Hi good people of the Forum, happy Sunday.
I am taking my second system, the vinyl one, from 20th to 21st century so I have got rid, in a single stroke, of my Pioneer PL112D, SA-7300 and AR14s and have bought a very nice Linn Kolektor/LK85 combo and a Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon TT. The amps were a lucky casual find at a good price, the TT a careful choice based on heterogeneous factors. I now need a pair of speakers to match the Linn sonically, go into a bookshelf where the allowed height for them standing is 35 cm, come from the 21st century if possible, not have a rear port if possible, have a contemporary look and not cost beyond £300 to 400 (used or new).
If anyone have an idea that 'ticks all the boxes', as you say, thanks! I'll consider it gratefully, but please avoid (if possible) suggesting things from the early 80s, those garage-made-looking wonders that sound so good but are discontinued since ages and impossible to find, 11 to 16 ohms LS3/5As (I have just tried a pair by Audio Space and let's summarize it all with 'not a big deal' in my setup), Linn Kans of the first two generations (they'd need my Supernait to start making music) and things with unusual shapes: the speakers would only be requested to fit into a bookshelf, be professionally conceived and acceptably built and be happy with the Linns' 65W on 8 ohms and replay my (often 45 years old) LP collection pleasantly. Last, but not least, please resist the temptation to reply 'use the search facility' because I wouldn't (I already spend too much time looking at a screen). I just want a quick, simple idea from someone who has one ready.
The only exception to what I excluded are the rega Kytes, which I once owned and stupidly sold, and I know second chances are rarely allowed.
Thanks and best to all
Max
(P.S. I won't buy a 6th pair of Sats. They are not bookshelf speakers and I'd rather happily avoid ridicule)
Posted on: 26 January 2018 by Massimo Bertola
BTW, has anybody seen Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri? Mentioning Molotovs has reminded me of it. Aging, I'm worried to see the idea of casting Molotovs more and more attractive.
(Richard, you are free to moderate me although I am, more or less, joking. Sorry for the off-topic detour.)
M
Posted on: 26 January 2018 by Massimo Bertola
Yes, and what I discover am appreciating more and more in a film I love, is the casting. There are films with so perfect faces and roles that it makes ill-casted ones a sufferance. I normally don't like Frances McDormand too much, but she is perfect here, and Sam Rockwell is even better. I also loved Arrival a lot, for the sad tenderness of the underlying plot.
Again, sorry for off-topicking the thread.
M.
Posted on: 26 January 2018 by Adam Zielinski
. I also loved Arrival a lot, for the sad tenderness of the underlying plot.
A bit more off topic.... I also found 'Arrival' to be melancholic at first 'sight' so to speak. But then I though about it. And I actually see it as a very optimistic one - what a better way to look at life / love when one can always go back and forth and live the best moments only? That cheered me up greatly 
Now back on topic - try playing the music from 'Arrival' on small speakers when you audition them - Jóhann Jóhannsson put a looooot of bass in this score.
Posted on: 26 January 2018 by Massimo Bertola
Richie,
yesterday I took home a pair of Elac BS 192 I had just demoed at my dealer's and appreciated for the smooth and extended treble response of their ribbon tweeters together with the 'discretion' of the ported woofer (which fires back through a duct vertically and off the gap between the box and a separated plinth). They sounded even a tad thin with the store's Star. At home, in the library, they were plain horrible: dull, with uncontrolled bass and a shy treble. I fear a lot about the LS50s because I tried once in my main system which is much better placed acoustically and they sounded as bloated and uninteresting.. I begin to suspect that finding a speaker that really works in a bookshelf won't be so easy: what once was the rule, now is the exception. In the meanwhile, the amount of floor standers designs has increased by 10,000% or so, and the rest is using stands.
Fergi,
I take note of the two models you mention, I see they are well reviewed on TNT. But I am beginning to wonder if my friend Chris's suggestion to bring the turntable to the main system instead of having a second system fro vinyl in the study wouldn't make things rather more simple.
Adam (last bit of off-topicness): I can't say anything more on Arrival that wouldn't be a spoiler, but true, it is essentially about love. It's now earlier than 6 in the morning, I can't sleep and thought you were right, it's a positive film and its 'message' is of hope and courage.
M
Posted on: 26 January 2018 by Shropshire Hills
Max
Another big plus from me for Three Billboards - a gripping and intriguing tale, with a magnificent performance by Frances McDormand. The film is enhanced by some great music - an original score from Carter Burrell plus Townes van Zandt - Buckskin Stallion Blues, The Four Tops - Don’t Walk Away Renee, Joan Baez - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and another lovely version of Buckskin Stallion Blues by Amy Annelle who I hadn’t heard before
Back on topic now and I second the suggestion from an earlier poster for Neat Iotas. They pack a lot of punch for their small size. A bit over budget new but some UK dealers sell very slightly cosmetic seconds for around £500
Bob
Posted on: 27 January 2018 by Massimo Bertola
Thanks Bob (and Adam, and Chris) because I love this mixed speaker/film thread. I encourage anyone who suggests a pair of speaker to me to also add a suggestion or a comment about a film. At least until Richard, with his usual tact, will remind us to stay on topic.
Saw another Villeneuve film last night, Sicario; as usual, with stories involving CIA, FBI or drug panels I am not sure I caught everything: but Emily Blunt was much better than I expected, and I am starting to get an idea of the average Canadian on America... After all, I already have an idea of an average Ticinese (Italian speaking Swiss) idea of an Italian.
Now, if we could open a bespoke thread (in the padded cell) about Lars Von trier...
Best
Max
