Looking for #audiophile opinions for really good speakers. I have scoured many US-based audio forums. visited shops to listen to various speakers, looking for an additional opinion from Indian music perspective too (Rahman, Classical, Illaiyaraja etc) too since all forums are titled towards western music. I do listen to Jazz/Western Classical. I live in US.
* I am also excluding passive speakers and setup - these speakers will be used in my office room at home and i do not want to have a dedicated full setup. Need really good powered speaker systems that are space-efficient.
* Need speakers that can reveal good soundstage performance, good dynamic range, detail, tonal balance, treble, good mid-range, bass and very low distortion!
Here is my shortlist after spending a lot of time listening in shops and reading. I do not get much time to listen to music during normal day but when I get those 30 or 60 minutes early morning or late night, want it to be a really good experience! I would ideally get one from this shortlist as I have spent time listening to these speakers and the process has been very long due to Covid restrictions
1. Devialet Phantom Reactor 900 - ( 2 speakers in stereo mode since they sell one at a time) - These are phenomenal and can be felt only when you see and hear them in person. They are made in France and has some impressive technology behind them. Quite an eye-catching and tech marvel! Of course, priced for that. Cons - Relatively newer company. vert few analog connectivity options depend a lot on the phone app. One of my top contenders to keep things simple.
2. KEF LS50W Wireless speakers - They are pretty good, little larger for my desk but can fit in easily. They have a screen to do stuff and not app dependent. Newer versions are expected anytime. KEF - The iconic British brand was acquired by a Chinese company and these are China-made speakers. Also looked at the smaller version KEF LSX - again lot of dependency on app, but a decent option.
3. Klipsch Fives and Sixes - Made in the US, they aren't as good as KEF or Devialet or Dali.
4.Dali Calisto 2c Speakers -Made in Denmark. Quite Good and traditional looks.
5. Elac Navis Powered Bookshelf speakers - Made in Germany. Really good high-end traditional speakers. Sounds phenomenal. Wireless options are missing and adds to the cost. But a really good contender for top choice.
6. Bowers and Wilkins formation DUO- British Made, Great sound in every way except analog connectivity - needs an additional device. More expensive than other options.
I currently use Spotify Premium 320Kbps stream but plan to add/upgrade into a lossless format via Tidal/ HD streaming services. I am looking for speakers that can last 10+ years.
* Bonus points for their connectivity to use them with my MacBook pro and work from home setup and also use when grabbing a quick game with kids on Nintendo switch.
* I am also excluding passive speakers and setup - these speakers will be used in my office room at home and i do not want to have a dedicated full setup. Need really good powered speaker systems that are space-efficient.
* Need speakers that can reveal good soundstage performance, good dynamic range, detail, tonal balance, treble, good mid-range, bass and very low distortion!
Here is my shortlist after spending a lot of time listening in shops and reading. I do not get much time to listen to music during normal day but when I get those 30 or 60 minutes early morning or late night, want it to be a really good experience! I would ideally get one from this shortlist as I have spent time listening to these speakers and the process has been very long due to Covid restrictions
1. Devialet Phantom Reactor 900 - ( 2 speakers in stereo mode since they sell one at a time) - These are phenomenal and can be felt only when you see and hear them in person. They are made in France and has some impressive technology behind them. Quite an eye-catching and tech marvel! Of course, priced for that. Cons - Relatively newer company. vert few analog connectivity options depend a lot on the phone app. One of my top contenders to keep things simple.
2. KEF LS50W Wireless speakers - They are pretty good, little larger for my desk but can fit in easily. They have a screen to do stuff and not app dependent. Newer versions are expected anytime. KEF - The iconic British brand was acquired by a Chinese company and these are China-made speakers. Also looked at the smaller version KEF LSX - again lot of dependency on app, but a decent option.
3. Klipsch Fives and Sixes - Made in the US, they aren't as good as KEF or Devialet or Dali.
4.Dali Calisto 2c Speakers -Made in Denmark. Quite Good and traditional looks.
5. Elac Navis Powered Bookshelf speakers - Made in Germany. Really good high-end traditional speakers. Sounds phenomenal. Wireless options are missing and adds to the cost. But a really good contender for top choice.
6. Bowers and Wilkins formation DUO- British Made, Great sound in every way except analog connectivity - needs an additional device. More expensive than other options.
I currently use Spotify Premium 320Kbps stream but plan to add/upgrade into a lossless format via Tidal/ HD streaming services. I am looking for speakers that can last 10+ years.
* Bonus points for their connectivity to use them with my MacBook pro and work from home setup and also use when grabbing a quick game with kids on Nintendo switch.
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