New System with Small Speakers for Quality Listening

[Nordo]

I know the title is a contradiction of terms, but hear me out.

I have a friend who has asked for my advice.
He wants to update his stereo system.
He wants to listen to vinyl and streaming (and I assume CDs).
They like all music, but in particular like classical.

However his wife has insisted that the new system include "small" unobtrusive speakers.
The obvious answer for the speakers is Bose. But I am trying to explain that Bose is overrated and expensive, and there are better bang-for-buck speakers out there.

This is where I need some help. I've never been into small speakers, so my knowledge is limited.
I've already mentioned to them that any small speaker system would need to have a sub, but explained that the sub should be easy to hide or disguise (coffee table ).

Any advice would be appreciated, including suggestions for a stereo receiver.
I think their budget would only be around $2-3000au ($1-2000us).

EDIT : I've been looking at some stereo receivers (Yamaha R-S202; Denon PMA-600NE) and realised that many of the modern receivers that fit their requirements, don't have phono pre-amp or sub out (he has a vinyl collection). Makes amp selection a bit harder.

 

[DanDan]

Neumann KH80s are getting stellar reviews.

 

[ddude003]

Martin Logan Motion 4i... I have some 4s I use as surrounds and they sound really good as small mains... Maybe add a Dynamo 400 sub... I have always had good luck with my Yamaha products... Something like the A-S501 Integrated Amplifier?

 

[w_sizer]

For highest value, I recommend the PSB Alpha series or SVS Prime Bookshelf speakers. As a modest step up, you might want to check out the PSB Imagine XB or the SVS Ultra Bookshelf. In addition, the SVS 3000 Micro is a lot of sub in a small package. Both companies offer generous no-risk trial periods and excellent customer support.

 

[littlegandhi1199]

For another folded ribbon tweeter speaker that will deliver more bass than those martin Logans...I have 2 pairs of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

There are plenty of great options, and if the visual appearance is important, check out the Bang & Olufsen lineup, and the used market. I picked up a pair of used BeoLab 8000s back around the holidays and have been thrilled with both the performance and the appearance. They sound incredible. They're powered, so that required the proper configuration with preamp only, but they're a huge improvement both sonically and visually over the Definitive Technology towers they replaced.

Obviously the new stuff comes with a premium price tag, but if you can integrate the used products into the system, it's definitely a line to consider - might even be able to find a larger speaker that blends into the existing decor easier.

 

[Nordo]

Thanks everyone.
I asked the same question on another forum.
The conclusion is that my friend should take his wife into a respectible HiFi store and find out what she feels is "small" and "asthetically pleasing" regarding the speakers.
Once that is established, they can build a short list from your suggestions.
Also I'm going to convince him to buy a 2nd hand AV receiver
Even though he only wants stereo, most AV receivers in the last 10 years will be WiFi capable (for streaming), will have lots of input capabilities, will have a Sub output socket and should have bass and room management (I'm a big fan of Audyssey, but don't know much about Dirac).

 

[natty]

Thanks everyone.
I asked the same question on another forum.
The conclusion is that my friend should take his wife into a respectible HiFi store and find out what she feels is "small" and "asthetically pleasing" regarding the speakers.
Once that is established, they can build a short list from your suggestions.
Also I'm going to convince him to buy a 2nd hand AV receiver
Even though he only wants stereo, most AV receivers in the last 10 years will be WiFi capable (for streaming), will have lots of input capabilities, will have a Sub output socket and should have bass and room management (I'm a big fan of Audyssey, but don't know much about Dirac).

Yeah it is absolutely useful to get the wife to express a preference by pointing to real examples of what she would accept.

Just asking the question creates a level of buy in and commitment for her.

HOWEVER, being strategic about it it worthwhile, ie: Decide what you (husband) would deem the five most acceptable choices. And take her some place and ask her "Among these, what is acceptable to you?"

Why? Because if she green lights a selection your friend already likes, BOOM, off to the races.

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For speakers, when you mentioned small, the king of hill are the KEF LS50. And since this is Australia, many of the US budget brands (eg, Emotive, SVS, etc) are stupidly expensive in Australia. If the LS50 are too expensive, there are step down models in the KEF lineup that are still very good in their price category. And since your friend is into classical music, he will likely appreciate the KEF are accurate with wide smooth even dispersion that creates a natural soundscape for acoustic instruments (whether an orchestra, or a solo piano, and everything in between).

And I agree, a used AVR is the way to go. Sound quality has been reliable from all the major brands for more than a decade. And they all include bass manamangent.

Room correction is a bonus and yes, especially if going for an older model, Audyssey was years ahead of everyone else for a while, so you have that going for you, too.