New speakers dilemma for vinyls... Heeelp! :)))


My dear hifi lovers,

In a while I'm going to pull the trigger for a pair of new speakers, in 6000$ range.
My new system will be focused on a Pass Labs XA25 and a Rega Planar 6, I'll have to test both Ania and Exact cartridges as I don't know yet what to choose.
I was looking on the web for recommendations related to vinyls for speakers in such a cost range but found literally nothing. My system will be fully analog, 80% lps, 20% cds. So far I auditioned the Klipsch Forte IV and Sonus Nova 3, very different but both amazing for different reasons. I slightly preferred the Nova as for me the bass is the most important thing. The Forte had a decent one but don't go deep enough, hope to hear the Cornwall IV soon and find that amount of low frequencies missing with the Forte. Unfortunately the dealer couldn't provide a turntable for the listening. This month I'm still auditioning:

Revel Performa3 F208
Focal Kanta 2
Cornwall IV
Spendor A7
Dynaudio Evoke 50

In a first moment I was also strongly considering the Tekton DI's and Volti Razz, they're both still on the list but unfortunately I can't test them because I'm in EU and in addition I'll have to pay tax duties (but this won't be a problem if these speakers are really the best choice).
Anyway even if for next auditionings there will probably be a turntable, It's always hard to get what's better sounding. I have 1000 records and can't test all of them, plus I can't know which one has a solid registration or not.
Does any of you have experience with speakers in a such cost range, using a turntable? And btw did any of you try also the Ania or the Exact?
Please feel also free to recommend any other speakers i didn't mention, I'm extremely flexible and open to any suggestion (excluding Dac).

Thanks!!!
adversam

Showing 4 responses by mapman

+1 @uncleang. 

How the speaker and the bottom port interacts with the floor is a big factor. I use Auralex Subdude pads under mine on suspended plywood floors but not on solid concrete foundation (finished room with thin dense carpet and pad).

More on the sub bass activator:
https://ohmspeaker.com/news/sba-what-is-sub-bass-and-how-do-you-activate-it/

I bought the SBA circuit a few years back ( not expensive prices for normal people) and installed it to a pair of old Ohm Ls I refurbished myself as well.
The Ohm Walsh speakers are not difficult to drive compared to most.   The larger models in particular do tend to like lots of current and damping.  They will respond to any improvement or change made upstream so the actual sound can vary significantly. 
@adversam I currently own models with refurbed cabinets. Ohm 5 series 3 which is last generation similar to current 5000s which are the largest with 12” driver but also most adjustable. Also Walsh 2 cabinets with 100 series 3 driver, 8” and closest to current 1000s or 2000s. Room size determines how large and how much. All models sound similar just a matter of how big of you want full extended bass.

I use Bel Canto ref1000m amps with a Audio Research sp16 tube preamp currently with them. That combo has been in place for ~10 years now. 
Yea have had Ohm Walsh in various forms for 30 years now. Many challengers past and present...still the musical champs. Held in ever higher esteem by more and more as the years pass. Totally unique and no flash in the pan here.  Nothing compares in the price range.