I'm looking for bookshelf speakers...no subwoofer...at this point.
Ok, I've been trying to avoid buying a subwoofer. I live in an 800 sq.ft. condo, open concept and the speakers sit on either side of the couch facing inwards towards the living room/dining/kitchen areas. Subwoofer recommendations??
OK, bookshelf speakers in 800 sq. ft. That narrows the choices. Judging by your
amp's appearance, you seem to prefer small audio objects. Correct?
Salk has a number of
smaller bookshelf models. I'd focus on the
SongSurround I with 5¼" paper/reed fiber mid woofer, the
WOW I with magnesium alloy mid woofer, or the
SongSurround Plus, with 6" woven polypropylene fiber mid woofer. All of them feature clear, detailed, & focused mid range, with pin-point imaging, and no audible distortion or resonant noise (unlike your 602 Kevlar mid woofers which can become shrill at higher volume). The WOW I's metal mid woofer allows for a more detailed sound, and the SongSurround Plus's 6" mid woofer and larger cabinet allows for deeper bass.
Because you said you listen to music only, turntable and Spotify downloads, I'd hold off on a subwoofer until after you've settled on new speakers. Unlike the others here, for music only, especially in a small condo, I think a subwoofer is optional. Subwoofers are certainly large & expensive boxes – no way around that. If your listening habits tend towards lower volume music, as opposed to loud music, I'd say make a decision on a sub at a later time. You appear to have gotten along without a sub with your 602 speakers.
I've tended to veer away from the wireless KEF LS50s. Are they really as good as wired speakers can be though??
I've heard the standard LS50s, but not the wireless version. I liked them and I think they sounded better than the B&W 602, but I consider LS50s overpriced. When I heard them, I directly compared them to a DIY version of the
Salk SongSurround Is that I have. I thought both speakers were equally satisfying, but not identical sounding. At $900 to 1000/pair, the SongSurround Is cost less than the LS50. They're similarly small, the SSIs are 8" wide × 10" deep × 13" tall. If you like the sound of LS50s, and can find them at a comparable price to SS Is, they might be a good choice. I know I'd rather have the SSIs, but this is about what you want.
I don't really believe that the wireless LS50 could sound different or better than the standard LS50. If it has the same drivers and cabinet as the standard version, how could it sound different? What would you do with your Cyrus One amp if you had wireless self-powered speakers? Remember, wireless speakers come with an internal power amp or two, and require an electric power connection. So, in that sense, they aren't really wireless.
My local shop has these
Linn Majik 109s which seem interesting. Any thoughts?
I haven't heard those and it's been a very long time since I heard any Linn speaker. My first and only thought is that they're overpriced.
I think a trip to the local shop is the weekend plan now.
A good idea. Listen and see what you like and what you don't like. Download some music you are familiar with and bring it along.
Remember that you will not find Salk speakers in any local shop. They are sold only by Internet Direct. If you're interested in hearing them, contact Jim Salk and ask who in your area is an owner who would demo speakers for an interested shopper like yourself. Most Salk owners are happy to show off their speakers. I myself have domo'ed my speakers several times – I live in Maryland just outside Washington DC. If that's too far away, contact Jim Salk.