Sorry it’s been so long since I circled back for an update. Some historical context first I guess.

Here is what my LR setup originally looked like:



This is actually a photo that I took while I was adding the sub. I didn’t really have a great place to put it, but I wasn’t happy with the performance of the two Play:5 speakers, and I thought that adding any kind of low-end would help. The Sonos sub itself is a beast, in my opinion. They’re so tight and just sound so good. Unfortunately this was not the case for this particular setup, and I’m sure my placement bore a lion’s share of the blame. For the lack of audio nirvana though, and the reasons I stated originally below, I came here to see what the skinny was on tower speakers.

(Also listed in this thread are my reasons for finally settling on the Martin Logan Motion F10 speakers.)

Unboxing, and installing feet. The feet are incredibly well-designed. You can simply twist the knob on the top of the foot to raise and lower the feet.



Comparison to the now-retired Play:5



Grills off



Finally, I mentioned that I really liked the sound of the Sonos Sub, and after a few weeks with the Motion F10 speakers, I decided to pick up an SVS 3000 Micro. Sound-wise it feels very similar to the Sonos Sub. I set the Sonos AMP sub output crossover frequency to 65Hz, although I may kick that down a tiny bit more. It seems to pick up right where I feel the F10s sound like they roll off.



I totally understand that I’m not measuring things with any kind of RoomEQ or serious audiophile equipment, but I don’t have any of that other than my two ears. I also know I have some learning to do with regards to the SVS app, and all of the features included with those subs. I have to say though, I cannot tell where the sub is in the room, and it doesn’t sound boomy or “chuffy” at all.

Sonically these speakers are incredible, to me. They sound so damn good. The definition that I’m getting compared to the Play:5 speakers is amazing, and the Play:5 units aren’t slackers by any stretch of the imagination.

A couple of songs that were in the first dozen or so played at a moderate volume.

New York Minute by thebaddreamers

Prom Night by The Midnight

Want You Back by Haim

Don’t Wait Too Long by Madeleine Peyroux

Goodness this setup sounds so good. I’m actually eager to sit and listen to music again.

---

I'm looking to set up a couple of floor-standing speakers with a Sonos AMP. I really like a warmer sound, and I can tell I've been missing some of the details in music that I play. Who makes decent speakers these days? It used to be that Cerwin Vega and Polk were decent, but I don't even know anymore.

Do any of you have a couple of halfway decent tower speakers that you use for music? What do you like?

I know this is a super open-ended question. I've spent a few days surfing sites like AVSforum, and there's a ton out there. Does music style preference still matter a ton?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Veeper,

I've been a lifelong Polk Audio fan. One of its founders went on to develop Definitive Technology. I have an old model. 6B's. They're incredible. The newer models I'm sure are fantastic. My brother-in-law raves about the 9000 series. Audition a pair, and see what you think.

I’ve had Kef, Polk, B&W, Energy, Tannoy, Klipsch, Paradigm and a few other brands.

There are better brands, but for my music, my room, my equipment, my budget, Paradigm has been by far the best overall for me. I like fast and tight response that is light to moderate on bass. I don’t care for boomy. I listen to classical, jazz and vocals. After Paradigm, I like Polk (surprised me) and Monitor Audio. I liked Kef, B&W and Klipsch the least.

But this is kind of like asking what color paintings do you like.

I need a budget before any recommendation. There's way too much stuff out there at every price point to help you out with brands.

Also, don't forget that tower speakers are price individually and not per pair.

I've been very pleased with the Definitive Technology speakers I have in my home theater. They've run flawlessly except for the center channel that was recalled and replaced under warranty. For some reason our dog loves to lie next to one of the towers when we're watching movies--if that is an endorsement. The towers with the integrated subwoofers are great.

As DanH notes, budget is key.

Rather than recommend models/brands, my advice has to do with shopping/buying: if at all possible, buy from somewhere who has a wide variety of speakers with an A/B setup to compare in store, and who lets you return them after you listen to them at home.

The best-rated, most expensive speakers from the most prestigious brand having the best specs on paper could sound great in the store but terrible at home when you put them down and hook them up.

Room placement, room acoustics, room size (as well as what you have at home to connect them to) all affect speaker performance as measured by the only instrument that counts - your own ears.

I know you want towers but maybe shouldn't rule out bookshelves on stands. Typically a floor speaker will need some power and the Sonos amp isn't exactly a beast. I have one driving my deck speakers and another driving some in-walls in my workshop. I have Def Tech, B&W, and Polk in different places scattered around. Personally I'd dig around looking for sensitive bookshelves and some nice stands.

Klipsch but you would want Reference Premiere and not the Reference which are brighter.

They also have ultra high end Cornwall, Forte, Heresy, etc.

