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Dynaudio Focus 140.
It's easy for an audiophile to fall in love with grand, state-of-the-art speakers, but when it comes to high performance in a small space, fewer jewels stand out. Reader Gus Kund wants to know: What is your favorite bookshelf speaker?
I actually have three pairs of bookshelf speakers which I use in secondary systems. I have two sets of Paradigm Atoms; one pair of the original version and one of the V3 version. I also have a pair of Polk RT25Is. All of these speakers are driven by cheap stereo receivers but they all sound great in their own way. The Polks have a very revealing midrange but sound constricted in the low end. The old Atoms are very warm, relaxed and musical. The new Atoms are perhaps more accurate than the old ones but are not as musical. Most audiophiles would probably prefer the Polks, but my favorite is the original version of the Atom.
JM Labs/Focal Chorus 705. Tube friendly at 91db efficiency. Great highs from that wonderful tweeter. Tight and controlled, if somewhat limited bass. Decently finished for the price. The new Chorus series looks even better, even if its style is a bit quirky.
The Allison cube, model 4? With an Allison electronic sub. Probably with a xover upgrade, film caps, coils? and R's. Taking you at your word about it being on a shelf on a wall. Have not heard Heybrook HB1, Linn Sara. If you meant, 'big enough to need big strong stands' AKA ~ AR3 size ~? Spendor's SP1 series, Yamaha NS1000M's.