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I am looking for speakers in the 4-5k range. Candidates:
Audio Physic Scorpio, Kef Ref 203/2, B&W 804S, System Audio Explorer, Sonus Faber Concerto Grand Piano Domus, etc. I play with Gamut D200, Project RPM10/Sumiko celebration/Sim Audio LP5.3 phono. Any Suggestions?
Follow Ups:
I just found a Dali Euphonia MS-4 @ 3,800 euro. What do you suggest??? Shall I put these in my list as well?
I don't have too much space. 1.5 foot max from rear wall (I live with my wife in the house you see). Side walls are more than 3 ft. Hope the above help. I am more puzzled than before. Sonus Fabers? Anyone who owns them? Audio Physic maybe? European speakers are preferable because they are cheaper in Europe.
If you're wedded to your amps then cone speakers may be ideal. I tend to be conservative in recommending speakers that have been around for a while unchanged and maintaining their value - those are speakers that are likely to provide continuing musical satisfaction, which is why they continue to sell and keep their value. Snell A, Spendor, Harbeth don't do the audiophile things as well as some but do the musical things better than most. This is as opposed to speakers that seem to get redesigned every couple of years with the previous version's resale value plummeting. As someone said when they heard the latest Maximus Plus Version 7 was announced, "Maybe this time they'll get it right?!" Also, you should consider used speakers - except when foam surrounds were popular (they tend to rot out) speakers rarely go bad, and speakers a few years old can be a relative bargain.On the other hand if you're willing to consider planars, which means that you have the room space for them, I would consider not only the Magneplanars but also Quads - a used ESL-63 or 2805 is probably in your budget but you may have to change amps for the best results. It is true that Quad has introduced new versions on a more frequent basis recently but they are all basically variations on the ESL-63. Also the original Quad ESL should at least be listened to as an all time classic speaker if you get the chance - many people can't live with anything else, others can't live with their limitations. As always, YMMV.
Edits: 10/03/09
May I suggest taking a look at PMC speakers within the price range, you are in for a surprise at what they can do. Perhaps Totem should be on the list too.
Good luck!
t.
Hey! Bingo!
Thanks for your support!!!
I currently own PMC FB1. I am quite happy with them except for the bass. And I mean the bass extension is Huuuuge! But I am missing some detail in the upper bass region. I can't follow tha bass lines in several relatively complex recordings (pop, rock or even jazz with many instruments). Note: I do not listen to symphonic music. Maybe it's the placement, because the speakers require a really open space (my living room is around 180 sqft), maybe there are some cancellations for several frequencies, maybe it's because I want to go up one level.
I need slim boxes, good extension, and bass articulation. Maggies or electrostats won't fit...
One thing I missed hearing about is what kind of music you listen to and what qualities you consider most important to you in that music. What qualities have you liked or disliked in speakers you have heard? I think this is critically important in considering what to buy since there is no such thing as a speaker that does absolutely everything well. Also might be some information on the nature of your listening room.
For example, I listen to mostly symphonic music, acoustic music (folk, blues, etc.) and am an opera nut. I listen to a wide variety of pop music too. But my interest in opera and symphonic music trumps all other considerations, so, for me, absolutely clear, accurate reproduction of the human voice and the uncolored timbre of orchestral instruments is paramount. If a speaker can't do that, it's out of here!
I have owned many, many speakers--the list is too long to mention, but if you'd really like to know...LOL.
I have settled for now on a real nice pair of Quad ESL-63s I bought used for $1,800.00 a few years ago. They are one of the cleanest, clearest most uncolored speakers I have ever heard, but that's for what I care about. Someone who wants his chest pounded in by high-decible rock hour upon hour would not be happy with them.
Tell us a little about what you value.
George Roland
component in the audio system. So choosing that component is critical to your long term enjoyment. I also agree it's important to match the amplifier to the speakers you choose, particularly if the speakers present a difficult load. The following speakers are listed in the 2009 TAS Editor's Choice Awards around your price range and may help you narrow your listening choices.
Vandersteen 3AA Signature
Martin Logan Vista
Acoustic Zen Technologies Adagio
Coincident Partial Eclipse II
Magnepan MG 3.6
Sonics Amerigo
Pioneer S2-EX
Len
Not a price range.
But if I had five grand to spend on speakers I'd get Harbeth SHL5's with Skylan 4-post stands.
...because they make the most difference in your sound.
Listen to everything you can in your price range until you come across a pair you can't live without.
Otherwise you are making a compromise and will regret it.
Then match an amp to the speakers - try as many as possible until you find the one that makes them sing.
You might want to add 3.6 Maggies to your list. New ones are in that price range and used can typically be found at the usual online places.
Planar speakers tend to be bimodal in that people generally love them or hate them (well hate might be a bit harsh). Anyway, give your self a chance and listen to them and I would say the same about the rest of your list. All the usual caveats apply regarding being revealing and loving lots of current.
Good Luck! Choosing new gear is always fun when auditioning the choices.
Maybe it is easier to pinpoint what is to dislike in a speaker than like in a speaker.Why is planar speaker disliked by some? What exactly is commonly bad in planar speakers? I have never heard one but people tell me that once a liking develops,it is impossible to go back to box speakers.
Can be considerably higher than other speakers. They require a LOT of very high quality power (not to mention a big room).
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