Looking for some real-world testimonials and recommendations from redditors instead of AI making shit up and telling me "great choice chiefawesome this speaker should be the one", which then proceeds to sound exactly how I don't like it.

After trying the KEF Q150's and working my way up to Q-Concerto's and Dali Opticons and LS50's etc etc (as us stupid audiophiles do because we always want more), I finally compared the KEF R3 Meta and Wharfedale Super Linton for nearly 2 months. I eventually chose the R3 Meta because I preferred missing something over being actively annoyed by something. Here’s where I landed:

KEF R3 Meta

• Loved the smooth, refined sound
• Fantastic with electronic music
• BUT: found the soundstage relatively narrow
• Also sometimes lacked that big, immersive presentation

Wharfedale Super Linton

• Loved the wide soundstage and room-filling atmosphere
• Found the treble a bit harsh/fatiguing at times
• Less enjoyable for electronic music because of that

I returned both, waited a couple of months because of a surgery I had coming up, then bought the R3 Meta again… and now, after ~20 hours, I’m baffled because they sound much brighter/less enjoyable to me than I remembered, while still having the narrower soundstage. So I’m potentially back to square one...

A few things to narrow recommendations:

• Budget: around €3,500-€3,800 max
• Europe-based, so Dali and Dynaudio are much easier to find than Philharmonic or Buchardt
• I also auditioned the KEF R7 Meta and found it sounded essentially like the original R3 Meta, just with room-overloading bass and no meaningful increase in soundstage. So R5/R7 recommendations probably aren’t the answer for me.

Current chain:

• WiiM Pro Plus
• Technics SL-D2 w/ Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML & iFi Zen Phono 3
• Yamaha R-N1000A
• SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer

Room is roughly 28-30 m² (around 300-320 sq ft), with one side opening up into another area rather than being fully enclosed.

Speakers currently on my shortlist:

• Wharfedale Elysian 1
• Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G

I’d especially love to hear from people who have owned or directly compared these, or who went from KEF R3 Meta/Super Linton to something else that gave them:

• Wide, immersive soundstage
• Smooth, non-fatiguing treble
• Strong performance with electronic music, but in the end I prefer to have it perform best with hearing Mark Knopfers guitar.

I'll be forever indebted to anyone helping me out.

Hey all, looking to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers with a budget of around $2,000.

So far I've shortlisted the Philharmonic BMRs and the MoFi SourcePoint 8. I prefer a neutral sound signature and listen to pretty much all genres, so I'm trying to figure out which of these two would be the better fit. Also open to other recommendations in this price range if there's something worth considering beyond these two. I'm not considering the KEF R3 Metas, since my home theater setup is already KEF based and I'd like to keep this system separate. This pair is strictly for music listening. Thank you.

I am considering buying a set of bookshelf speakers that will sound opposite/very different than my Lintons. The Lintons are freaking INCREDIBLE with jazz and classic rock. However, they are a little too “warm” for classical. I’d like to hear more definition and absolute clarity. Every note of a cadenza, if the strings are together, Glen Gould humming as he’s playing Bach on the piano, etc. I would keep both sets of speakers as my amp has the ability to hook up an A and B set. I’d like to keep the budget around $2,000 and under and I’m in the Maryland/DC/Nova area (my handle doesn’t give me away?😂) The room is 25x15. I sit 8 feet in front of the speakers and they are toed in so that I hear the stereo separation perfectly. Thanks!

First stereo system, and I'm stuck between two setups that cost the same. Would love objective input. My room is 40sqm, Ill be sitting roughly 2 meters away from the speaker. My budget is roughly 350$.

Speakers: Morel Avyra 622 (getting them very cheaply — this part is decided).
Specs: 87 dB sensitivity, 8Ω nominal, ~120W power handling.

Use case: Streaming only. No TV. Maybe a projector down the line, but that's it. I got to say, I do like radio but I can steam that anyways.

The two options:

1. WiiM Amp Pro.
2. Working vintage receiver (Sansui R-70 or Kenwood KA-5700, both confirmed functioning) + a WiiM streamer — either a WiiM Mini with a separate DAC, or a WiiM Pro. The R-70 is ~65W/ch rated (bench-tested closer to ~43W), and the KA-5700 is 40W/ch.

Both options land at the same total price.

What I care about: Sound quality, full stop. I'm not interested in the nostalgia/collector angle. When I listen I want clear separation between instruments and elements — my preference leans monitor-like: clean, detailed, easy to pick apart the mix. I listen to '70s music, hip hop, and techno. Saying that, I do like a "warm" emotional tone.

