Chiming in 9 years since the original post, I must put in a vote for Harbeth. A couple of weeks ago, I went over to a distant relative's house, who was clearly not an audiophile, but just as clearly had money and was advised by someone who knew their stuff. I don't know which model, as I'm not a Harbeth kind of guy. They were a large stand mounted model, maybe HL5 or 30.1? Front end looked like Musical Fidelity all the way. The music itself was some female vocal work that I neither knew nor cared about. Nonetheless, I was stopped in my tracks. I'd never heard such eerie, downright spooky vocals. Confession: I'm an entry-level kind of guy, but I've had some decent gear through the years (the usual suspects - ProAc, Thiel, Snell, Ref3A, SF, etc.). These Harbeths made me wonder how I could have been so far away from lifelike vocals. I guess it's because I always wanted a slew of specs before I gave a speaker a listen. Harbeths don't look good on paper, because of their price to performance. Not good value. But these sounded beyond anything I've heard. I'd love to hear about any "poor man's Harbeth's" if anyone out there has any.
best speakers for vocals?
Hi, I was wondering what people's thoughts are on speakers that are best for vocal centric music? I am looking for speakers that are best at reproducing vocals, especially female in the most lifelike, 3-dimensional, airy, emotional manner. I am trying to recreate a lifelike, live show, front row sound. To this end, I prefer a speaker that can create a holographic soundstage with a palpable vocal sound with some weight.
I listen mainly to jazz, pop, adult contemporary, down tempo.
My budget is < $15,000.
I listen mainly to jazz, pop, adult contemporary, down tempo.
My budget is < $15,000.