I’m looking for a significant upgrade from my Neat SX1 speakers. Short list is A7, Dynaudio evoke 30, kudos s20. Size and looks are important - all of these are similar in size.
Of course I will audition at a dealers and then at home but I just want to gauge opinion first.
Here’s the rub; I need to place them very close to a rear wall!
They also need to look good - my short list is based on the max size that I can get away with.
Regarding close to the wall, I listen at moderate volume levels as opposed to very loud or even quite loud. Does this mean that rear ports close to a boundary are less significant at lower volumes?
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I have Spendor A7s. They are close to sidewalls but heavily toed in, distance from the rear wall is about 40cm from memory.
Spendor’s website has the recommended position details - I think the minimum distance from the rear wall is 30cm.
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I listened to the evokes briefly and dident think much of them
Very interesting - on looks alone these would be my favourite!
Looking forward to hearing the A7s.
By the way, have you ever heard the kudos S20s? Again, I like the look and size of them but most reviews/views tend to suggest that they are a bit harsh in the treble.
Kudos are not available here so have never heard them. Out of interest what kind of music do you listen to most?
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I haven’t, sorry. I originally went to listen to some A5Rs but they weren’t enough of an improvement over Credos, so we (me and the missus) listened to the A7s and that was that 
We didn’t listen to anything else otherwise you can start doubts in your head. The A7s were brill on everything from June Tabor to Black Sabbath. 
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Wow, everything from Pogues, Popes, chieftains, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Diana Krall, classical, reggae, led zep, saw doctors, Christy Moore, country, ramones, police, and so much more - probably not much help!
I see! Nice Irish influences there! I would consider the A7’s quite refined so not an all out ballsy party type loudspeaker, great for female vocals, jazz and electronic I find
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Yes, I find that I have moved away from heavier rock and concentrate on more intricate forms of music as I get older. There is no beating good Irish or Irish influenced music - I have heard it all my life and will never tire of it. I can listen to Ceilidh music for hours and even the old ballads by the likes of Tommy Clancy/Big Tom/Dubliners etc.
However, listening to The Gloaming makes me realise just how poor my Gaelige is!
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How about some SBLs? Made to go up against the wall.
How close is close? I have my Totem Hawks (rear ports) quite close to a wall in my media room/office. I listened again to the new Tribe Towers, they are really nice and there is a wall mounted version to. I have the Forest Signatures with my SN2 and that is a lovely match, their web site gives wall setback guidelines.
I recently demo’d an XS3 with A7’s and the bass was booming about 250mm off wall, that calmed down another 100mm off wall.
Maybe not a problem with the SN3?
This is why it’s always best to demo either with your own kit or something representative of what you have. I heard the A7s with 282/Supercap DR/300 DR.
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Really like the a7 when I have heard at shows , preferred to the bigger d7 actually
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Yes I have and the bigger models
I bought Spendors so must have preferred them.
Christy will sound great through any system, but especially good through Spendors. Seen him live a few times including once with Planxty.
Exactly why you need to listen for yourself - I prefer D7s, but both are excellent.
Loudspeakers are room dependent and subjective so no surprise there are different preferences.
I have my A7’s 700 mm from the wall. SN2 with HiCap DR, I’m happy. As most have said, demo them to find out if they will work for you.
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