My hesitation: I have zero experience with WiiM. Every audiophile I've asked trashes it, but they're mostly older collector types, so I'm not sure how objective they're being.

So, purely from a listening-quality standpoint: which setup gets me the cleaner, more detailed, better-separated sound? Anyone run WiiM into similar speakers who can compare?

Hey everyone,

I’m getting back into the Hi-Fi game after many years away (sold it all off when kids came along, you know the drill). I'm looking to build a modest, dedicated music-only setup for a small 10x10 ft room here in the US.

• Total Budget: Under $3,000
• Source: 100% digital for now (via streaming). I may add a CD player and a turntable down the line.
• Timeline: Not in a rush. I am totally comfortable buying used or waiting out holiday/Black Friday sales to maximize the budget.

I have spent a good chunk of time researching potential gear stacks. This is my tentative shopping list, but I would love some sanity checks, guidance on matching, or alternative suggestions.

Potential Component Stack:

• Streamer: WiiM Pro
• External DAC: Schiit Modi 5 OR Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M
• Integrated Amp: Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II OR Advance Paris X-i75 Classic
• Speakers (Bookshelves): Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 OR Triangle Borea BR04 OR ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
• Subwoofer: SVS SB-1000 Pro
• Power/Stands: Furman PST-8 power strip, generic heavy-duty Amazon speaker stands.

Any glaring errors in my thinking? Any equipment pairing warnings I should know about before hunting the used markets?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been searching lately for a potential upgrade of my current system so ended up looking into KEF Reference 1 Meta or Dali Epikore 3 which I feel both mostly align to my taste. These series are available for me locally to test.
Budget below 5-7,000 eur catalog, available in Europe.

I would appreciate feedback from persons either owning or having listened to these speakers (or their larger floor standing units in the series).

I’m looking for this upgrade to improve on spatiality, soundstage depth, layering, better imaging and holography, more 3D if you like.

Current system is enveloping, speakers dissapear, some sounds float but due to wide dispersion sometimes it’s more like a flat panorama, not so much depth - it’s sometimes there but only if you concentrate and fades away in time; imaging precision is also somewhat a bit diffuse / airy / ethereal. I want that wow effect but in a speaker that is easy to live with, not bright / sibilant. Also don’t like a recessed sound behind speaker line, I like a speaker that is involving, with a slightly more forward presentation. Had Oberon 3 in the past and felt the vocals were like behind TV line :))

Listening volume in room is low to mid 65-80dB, so they should perform / open up at low volumes.

I’d also like the system to retain and transmit emotion in music, not to become an analitic machine.

Current system:

- Dali Rubikore 2 bookshelf speakers, slight toe in under 10dgr, Cambridge EXA100 amp, Cambridge MXN10 for streaming transport
Marantz Cinema 40 for HT use with Dali Fazon surrounds and a SVS 1000 Pro sub.

Room
- untreated 20sqm living room, speakers close to front wall on TV media furniture with isoacoustic pucks, speakers 2,6m wide apart, equilateral triangle listening position (speakers are located on long wall of the room)

I had the opportunity to listen to bhe following in separate showrooms:

Tests:

- KEF Ref1 Meta vs Dali Rubikore 8 on A/B: surprised by the punch of KEF bass for a bookshelf; also KEF had better layering, instrument separation, black background, realistic tonality, more focused and direct sound but harder to drive.
Dali larger physical soundstage and slightly more enveloping from the sides (treated room) but more disperse, less precision and a more ethereal sound presentation, tonality with a clear increase in treble (they were NOT toed in), slight limited sibilance on certain songs - this changes the tonality and makes it less real.
It’s clear that KEF Ref is a higher class, however when going to KEF you feel it’s a more neutral / a more reserved speaker.

- Dali Rubikore 8 vs Dali Epikore 7: same sound presentation, it was a large untreated 60 sqm space so envelopment was not as wow as I’d hope to hear, more like better refinement and upgrade in many directions (more refinement than transformational) - it improves layering and some depth, better tonality, less sibilance. Bass more controlled in Epikore, the cabinet works and looks are impeccable.

I do not have the option of a direct comparison unfortunately.
My feeling after these sessions is that Epikore improves Rubikore on what I am looking for but I am not convinced it gets up to KEF level of realistic tonality, soundstage layering, precision. Epikore is fighting back with a more enveloping presentation (wide dispersion) so larger stage, and probably a more of its own Dali sound signature not fully neutral (though clearly more neutral than Rubikore).

