where to go next with speakers

[Zoidburg]

The suggestions made so far are extremely diverse: at one extreme the Klipsch model the other the Maggies. I think you need to clarify what you are looking for in a speaker. Your IPL transmission lines will have a weighty low end response but like most TL designs are probably not that agile in the bass. I have found Klipsch speakers to be impressive on first hearing but could not live with their "shouty" dynamics. I disagree with the comment that you should avoid floor standers. In reality, they take up no more floor space than a "bookshelf" on substantial stands. Yes your room is not that big but it is large enough to accomodate any of the speakers suggested here. If I were starting out in hifi again I would probably go for the modern equivalent of my 40 year old Rogers LS35a speakers and choose something like the Kef LS50s. These will sound completely different from your IPLs but come very close to the best features of panel and electrostatic speakers in a box design. Even if you do not go for the LS50s it is worth trying to get a home demo to determine whether you can get on with a fast detailed modern speaker compared to your current speakers. I would also see if you can hear a pair of Maggies with your own amp.

I guess the highlighted text above sums up the IPS' reasonably well, id like to hope that I could get something that has a slightly tighter more controlled bottom end and that are possibly smaller in size and visually attractive.

[Sherwood]

I guess the highlighted text above sums up the IPS' reasonably well, id like to hope that I could get something that has a slightly tighter more controlled bottom end and that are possibly smaller in size and visually attractive.

In that case I would suggest you start by hearing a pair of LS50s on good stands in your room. They are polar opposites to your IPLs and in that respect will help you better determine what is important to you in a speaker.

[nthall]

Floor standers work fine in a small room. Having forward firing woofers makes dealing with bass response easier in my opinion.

That said. I'm not a big fan of transmission line speakers. I think it's an interesting gimmick, but doesn't compare to actually moving some air. Multi driver speakers are easier to tune to compensate for imbalances in frequency response.

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[struth]

Rega rx3 gets a good name as does the sonus faber toy towers

[Spectral Morn]

Agreed that floorstanders take up the same floor space as stand mounts but floorstanders can have serious integration issues in smaller rooms. That is one of the reasons I am now considering stand mounts in my 14' by 20' room. I do not consider this room OK for floorstanders.

Exactly my experience too, in the past.

Plenty of enthusiastic suggestions that have worked well for folks in their environments and systems, that is not necessarily going to work in yours.

[nthall]

14' x 20' isn't exactly a small listening room. Which wall are you planning on putting the speakers on? I'm assuming the 14' one.

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[wee tee cee]

Ben,
What about Frugel 3s that Steve at Electric beach makes. Would fit your parameters regards placement and your music taste/cost. Steve makes them to order finish wise.

They do sound staging and delicacy very close to 57s with a bass quality and quantity that is way beyond what you would expect.

[pgarrish]

Ben

I can ask the people coming to mine next month if they have any speakers they would bring, it might be useful for you.

[Zoidburg]

Yes speakers will be on the slightly smaller wall firing down the longer length of the room.

[Macca]

The room is 18 x 12 isn't it? That is not that small in UK terms. If it will take big IPLs then it will cope with most floorstanders. A lot of them go no lower in the bass than a big standmount anyway. I don't agree that you can just lump speakers into floor or stand mount anyway. Way too much variation.

You could consider some Yamaha NS1000M. In budget, agile bass, need to be close to a wall.

I'd avoid a two and a half way like the Klipsch. I think you will find that a step back from what you have in terms of midrange clarity.