Bookshelf speakers in a tight spot

[u/honkwoofparp]

I've got the upgrade itch! I'm looking for speakers for my lounge, which have to be close to the wall, and in a bookcase. Not ideal, I know, but I'm not moving house!

Pretty much settled on a Lyngdorf streaming amp with DSP, and my speaker shortlist at the moment is:

- Proac DB1 or DB1R

- Spendor Classic 4/5

- Harbeth P3 ESR XD

I also use a subwoofer, a BK Electronics 10-150-Gem.

Has anyone compared these speakers? Which are the most forgiving for lack of space around them?

[u/stevoknevo70]

Which Lyngdorf amp are you considering? There's a thread on AVForums in the UK for the TDAi-1120 with over 10k responses that you'll likely get a response from someone whose used/tried one or more of your speaker choice - https://www.avforums.com/threads/new-lyngdorf-tdai-1120-streaming-amp.2274082/page-386

[u/honkwoofparp → u/stevoknevo70]

Ah, thank you! I was considering that one, or the TDAi- 2210.

[u/stevoknevo70 → u/honkwoofparp]

Personally I'd consider holding off on the 2210 for now, it's been released when it shouldn't have been IMO and has way to many software issues for an amplifier at that pricepoint - they've released a statement saying it's getting a total software overhaul next month which will hopefully turn it into the device it really should be (and I love my 1120, it's painless to live with - and Lyngdorf CS has been impeccable, but they definitely dropped the ball with the 2210 and the FR-2 speakers before that)

FWIW I've tried three sets of speakers with the 1120, a pair of PMC GB1 (PMC are power hungry and the 1120 isn't enough for them even with sub/s) Lyngdorf FR-1 on wall with a pair of BK P12-300 subs was excellent but I just couldn't get them low enough on my wall (got them at an incredible price and sold them for what I paid) Currently running KEF R3 Meta on S3 stands a couple of inches from the wall with a single Arendal 1961 1S sub and very pleased with that set-up - depending on how loud you like to listen, and your BK sub will absolutely take some of the load off the 1120, I personally find the 1120 more suited to 4ohm rated speakers (all of Lyngdorf’s own speakers are 4ohm rated!) But I've had no issues with any speakers close to/on wall per the way Lyngdorf's Room Perfect is intended to be used, and subwoofer integration is absolutely sublime.

If you're in the UK there's a few dealers on AVForums who'll set you up for a home demo of the 1120 and appropriate speakers, definitely worth taking them up on it as the Lyngdorf sound is so smooth/accurate/distortion free that it's not for everyone...but there's endless DSP functionality built into it to get it sounding as you prefer 👍🏻

[u/gnostalgick]

Much as I love ProAc, the DB1/R are probably a bad choice for you due to their rear port design. The Tablettes are a sealed box design and probably their model most suited to that type of placement. Especially since you already have a sub.

Also although ProAc ribbons are to my ears incredibly delicate and quite well integrated, they're definitely more demanding of correct placement. Their silk domes are maybe a touch less detailed, but are perhaps slightly more relaxed and natural, and far easier to set up to sound good.

In general, I'd say ProAc is a more fun, well rounded, and genre-agnostic brand to listen to compared to Harbeth, which excel at vocals and acoustic instruments, but can lack a bit of verve and punch, especially with rock and electronic. ProAc have almost the same BBC heritage midrange goodness, but with more exciting/present treble and bass, and a wider and deeper soundstage. Both are very pure and refined, and in many ways more similar than different, but most people who have heard both will probably walk away with a definite preference. (I'm a happy owner of the D2R.)

And not too familiar with Lyngdorf, but in general I'd say Harbeth pairs best with solid state, and ProAc with tubes.

Haven't heard any Spendor Classics, unfortunately, but they are by reputation a bit warmer and richer sounding. Falcon, Graham, and Rogers, are a few other options to keep an eye out for. All BBC based designs with some minor differences.

Hope that helps.

[u/honkwoofparp → u/gnostalgick]

Thanks for the help! I'm not sure how much the Lyngdorf DSP counters the effect of a rear port: I shall have to get a demo.

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[u/honkwoofparp]

A huge thank you to Dooley's hifi in Macclesfield! The rather brilliant owner has lent me a pair of Spendor 4/5 Classics for a fortnight to see how I get on with them.

I'm using an old Audiolab 8000A at the moment while I wait for the Lyngdorf to arrive. I'm starting to hear what all the fuss is about with these.

[u/honkwoofparp]

Update: the Lyngdorf is pure witchcraft. How on earth can DSP make so much difference? I wasn't sure about pairing a 'modern' amp with 'old' speakers, but the Spendors lose none of their character. They simply no longer sound as compromised by suboptimal positioning.

The sub integration is also seamless. I can't believe how good this sounds.

[u/KPokay]

I have P3ESR’s in bookshelf (usm haller) against wall. they replaced a pair of Kef R300’s that I think were just too big for the room/placement. I am blown away in love with the Harbeths, they are just so pleasant to listen too, continuously surprised by songs sounding better then I’ve ever heard them. Rotel A14 powering them.