Slim black speakers good for stereo - any experiences?

[PhillM]

Help!

We are redecorating our lounge, and as ever, I get to choose the technology as my part of the deal. As it goes, she has picked black Italian leather sofas with cream decor and suchlike, so it looks as though my beloved ProAc Studio 125s and cc1 centre (in maple) are going to have to go.

I've been instructed to get "slim, black" speakers, and am looking to spend up to £3000. I have a black REL 201E sub I'd be happy to keep, and could wait for rear upgrade if the budget runs out - these are currently Dynaudio Audience 40s.

No KEF egg suggestions please, I want at least as good stereo performance as the ProAcs - my room is 6m x 4m.

So far, have heard and like Piega TS5s (which she loved) and have on my shortlist possibly B & W XT4s, JMlabs/Focal Profile 918s and Tannoy Highline Arenas. My current system is Arcam AVR300 with Arcam DV88 player.

Any ideas/experiences please? - particularly with Piegas or 918s, but other ideas within budget welcomed too!!

Thanks!!

 

[HiFiRuss71]

Totem Arros plus Mite-T center? Have a look here.

Should leave you change for a new pouch in which to store your ********. As she now possess' them, she may as well carry 'em.

Russell

 

[jackal]

I'd suggest you have a look at the Wilson Benesch Square range.

http://www.wilson-benesch.com/squarerange.html

I've seen them in the flesh, they are quite diminutive (80cm tall, 20cm wide)and they come in great finishes (I saw the Piano black).

Not heard them but the reviews are great.

The budget might be strained a bit if you went for the floor standers up front though.

Edit: if you just went for the front 3 (inc. Square 2s) you' be well within budget.

 

[Helicon]

You could take a look at the new Proac TriTowers which are about to be released - very small footprint, and should have the Proac sound you're used to.

Also, Spendor are going to release a compact standmount speaker and a floorstander, which will have a strip running down the front which can request any colour/pattern/material you like, even that Italian leather you mention. These will also be interchangeable. I can't remember the name of them, but i assume they'll be announced on their website when they appear. Just an option seeing as the decor is important.

 

[PhillM]

All above - great, thanks for the gen, will check out!!
LOL with Russells quote - ain't it the truth though... she makes the rules and I do as told (sometimes and keep earning the cash) Had a ruder quote here, but edited, don't want to offend any lady AVers!!

Gotta try and please everyone, my ears, her eyes, and the bank manager!!

Off for some serious listening then - I have plenty of time..

Cheers,

Phill

 

[Cable Monkey]

Take a look at the B&W XT series. Slim, black and good looking.

 

[Crustyloafer]

The PMC GB1s would also be a good alternative in Black Ash and well under budget at £1145 a pair. They would also sound considerably better than the B&W XT4s.

 

[Scott_Mac]

Dynaudio Audience 122 to match the rears... of as you're feeling a little more flush the new Contour range are quite elegant and available in black.

Or really silly and the Confidence C2, though i think they'd kill the budget and some

 

[dts_boy]

have a look for definitive technology mythos 1 or mythos 2 depending on budget. they come in aluminium or gloss black and sound AWESOME!

 

[Scott_Mac]

Totem Arros plus Mite-T center? Have a look here.

Should leave you change for a new pouch in which to store your ********. As she now possess' them, she may as well carry 'em.

Russell

Good point, forgot the Arro's.... not my fave speakers ever, but weren't bad!

 

[proux]

How slim is slim?

Sonus faber grand piano and concerto come in black with leather front which might match your sofa (!), 285 mm wide. Have NOT heard them (suspecty they may be very different from Proacs), but found the Sonus Faber Guarnieri little standmount simply marvellous all around. The Opera Callas SP is slim (145) with black leather front, but can't get the rest in black. Hoping to see / hear a pair soon.

http://www.sonusfaber.com/index.html http://www.operaloudspeakers.com/c1/serie_callas.ashx

 

[Nobber22]

Heard the SF Grand Piano at Bristol the last few years and they are wonderful. Sadly might be a bit too much speaker for an AVR300 to do them justice?

 

[dts_boy]

Vienna Acoustics make a speaker called the Beethoven Baby Grands which are are, i think, very good for the money not seen them around a lot in the UK though - one of my friends told me about them and value his opionion (knows more about hifi than i do)

 

[jensK]

How slim is slim?

Sonus faber grand piano and concerto come in black with leather front which might match your sofa (!), 285 mm wide. Have NOT heard them (suspecty they may be very different from Proacs), but found the Sonus Faber Guarnieri little standmount simply marvellous all around. The Opera Callas SP is slim (145) with black leather front, but can't get the rest in black. Hoping to see / hear a pair soon.

http://www.sonusfaber.com/index.html http://www.operaloudspeakers.com/c1/serie_callas.ashx

Black, good looking and small speakers ->>> Then have a look at the Sonus Faber speakers. Some say they look very nice, but they sound very good as well.

Some more picis
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/default...udio/products/browser2.asp?ManufacturerID=125

 

[owain_thomas]

A little bit late maybe but another vote for the totem arros, beautiful-sounding and very good looking speakers.