Paducah Home Theater offers great pricing if you call.

Definitely going to follow this. I just built a bump out wall with fireplace and tv stand and thinking the same thing.
I have always loved klipsch speakers but have not had some in some time.

Are you going to integrate into a 2-ch system or an AV system?

Have you considered a decent 2.1 system?
They can have an excellent sound as well.

There is a lot of factors to an audio environment besides just the speakers albeit the single most important factor.

But just answering the question on floor standing speakers notwithstanding any other requirements ~ GoldenEar are quite nice and a personal preference.

Listen, let us not pussy-foot around. You didn't list a budget so I'm going all-in.

What you need in your life is the sweet sweet loving of Dynaudio.

They are a beautifully warm and smooth sound. Preferable, in my extensive speaker-listening experience, to any brand listed here (though I haven't heard quite all of them) and I've only ever heard one brand that I liked more, who, I don't think, even exists anymore, at least not so much in the American market that I can find.

Dynaudio. You'll love them. Those Danes sure can make a speaker.

Need a budget. Any floorstanders? Magico M6’s. They’re $500k a pair.

But something in line with your Sonos. If it was me, a pair of KEF LS50’s on stands with a small subwoofer. If you must have floorstanders, Focal Aria 936’s.

No doubt budget, room acoustics, type of material played and use and accompanying or associated equipment can all make a difference.

Sonus is not really an audiophile product so I imagine a lower cost, higher efficiency speakers is what is needed.

Sort of rules out the Dynaudio, KEF, Goldenear or similar higher end speakers.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
No doubt budget, room acoustics, type of material played and use and accompanying or associated equipment can all make a difference.

Sonus is not really an audiophile product so I imagine a lower cost, higher efficiency speakers is what is needed.

Sort of rules out the Dynaudio, KEF, Goldenear or similar higher end speakers.

I don’t know. The AMP puts out 125w a side. That’s more than enough to run those. But no, it wouldn’t be my first pick to drive those. If OP wants to keep his budget in line with the Sonos, probably some Klipsch RP line. But my rule of thumb is to spend at least double my amp budget on the speakers.

To keep within my budget I bought used off of Craigslist. Honestly, I spent more for the sub I'm running with them. Paid 300 dollars. If the OP goes used and Definitive Technology avoid the 7000 series. That line has problems with the sub-section. Capacitors crack with age, and a very annoying hum starts when that happens.

as other say. budget? purpose? room size?

you will find the best deals on audiogon and usaudiomart as demos or slightly used. lots of people want the next greatest thing and sell for fraction of new

quote:

audiogon

I get their weekly email and always find it interesting to browse. I bought my Macintosh receiver through them. My speakers are Klipsch, but I wouldn't mind upgrading at some point. I also use an SVS sub.

quote:

Originally posted by thumperfbc:
Listen, let us not pussy-foot around. You didn't list a budget so I'm going all-in.

What you need in your life is the sweet sweet loving of Dynaudio.

They are a beautifully warm and smooth sound. Preferable, in my extensive speaker-listening experience, to any brand listed here (though I haven't heard quite all of them) and I've only ever heard one brand that I liked more, who, I don't think, even exists anymore, at least not so much in the American market that I can find.

Dynaudio. You'll love them. Those Danes sure can make a speaker.

I’ll take your Dynaudio and raise you…

https://magnepan.com/products/...riant=42607536341228

^^^ I've always been curious about Magnepans!

We can suggest several individual speakers and brands, but audition as many as you can at store locations with a variety. Here in Texas, and I wouldn’t doubt, and in other states we have Bst Buy Magnolia. They have a range from inexpensive to the crazy expensive.

GRID HiFi in Houston and Bjorn’s in San Antonio have been my go to destinations for the last few years. Again, I highly suggest you audition speakers at your local stores, and even to go on a road-trip to check out other stores for more selection. sPEAKERS ARE MAKE the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE in the sound of your system!

Also, even if you audition speakers at these stores, they most likely won’t sound at home as they do at the store due to the room and where they are placed - angled/distance apart/distance from wall, amp/preamp/DAC used, etc, but…you will get a better idea than listening to them on YouTube due to all of the above, the speaker used to record, and the video compression.

I know you said you are looking at “warm” but the auditioning of as many speakers as you can may set you on a different path. Even if not the sound, it could be the appearance, the brand, a trusted suggestion, etc.

Personally, my wife limited me to $2k for my speakers this last time since my integrated amp was $7k. I chose a pair of GoldenEar Triton 7’s, which I love, but I would have gotten the Triton 5’s if they didn’t just have the display in-house at the time. I just didn’t want to wait since they had to be ordered, and the 7’s were there.

Good luck and have fun in your search!