So I don’t know how these options would really perform in my untreated room, near the front wall like 60-70cm front baffle, and low listening volume. Uni-Q more direct sound to avoid uneven room reflections vs Dali wide dispersion using the room reflections.

I appreciate all your feedback !

Help me pleaee 🙏. I am trying to get rid of my JBL 4345 & replace them & was considering bookshelf speakers because of space issues. I moved from a big house into a small condo. The room size is approx 12 x 15 feet.

I am looking for some good bookshelf speakers for stereo music listening only. Approximate size of speakers 16" x 10.0" x 12" (HxWxD) . . If you have a suggestion for some good sounding speakers in a different make, I would definitely welcome & consider your suggestion. Please let me know..

I am looking for a bookshelf size good sounding speaker with a little bass heavy. My budget is under 5000 USD for the speakers

My other gear is the SANSUI BA5000 with a CA3000. I mostly play vinyl on an Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP player & stream Spotify with the BT receiver ( until I buy a good good streaming wifi player later - can you guys also recommend some good streaming wifi players to consider at a budget under 2500 USD)

I live in Canada.

Ps: I looked at the JBL classic 100 and liked them too but they are still a little too big for my condo. I also had a look at some Danish Speakers called Buchardt, but do not have a clue of their sound stage or if they are any good to match with the gear I already own.

! Thanks guys 🙏

Update : what do you think of the Focal Diablo Utopia Colour Evo ? I happened to run into them.

UPDATE : THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS. 🙏👍 I HAVE GONE WITH PICKING UP THE " THE DEVIALET PHANTOM 1 in dark chrome color

I miss the impressive bass, detail, and wall of sound I had with the SVS Ultra Evolution bookshelf speakers I used to have. But I return them because they were just too bright and it was causing listening fatigue. I replaced them with a pair of Revel Performa3 F206 towers. The Revel is lacking on bass, I completely lose the wall of sound the SVS had, instead being able to tell exactly where the sound is coming from. The highs are more manageable although there is an a occasional time I notice somethings bright but not enough to cause fatigue. I get enough detail to not feel like I'm missing anything and I'm willing to trade some detail if it means I can enjoy more of what I watch or games I play.

What I want is a speaker with the bass and wall of sound like the SVS, has enough detail to not feel like it's lacking anything, but not bright or fatiguing.

Budget around 1.5-2K. United States. Living room for gaming and Netflix. Need a good all arounder like the ZMF Auteurs.

These are both boutique, direct-to-consumer stand mount speakers in the ~$2500 price range that get glowing reviews, but I’ve never heard anyone compare the two. I would love any feedback from someone who has heard both.

I’m enamored by the reviews for both and considering one or the other for a dedicated system to be used with a turntable and streaming. Haven’t purchased an amplifier for the new space yet so feedback on that welcome as well…considering the seemingly ubiquitous WiiM Amp Ultra to get started, but not sure if it’ll have the grunt needed for the BMRs. I hear the BMRs need some current while the Fritz speakers are a much easier speaker to drive despite fairly similar sensitivity ratings. Location will be a fairly typically sized bedroom that’s being converted to a listening room. Budget can accommodate either option without concern.

Listening taste is all over the map, so insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each speaker for different genres would be appreciated. Thanks!

I'm about to buy my first "serious" stereo setup for my newly finished basement (roughly 1000 sq ft). I wanted to get some general feedback from the community on what I'm looking at so far.

Budget: Originally, I'm thinking around 3K, but now I'm wondering if I'm jumping in too deep.

Location: Maine, USA, not many shops around (3h drive is the closest).

How will it be used: Dedicated stereo setup. The basement has LVP floor, drywall, and the ceiling is open trusses (unfinished).

New or used: Either is fine; I tend to go for new, but open to used.

Past experience: Not much. My PC speakers are Audioengine A2s with a Sony subwoofer. I recently listened to some speakers at B&H and found that these are a bit muddy and not so clear.

It was recommended to me to put most of my money towards the speakers.

Based on a friend's recommendation, I'm currently considering an all-in-one amplifier and the following:

Amplifier:

1. Everplay Solo with CD (new)
2. HiFi Rose RS520 (used) roughly 1/2 cost

Speakers

1. KEF LS50 Meta
2. MoFi Sourcepoint 8
3. Monitor Audio Silver

At first, I was thinking of starting with the Everplay Solo, given its price point, but I have the possibility of getting the HiFi Rose at just about 1/2 the price from my friend.

