Pondering a change after 30 odd years...


After 30 years I think it's time to move on. I have a set of Acoustat 1+1s that I've owned since new, paired with an RHLabs passive sub. It's been a great combination and still sounds pretty nice but it's all long in the tooth. Sooner or later a panel will quit then I'm dead in the water. I love the soundstage with it's "fullsized" presentation even if it's a PITA to get them dialed in just so. Maybe I'm just getting restless! I've heard many "box" speakers but damn no matter the price point it seems I can hear the "box". Granted I haven't listened to some of the big $$ stuff like Wilson but that's way outside my budget anyways. LOL! I'm wondering how some of the smaller "monitors" on stands sound? One thing I'm thinking I'd miss is the vertical part of my large soundstage. I've read about the Golden Ear line which get decent reviews. Or should I just stick with a panel of some sort, like Maggies? I've about 110 watts/side of tube power to work with. As for budget, I'm thinking somewhere in the $5-7.5K range. I'm listening to a lot of jazz these days with a dash of classical. But I'd hate to think my old rock vinyl wouldn't be welcome anymore. I know this is all pretty vague but hoping to get a nice discussion with things to think about versus "buy this" sorts of recommendations. AdThanksVance!
128x128musicfan2349
You might enjoy a pair of the latest Ohm Walsh's from John Strohbeen's company in Brooklyn, NY. I have an older pair and they do indeed produce a room-filling 3-D image! And from anywhere in the room! No subs required! Too bad most have never heard/owned a pair! The Walsh's are capable of astoundingly realistic sound!
You might want to research open baffle speakers, I am a very happy owner of Spatial Audio speakers but there are others as well.
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My suggestion is to try listening to some Tannoys. I built some custom 12" HPD speakers. They image like crazy, and have plenty of slam when necessary.

Try to give them a listen.

Regards,
Dan