I'm new to the wonderful world of proper audio equipment and I'm looking to buy some bookshelf speakers around $1500. Of the ones I've heard so far (Monitor Audio Silver 1, KEF LS50, Focal Aria 906, B&W cm5, Sonus Faber Venere 1.5) I particularly like the style of the Venere; somehow, they sound more lifelike to my ears. On the other hand, I wasn't totally convinced with how they handled large orchestral passages (the cm5 did better in that respect, I thought).
My question is, if I like the sound of the Venere, what else should I listen to? I'm reluctant to decide until I've heard a few more. I've seen the Nola Boxers getting much praise online, but mostly in older postings. Are they still taken seriously, or have they been surpassed by more recent offerings? What other speakers would be considered in the same general ballpark (insofar as that makes sense)?
I'd be very grateful for any advice people have.
I'm new to the wonderful world of proper audio equipment and I'm looking to buy some bookshelf speakers around $1500. Of the ones I've heard so far (Monitor Audio Silver 1, KEF LS50, Focal Aria 906, B&W cm5, Sonus Faber Venere 1.5) I particularly like the style of the Venere; somehow, they sound more lifelike to my ears. On the other hand, I wasn't totally convinced with how they handled large orchestral passages (the cm5 did better in that respect, I thought).
My question is, if I like the sound of the Venere, what else should I listen to? I'm reluctant to decide until I've heard a few more. I've seen the Nola Boxers getting much praise online, but mostly in older postings. Are they still taken seriously, or have they been surpassed by more recent offerings? What other speakers would be considered in the same general ballpark (insofar as that makes sense)?
I'd be very grateful for any advice people have.