I listened extensively to the big Triton 1s at a friend’s house over a long weekend visit as he was considering making a change because he felt that after owning them for a couple of years, "they aren’t a musical as I want." That same weekend he also in-home demo’d a pair of Vandersteen Quattros and we changed them out a few times listening to each model. The Golden Ears had a very good bass and high extension and imaging but they seemed, to me at least, to be missing something dynamically in the mid bass region, which is where much propulsive energy in music is. Suffice it to say, he traded them for a new pair of Quattros and has been happy ever since. They certainly have the dynamics in that critical region when the music called for it. So, Vandersteen would be another brand you might consider.
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Since you are looking at speakers that cost in the 2500 range (the Triton 3+), you should probably put down the best selling speaker in all of audio, the Vandersteen 2's (latest version is very special). Set up with the gear you have, you will have a very neutral sounding speaker, that can throw a large 3D presentation. What music do you like and how loud? Room size? Those are also important to know. P |
The Maggie's I heard at axpona got my vote for best sound at the show. I threw as much money as I could at my speaker purchase and it's unbelievable how much time it took to get the placement just right. Seriously, if you have a fixed place you have to park them it's like throwing darts picking what will sound better than another. |
As a previous Maggie 3.5R owner, I find my Emerald Physic KCIIs to equal and better them in bass. And at 94 dB they're a very easy load. They play big as did my 3.5Rs, but at <4ft tall, they are not room dividers and they look more like art. instead of doors EP is running a special right now for $1500 |
I have just moved into my new space. The living room/listening room dimensions are 30' long by 14' wide with 9' ceilings. After reading your suggestions and doing some research, with a $3000 a pair budget plus or minus a little. I need bass nothing thundering just clear represtation of the recording, mids and highs are probably more important to me. These are the speakers I'm looking at: Goldenear Triton 3+ Vandersteen 2ce signature II Definitive Technology Mythos ST-L SVS Ultra Towers If you have anymore suggestions about this list please let me know. Thanks Mike |
A used pair of Treo would be lovely i have a set in a 15’ x 33’ x 9’ room and they are lovely a different path with a lot of upgrade potential would be the VLR Signature which has the carbon tweeter on a Sound Anchor ( or similar robust inert ) stand and then add a sub 3 with 11 band analog bass EQ have fun ! enjoy the music and the search !!! |
@tomic601 , +1 again. If you could stretch your budget and wait for a used pair, the Treo's would be the best investment. Pair them with the Vandy subs and you can't go wrong-IMHO. I heard Vandy's back in the '80's and never forgot how good they sounded. After almost 40 years, I finally had enough money to start playing again. I bought the 3a sigs and the 2w subs, but moved to the Treo's and 2wq subs-Much better, more refined. My next move will be the Sub 3's- after I sell my old 2w's and 2wq's. If I do that, I will be at Quatro level. Do you need the subs? Probably not, but they do flesh out the lower frequencies that the smaller Treo cabinet can't offer, like the Quatro. Bob |
If you happen to live within driving distance to Cleveland, these Silverline Sonatas are fantastic speakers and an absolute steal at $1000... https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649479570-silverline-audio-sonata-i/ Best of luck. |
The stock KCIIs do not have wireworld internal XO wiring, not do they have upgraded Clarity Caps. Mine do, and I was told by the person who installed the upgrades as new was blown away by how much better mine sound over stock I have been promised new speakers for months. They may be shipped in the next couple days. IF they actually arrive, mine will be available. They are listed on AA and USAudiomart |
I sold Bob his Treo's and I'm so glad he loves them like I did. If you can get used Treo's, that would be a HUGE upgrade. I had some 20k plus amps in my room when I owned them from all different manufacturers. They just scaled and scaled. They also sounded fun with my NAD integrated amp that I paid 320 B stock, lol. You have a manageable list of speakers to go audition though. I wouldn't add any more until you listen to all of those. That's the problem with audio. Too often we just keep adding choices, instead of eliminating things and going from there. Have fun and don't do paralysis by analysis. |