Most impressive small speakers you've auditioned or used

[vinod_david]

QAcoustic 2020i

[Randy Myers]

Just added the tiny Rel sub woofer, the T Zero to enhance the KEF LS50. With only a couple albums played so far I can tell a huge difference. Much more musical than the Klipsch... very tight... the low mid drums are no longer "slappy".... I don't know what else to call it.

It is amazing what such a little squirt of a sub can do, and it looks gorgeous, very well made, cosmetically a perfect match to the KEFs. Eventually will probably add a second one.

Dam this little guy is an absolutely perfect match for the KEFs.....

[Randy Myers]

I am amazed... the more I listen to this compact speaker combination the more impressed I am. The KEF LS50 and the Rel TZero sub... for so small, I just cannot believe how good they really are. Incredible presence and sound stage, very smooth and warm inviting sounding.

I cannot believe how much tight and solid bass the Rel adds. It is like British match made in heaven!

Listening to the DSD version of Thriller now... and it is like HOLY SH!@#$%^.....

[GeAllan70]

looking awesome in RED!!

Flagship Hi-Fi Speakers - LS50 - Images and Videos - KEF United Kingdom

[Randy Myers]

I like the grand piano... the Rel matched perfect .

[GeAllan70]

^^^

[Randy Myers]

I know made in China, but engineered in the UK... KEF is British .... just because China bought them does not change that.

[chops-tube]

I'm going to have to add the Sonus Faber Venere 1.5 to this thread.

They have had ample time to break in and bloom. These are the most "boxless" sounding box speakers I have heard in a really long time, especially in a small bookshelf, and especially at this price point. They do an awful lot right and very little if any wrong. So far, with every type of music I have thrown at them, I can't find any fault with them.

Tonal balance is great, sound stage width typically extends a few feet out in either direction beyond the speakers, with some recordings even further. Stage depth and height are pretty good as well. Vocal presence is excellent, putting the singer just about at the right height as well as a foot or two in front of the speakers.

I don't know what the Sonus Faber "house sound" is from their older, more desirable lines, so can't comment on that. However, these should be on anyone's short list if looking for a nice pair of stand mount speakers for a little coin that performs well above their price.

[sisserman]

I purchased a pair of McIntosh xr50 speakers. I have to say, they are absolutely fantastic. I did a great speaker shoot-out and they were the clear winners... really surprised me as I always considered McIntosh just an amplifier company. I up-fitted my entire home theater with Mc speakers, superb. (KEF dipoles kept as surrounds)

I compared the xr50s to
KEF LS50s
Amphion Argon 3
Legacy studio HDs
M&K (older pair)
Totem mites
Sonus Faber Toys

I will post a full shoot-out with pictures

Just have to say I've really become a believer in the McIntosh brand. Forgetting all the hype... I've tried so many speakers and amps over the years, never been disappointed with McIntosh.



-Steve

[Spinpsycho]

The XR50's is a fantastic sounding speakers... I almost bought a pair but i didn't like the way it looks. Got a really good deal on the Totem Element Fire and its in white so I couldn't pass.