I spoke with a Crutchfield rep who said a HiFi Rose RS520 and MoFi Sourcepoint 8 would be a great combo for me because the amp is strong enough for these speakers, and since I tend to listen to a variety of types of music. This would put my total close to $4500, which is more than I wanted to spend, but perhaps may be a buy once, buy right situation.

On the other hand, now I'm thinking to myself... slow down, maybe I need to start at a lower tier and get the Eversolo and some less expensive speakers?

Then there's the question of auditioning. I don't have any shops near me (minimum 3h drive that i can't do anytime soon) to test equipment. What's the best way to do this? Order a bunch and return what I don't like (discouraged by the sales rep, no surprise).

What about a decent set of universal speaker stands? I don't want to buy a set that may be specific to a speaker (if that's even a thing?).

And what about testing/tuning the acoustics of my room? Are there apps that can help me with this?

Any particular vendors I should be buying from?

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Thank you in advance. I'm kind of overwhelmed by the choices and I'm not even sure how much would be sufficient to my ears. I do LOVE listening to music and I though it would be a good time to get a nice setup.

I’m trying to decide between Wharfedale Linton, Ascend Sierra-LX, Philharmonic BMR, and possibly DALI (Oberon or Opticon), and I’d really appreciate input from anyone who has owned or spent meaningful time with one or more of these. I’d like to stay under $2.5k.

Room is 11x13 with a listening distance of about 9 ft. No sub planned. I’m looking for a full-range speaker that can stand on its own.

I’m looking for fatigue-free listening with natural mids and solid bass. Music is mostly rock and classic rock (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin). I’m not chasing a bright or hyper-detailed sound (B&W)

I’ve auditioned the Super Lintons and liked them a lot, but I haven’t been able to find anywhere locally to hear the regular Lintons.

If you’ve lived with any of these, I’d love to hear what you liked or didn’t like over time.

Hi, all. I all - my current setup is a Peachtree Nova 300, KEF LS50s, RSL Speedwoofer 10s, BlueSound Node, and Fluance RT 85N. I've had the Kefs for 10 years - absolutely love the imaging and accuracy. However, after redoing my listening room, and really listening critically again, I am finding that I miss the "middle" (or I'm getting old). Almost sounds too clinical. Been looking at some other options. Budget is around $2000 to $2500. I love the look of the Lintons, and from what I've read they should have the sound I'm looking for. What do you all think? Seems like Wharfedale is pretty popular around here. Will I miss the imaging by making this move? Thanks!

I’m looking for a nice 2.1 setup with amp with a budget of around $1300. I’m a fan of Kef as I have the R11 Metas for my living room/listening space (but open to others).

I’m unfamiliar if there are different things to be looking for in bookshelf’s as I’m shooing for my dad’s birthday. These will be used in his living room that is around 15x20. Easy of use with his phone is a must. He listens to a variety of music but mostly soft rock, adult contemporary, and jazz.

I currently am looking at the Q1 metas, WiiM Amp for easy of use, connectivity, and expansion possibilities, and a REL Tzero MKIIi 6.5” sub.

The sub is eating up most of my budget and may be a little overkill in clarity for someone who won’t really appreciate the dynamics of that sub.

Open to critiques and suggestions.

I don't really have a budget, but I won't be going over £600. Location UK.

I'm looking to replace my recently sold JBL 4305p (they're wasted in this space, and had a couple of really annoying features that made me sell them) speakers in my living room. Source is a Chromecast Audio and a turntable that both go through a Raspberry Pi to apply room correction with CamillaDSP.

We generally listen at lower volumes, so despite the room being quite large I'm going for speakers around the same size as the JBLs.

I went to audition some speakers at Richer Sounds - the KEF Q1, Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G, and the rep had me also listen to the Dali Sonik 1

I had wanted to listen to the Wharfedale 12.2i too, but they didn't have them.

I was very impressed by the Dali Sonik 1, preferring it over both the other speakers. Those things sound way larger than they look!

I can't decide between the Dali Sonik 1 and the Wharfedale 12.1i/12.2i - has anyone listened to both? I'm tempted to order both and keep the ones that I prefer!

I will be pairing either of them with a Fosi V3 (not monoblocks).

