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Improving on the Sonata IIIs, which speakers?


I’m casually considering either a sideways or step up from the Sonata IIIs for perhaps not a very good reason… merely esthetics. A color change.

I don’t like the thought of losing the Esotar II tweeter, nor the ease with which a good amp can drive them with. I’d also hate to see a far bigger-taller speaker be the one to improve upon or equal them.

I listen near field equa distance from the speakers. They’ll reside on a short wall in a 14x21x8+ roughly, closed off room. I do have a sub.

I saw some reviews on the PSB line up from J Atkinson, & Wes Phillips on the PSB models retailing for $4K+, $5K & $7K…. which appeal to me somewhat… but I’ve like all other times not the capacity to personally audition the PSBs.

I’d also prefer not to invest further by very much, if at all. Hence the ‘sideways’ ideology.

Any thoughts here are appreciated. Thanks much.
blindjim

Showing 2 responses by jax2

jax2
3,031 posts
 
PS My response overlapped Almarg's input so I had not seen it at all when writing my own. I will therefore say that I 'second' the recommendation for Daedelus! Good suggestion! I have heard the DR-ma and they are outstanding, but as Almarg indicates, if you have expectations of the low end set by your Sonata III's you may be disappointed. The Ulysses are amazing, in every respect, but in another price bracket. I think Lou has a couple of in between options which I have not heard.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
It would be tough to "improve" on the sound while stepping sideways in the same price bracket. You may get a different sound, but those are excellent speakers for the $. If it were me, and I were looking for something different, I'd look at Coincident (which I own) which would probably offer a more detailed picture rather than the slightly warm, rounded qualities I'd expect from the Sonatas (and I only mean that in a complementary way). Also Merlin. I'm assuming that you need to stick to something in the more sensitive range. There's also Reference 3A's flagship which sounded really great in several rooms at CES and RMAF....I think it was the Grand Veena. Plenty of others in that price bracket...of course look for something that suits your amp(?). If you don't need sensitivity then that stable of options increases in size dramatically. Another superb option in the more sensitive offerings would be Daedelus, though you may have to pony up the bones as they very rarely show up used. That certainly would also give you a very unique change in appearance. Lou's joinery is second to none - his speakers have a very hand made fine furniture look to them, in a very traditional sense. They are made entirely of solid woods. They are outstanding speakers which I've heard several times, both at the shows and at the Modwright showroom.

Have fun!
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