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How good does it get?

Hello.

I'm trying to complete my modest audio system with a pair of quality speakers. To date I have:
1) Two Citation 7.1 amps- 4x150 W/ch. (2x450 bridged)
2) Arcam FMJ CD-23 cdp
3) Conrad Johnson PF-R pre

Right now I have a pair of speakers which provide GREAT imaging, have a very natural, detailed and spacious sound and are very decent in bass response and lack of coloration. Now I want MORE!

I'm hoping to get a pair of speakers which will; by a VERY, VERY, wide margin; surpass my present speakers.

I'm willing to spend over ten times the money on a used pair of speakers as I spent on my present speakers-NEW.

The bad news is that I presently own a pair of Wharfedale Sapphire 88's (6" woofer, 6" mid in separate enclosure and 1" silk dome tweeter) that I purchased for $79.00 each plus shipping-(Total of $290.00 delivered to my door)

I have no drivers liscence and there are no high end audio shops within 30 miles of me. As a result I have heard none (not a one) of the offerings put out by the various manufacturers that may be of interest to me. This situation results in my having to buy a pair of speakers without the benefit of an audition. I am therefore relying on the opinions and impressions of Audiogon members, (whose opinions I trust) to steer me to the speakers which will satisfy my audio cravings.

I'm sure that by now it's quite clear that I'm VERY inexperienced in high end audio. I have heard absolutly NO high end systems.

So back to my original thought- How much better does it get? (For a guy who is so inexperienced in high end audio) I've been trying to do my homework as far as whats available in my price range- Von Schweikert VR-4,VR-4 Gen II, VR-3.5, Silverline Sonata, Sonatina ,Sonatina II, JM-labs 920.1, 915, Vandersteen 2Ce-sigs,3A-sigs, VMPS RM-2 Neo's, B&W N804, N803,Matrix 802 S-III, Legacy Classic's, Dunlavy SC-III,SC-IV, Norh 9.0 Marble, Dynaudio Audience 82, Contour 3.0, Contour 1.8 Mk II, Hales Rev. IIII, Snell V, NHT-2.9, 3.3, Monitor Audio 9 silver, 20 Gold, Theil 3.6, 1.5, and various others by Joseph, ACI, KEF, Ect,Ect......

So what should I buy? I'd like a highly detailed, smooth speaker with terrific bass response.

I'm looking for a full range floorstander, the thinner dimensionally, the better, the fuller the sound- the best!

Will 10 times the money buy me 10 times the speaker? 5x the speaker? 2x the speaker? A "noticeable difference" or something like "A huge difference in the percieved response of all audio frequencies, audible or not"

Please, looking for a straight shooter to set me straight.

Thanks,

Steve





say811

Showing 2 responses by pbb

pbb
1,140 posts
 
Thiel 3.6s can give outstanding results. However, I have heard that a replacement model is due out. In speakers, trust your ears. Find a procedure to follow while auditioning speakers that puts every aspect of performance to the test. Don't throw in a bunch of variables. Leave the store's recordings out of the picture. Stick to the "playlist" you have devised and try for a home audition or bring your electronics to the store to see if the amp is up to the task and, again, to limit variables. Listen with your ears not your eyes. Don't belive every comment you hear or read. Don't listen through a padded wallet. Good luck in your quest.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Must'have jumped the paragraph about lack of car and distance to shops. I will stick to the gist of my earlier comments though, you have to hear them to know, so whether you take a bus or bum a ride from friends or family, you have to be in the same room as the speakers, listening to familiar recordings, to form any kind of opinion. While the 100% subjective sport comment is not 100% objective, when it comes to speakers, with their individual colorations, you have to give them a serious listen before buying. Of all components, their size makes them, in my experience, the hardest component to sell from a distance.

Parting comment: buy a brand manufactured by a concern that has been in business a good while and, hopefully, will stay in business for the foreseeable future. Again, Thiel have been tremendous on servicing for my 12 year old CS 3.5s. Vandy is also a great outfit, producing excellent sound. There are many others, but I would stick to an established manufacturer, since there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to get replacement parts. Again, a company using drivers from a major manufacturer as an outside source can be a good bet (ex Dunlavy). Of all components that I have owned over 25 years, speakers are the ones that have required replacement parts and servicinfg the most often by a LONG shot. If they falter, who cares how good they sound when they do work.
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