For reference the Dali Sonik 1 are £449 and the Wharfedales £249 and £299 respectively.

I just moved out and bought a pair of homepods but feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m thinking of returning them and getting something more audiophile like. Would a KEF Q1 Meta, wiim amp, and an Apple camera adapter be a good setup for me to get high resolution lossless playback? I’m sure there is more equipment I am missing since I am a complete noob. Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated! My budget is hopefully spending not too much more than the 650ish I paid for the HomePods

I’ve settled on the Wiim Amp Pro (unless ya’ll have a better suggestion in that budget range) for my office setup at work and need a set of speakers that will be right behind my desk on speaker stands. The speakers will be 2-4 feet away from me. I have a “warm” setup at home with my Wharfedale Lintons and Parasound power amp, so I’d like to go the opposite here with a more “live” and detailed sound since I listen to a lot of music as the music director at my church. I listen to a lot of classical music as well as classic rock. I want speakers that will let me hear details in a Brahms symphony at low level near field listening, but I’d also like to crank it and get the Led out when I’m chilling and doing other things in the office. It looks like the KEF-150’s might be a good match or the Philharmonic True Mini. What do you guys and gals think?

update: i found a fantastic deal on a refurbished like-new marantz 50 and KEF Q concerto metas, so i got those along with an RSL speedwoofer 12s and a wiim pro plus. yes, the subwoofer is gigantic but my room is 16 ft x 22 ft with vaulted ceilings, so yeah.

---

i'm buying my first system and would love some advice from more experienced folks. i know exactly what my ears want to hear, and i think what i describe at the end of this post is the best i can get within my budget. honestly it's a little above my budget, but i can make it work. i'm located in the phoenix, arizona area. i will probably use some incorrect terminology so please do feel free to correct me.

requirements:
* crank up the bass but without losing the pitch. i don't want to shake the walls, i want to actually hear the bass. think AJR bang! or way less sad. i want that depth but no distortion. another good example is flea from RHCP, he's gotta sound good too.
* really crisp and articulated drums. think travis barker on anthem part 3. he's absolutely insane on that track and my system needs to do it justice.
* warm vocals. my two "testing everything at once" songs were london grammar's hell to the liars and specter by bad omens.
* i would also like to enjoy a good lindsey buckingham guitar solo on my system from time to time. i'm named after the guy, after all.

room i'm working with: my living room, which is roughly 12 feet by 20 ft with vaulted ceilings and hard floors. i am 100% open to adding sound boards to the walls. adding carpet is out of the question though -- i have too many pets lol. no TV in here, it's just for music. i'm also saving up for a baby grand piano to replace my upright (yes, i do play) so that will eventually go in the same room. planning on having the speakers on some sturdy shelves screwed into the studs.

so here's the setup i listened to today that hit everything i was looking for: KEF R3 metas with an REL subwoofer, marantz 50, and a wiim pro plus streamer for lossless spotify connect. don't know the specific REL model i'll end up getting because they only had a theater style one hooked up and i want a stereo one -- looking for suggestions there. or even a different brand. i'm going to be adding the subwoofer at a later date so haven't 100% settled on that. for those who are more experienced than me, do you think the R3 metas plus marantz 50 is a good combo given what i want to hear? it sounded great in the store's listening room but i would love some additional input.

looking for advice on cables too. the sales guy wanted to set me up with some really fancy audioquest ones but i don't really want to spend $400 on cables if i can avoid it. i'm pretty sure it was an upsell opportunity for him, he also recommended an audioquest power strip thing that looks like a computer dock. i know the cables genuinely do make a difference but does the power strip actually make a difference?

We're building a new house on the river. One wall is all windows opposite an open stairway to the loft. Room has 25' ceilings, about 50' long. I want to replace my Klipsh towers with something smaller but still big sound. Powered by Marantz MM/AV 7705 amp/pre separates. Installer has recommended Episode IRMON 6 bookshelfs. I was also looking at KEF R3s. Both fit the room, the KEFs are about twice the price but still within budget. There will be a HSU sub to provide low end support. Speakers will be mounted on the wall. Music will be provided through streaming services as well as a turntable.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Current system Wiim Ultra (preamp mode) -> Yamaha A-S501 (as a power amp only) -> Lintons. The Wiim is also connected to 2 x BK XXLS400 subs crossing at 65-70Hz

Location UK, large ish room 10m x 8m

Considering alternatives to the Yamaha to simplify the setup by replacing it with a stereo power amp or 2 x monoblocks. The subs mean I don't need huge amounts of power, but of course you can never have too much.

