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going crazy trying to decide what speakers to "upgrade" to - current system consists of a Cary 308t running direct (for the time being) into a McCormack DNA-125 into a pair of Klipsch KG4 - listen primarily to Blue Note/Rudy Van Gelder bebop - listen at humane levels although sometimes I go loud and other times I listen softly (like a morning sunrise ;) ) - I live in a townhouse, so it depends if the neighbors are home - listening room is appx. 12x19x9 with a trayed ceiling at the front and a big picture window in the back - like the "live" sound of the Klipsch but think I could do better - going to listen to Vandys and Spendor this weekend, bringing some discs along - all help appreciated, thanks
Follow Ups:
I don't listen to Bebop but blues and small band jazz.
Better than electrostatics at convincing you that a tenor sax is not an alto. Goes pretty deep in the bass so that drums sound right and string bass has the right soul. On the warm side of neutral, but that's alright with me. If all you care about is imaging, then go with an electrostatic, but if you want instruments rather than chimera in your room, you should look at dynamic speakers like the Verities, IMO.
I used Maggie 3.5as for years...quite nice, but finding suitable amplification can be a problem...search out an old Moscode 600 and have it rebuilt...great combo for jazz, classical, oh, and music in general. I imagine the new Moscode will work just as well, I've heard the amp and it rocks, but have not heard it with Maggies.Have loved my DeVore Super 8s and am eager to move up to the 9s when they start shipping... these sound great with tubes, especially and are easy to drive, and create an amazing sense of real music.
I just listened to an old Gene Krupa record on my Salk HT1's and was blown away. The sound of all jazz and voice is just like being there live! I also have some old Electrovoice EV6's with horns and although they sound fantastic, there is no comparison. The only thing the EV6's have an edge on is that they can play a bit louder with no strain. The Salks sound loud enough to get people to complain!
If you like Klipsch, you will not like Spendor.Try B&W. They have that top-end zing, like Klipsch, but with a better mid-range and bass.
like Altec 19 or JBL L 300.
Not the most accurate one but for brass instrument, double bass music, hard to beat.
I listen to mostly jazz also. Try Totem Hawks.
Electrostats or Apogee ribbons.
I listen primarily to jazz (mostly post 1952) so I'll just run down a short list of speakers I like that might work with your room and system:
Magnepan - MG 1.6QR especially although the 12s would be an option. A bigger room and a bigger amp would be nice but they'll work as long as you can give them at least 4' of space behind them.
Green Mountain Audio - eccentric looking but excellent
J M Reynaud - Not the most neutral speakers but they really get at the soul of the music
Spendor - Especially the SP 1/2 but maybe too polite for you
The Meadowlark Heron i might be another option if an out of business company doesn't scare you off.I've never met Duke but based on his posts here I'd give his recommendations much more credence than most.
I have not heard the Sig II Vandies but I find earlier versions better for classical than jazz or rock, not a PRaT speaker.
Much more "emotional" than Spendors.
I love jazz on my Trente's. Unfortunately, they've been discontinued, unless you can find a good used pair on A'gon. At the low end, the Twins (which I also have a pair of) are also very good.If you're looking new, contact Bob Neill at Amherst Audio, or see his website. He's got some excellent reviews of various models there.
What is your price limit?As I recall, the Klipsch KG-4 is a pretty good speaker, so whatever you get, make sure you like it quite a lot better.
Storelli has suggested Quads, and the Quads should work well in a room that size as long as you can give them some room behind them and a little to the sides. I used the Quad ESL-63 in a room about that size for some years.
I haven't heard any Vandy's for a long time.
There are quite a few good speakers available. The Paradigm Reference Signature Series speakers are excellent (I have S2's), and the Signature S4 should work very well for jazz. The S8 is also very fine if you want deeper bass.
The PSB Platinum Series also seem to be very fine, although I haven't been able to listen to them as much as I would like. They also have a very good reputation.
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"Opposition brings concord. Out of discord comes the fairest harmony."
------Heraclitus of Ephesis (fl. 504-500 BC), trans. Wheelwright.
nt
Arizonaphile,I might have a suggestion or two but since I'm a dealer, you'll have to e-mail me - Asylum etiquette frowns upon dealers spouting off about what they sell.
If you are a member of the Arizona Audio Video Club, we might meet in Phoenix at the May club meeting.
You'll love the Shahinian Arcs or Obelisks on small and large group recordings - jazz and classical. Your room is very close to the room I used my Obelisks to great effect.
nt
I spent a couple of hours with the Quad 2805 this past week. I found that for small combo acoustic jazz they were quite good. But for big band jazz such as Duke or Count the Quad 2805, even in a small to medium sized room, can be audibly maxed out. Although, with the more "polite" big band stuff like "Ella at Duke's Place" the Quad 2805 acquitted itself very nicely.
Robert C. Lang
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