are currently active in speaker demos/comparisons would love to get some input. I have 2 rooms...

Room 1 has just 2 bookshelf speakers on stands. No subs, no floorstanders allowed. 24' by 18 to 28' (L-shape) living/dining/kitchen. Speakers are ~13' apart with a big sofa in the middle. SAF is controlling. I sometimes sit in a 13' triangle for "critical listening", but mostly this is for music while cooking, eating, etc. Older Hypex nc502mp and Matrix Audio streamer. This room has North Creek Kitty Kats that I built ~20 years ago. These use a modified 5.25" scanspeak revelator and are optimized to be placed near the back wall. The bass is enough for this largish room down to low 30s. I think the imaging could be better. This is partially a placement issue, but also I've just had them for a long time and looking for a change.

Room 2 is for HT and music. Also 24' by 18 to 24' (L-shape). Speakers are ~9' apart with dedicated listening at ~10'. I listen to HT and music in this room from a "sweet spot". Newer Hypex ncore, Mini DSP SHD. This room has a pair of Philharmonic BMR monitors. These are early Gen 2s. Also have the BMR center. Also have Magnepan .7s for occasional variety. Stereo Rhythmik F12 subs can easily be on/off with the MiniDSP for different music or HT.

Considering...
1. Upgrading the BMR monitors in room 2 to super BMRs, HT BMRs, or something different (Harbeth in rotation?).
2. Then moving the BMR monitors to room 1; or
3. Buying new for room 1 like KEF R3, others?

Appreciate any feedback... I used to like to respond to questions like these when I was a more active audioguy.

 

[Paul7777x]

How about these. Home build for £3000.

Allegedly quite excellent and measurements to prove it.

Cadentia 3 Kit — Audio First Designs

audiofirstdesigns.uk

Some interesting reading here.

Cadentia 3 Product Development thread / Audio First Designs

I have the Cadentia 3 speakers now set up in my office: The full chain is: Auralic Altair G2.1 -> [balanced XLR] -> MFA Baby Ref v2 -> [balanced XLR] -> Neurochrome 686 -> Audio First Cadentia 3 I'm not really sure what I can say about their sound, other than it's absolutely "lovely"... from...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Oddball]

One of the most distinguishing factors, and IMO the first screen is the SPL you want from your speakers at MLP. Generally, the higher SPL means higher price.

 

[kemmler3D]

Room 2 sounds too good to upgrade to me.

In Room 1, floorstanders are "not allowed" but what about LS60s? They have a very slim profile and in my personal experience have excellent SAF. (Matter of taste, but possible.)

Failing that, I'd be looking pretty hard at the Ascilab lineup for new bookshelves, or see if you can sneak the Purifi SPK16 past the SAF committee.

 

[sfesp]

One of the most distinguishing factors, and IMO the first screen is the SPL you want from your speakers at MLP. Generally, the higher SPL means higher price.

I live in a pretty dense city. While I built and sound proofed the space, I need to be mindful of neighbors. The BMRs get loud enough at about 100dB SPL. One thing I like about the magnepans is they can sound dynamic at lower volumes.

 

[sfesp]

Room 2 sounds too good to upgrade to me.

In Room 1, floorstanders are "not allowed" but what about LS60s? They have a very slim profile and in my personal experience have excellent SAF. (Matter of taste, but possible.)

Failing that, I'd be looking pretty hard at the Ascilab lineup for new bookshelves, or see if you can sneak the Purifi SPK16 past the SAF committee.

Hmm the Purifi SPK16 seems interesting.

Are CNCd panels available in the US?

I’ll be in Copenhagen this summer, can I get a better deal locally while I’m on holiday?

 

[kemmler3D]

Hmm the Purifi SPK16 seems interesting.

Are CNCd panels available in the US?

I think at this point you need to find a local shop to do it for you.

I am personally working on a 3D printable version that will hopefully be validated by Purifi, but it's still early days, expect at least a few weeks before you can print at home.

If you can't find a machine or wood shop that will do MDF panels, there is no shortage of people with 3D printers and nothing to print on them.

I’ll be in Copenhagen this summer, can I get a better deal locally while I’m on holiday?

You would have to ask Purifi about that one, but maybe?