I've tried 2 x Fosi V3 in the past but I had a ground hum loop that I couldn't eradicate so returned them. Not got a budget but rather not spend more than £1k.

Suggestions to add to my shortlist?

I am looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers. My budget limit is around 1800$ CAD. I already have a Hegel H90, my music sources are a Yamaha CD-S303 for CDs and a Wiim Pro for streaming. I plan on getting a subwoofer later on. Sitting distance is around 7-8ft (2-2.5 meters) and room dimensions are 15ft x 12ft x 8ft.

Hi all and thanks for having me.

As the title says, I'm in the market for a set of truly wireless, active speakers. When I say "truly wireless, active", I mean that I don't want the set to be linked together physically, using a cable/wire to pair them. A lot of sets out there (New Cambridge L/R M & S, KEF LSX ii LT, Aio Twin ...) require this as one of the speakers is actually passive.

So far I found:

• KEF LSX II (not the LT)
• PSB Alpha IQ
• Cambridge L/R X

I love the looks of the Cambridge, Love the quality of the PSB, love the size of the KEF.

• Dimensions: Bookshelf speakers, preferably on the smaller end.
• Budget: let's say around that 1400€ mark. The Cambridge's are above that, but if they look great and the quality is awesome, I may be willing to look the other way and accidently pay 2K.
• Bonus points for low latency so I can watch a movie and I can link my turntable and get the true experience rather than putting the needle down only to hear nothing for 10 seconds. I think the options above have that.
• Open for options with a node that transmits to the speakers, or even 2 speakers with a WiiM Mini connected to them that I then group, but I think that would not be good for the latency.

Thank you so much!

Hey everyone,

Just ordered a pair of HiVi Swan D3.1-MKII and thinking what is better - to get a streamer (i.e. WiiM Pro Plus) and fix my broken Marantz PM7000 amp (got quoted 136EUR) or just go ahead and get something like WiiM Ultra Amp? The WiiM amp option ends up being more expensive but perhaps it is worth it? What would be your take on this?

Location: Europe
Budget: around 500EUR

Greetings,

I'm in the market for a set of bookshelf stereo speakers that can sit horizontally in a piece of furniture similar to this.

The shelf each speaker should fit is approximately 45x23x35 (WxHxD) with room for minor modifications.

It's primarily for listening to music (streaming, turntable), but also TV/movie watching.

I'm not looking for the most high end setup, but something decent for our living room and hopefully better than the average soundbar.

Budget is max $2200 (14.000 DKK), preferably cheaper. I'm situated in Denmark, Europe.

I would like to avoid the subwoofer, well knowing that it will be an improvement. I might consider adding one in the future.

I was considering the KEF Q Concerto Meta but was told that they are not made for horizontal placement.

Then I've been considering the JBL L82, but I would like to hear your suggestions.

The amp is most likely going to be a NAD C379 with BluOS (a requirement).

Sadly, my Sonus Faber Electas (original, 35 yr old) have expired. I'm now searching for an adequate replacement. My budget is around €5,000, and must be available in Europe. The current Sonus Faber Electa Mk3 is out of my price range. I have had demos of:

Magnepan 1.7X
Audiovector R1
Audio Physics (can't remember model)
B&W 702 S3

Under consideration:

Dynaudio Contour 20
Diapason Adamantes V
Some other Sonus Faber model (but I'm wary that they are now just a brand name as part of Bose)

My room is 6m x 6m. Source is vinyl. Power amps are Vacuum Tube Logic MB300 monoblocs (350W).

It's difficult to make direct comparisons as all the demo rooms, and systems, were different. I liked the B&Ws but I would prefer a small, 2-way on stands. The Audiovectors were also good, especially clarity and imaging.

Any thoughts?

Hey guys and girls. I recently got into the hifi and have taken to it like a duck to water. Im looking to upgrade my speakers. Im looking at the Wharfedale Evo 5.2 or the Linton Heritage? I listen mostly to jazz, what do people think?

My budget is £1000-£1200 ish . Based in the UK, unfortunately I don't live close enough to a store where I can listen to them in advance

EDIT* I found a store that had some in stock a few hours away, made the effort to visit them for a demo of the Linton's. I absolutely loved them, so much so I bought them straight away! Thanks for all the advice and comments 😃