Kelton, I have been searching in vain for the perfect combination of "audiophile" components for years as well. One thing that I've found is that refined sound and loud, slamming volume doesn't exist within the same setup. If it does, I have stumbled across it yet. I use a Krell FPB 600 with Dunlavy SC-V's (soon to be SC-VI's) which sounds wonderful to me. But, if you want to listen at 110dB, that combination doesn't work. I think one of the audio dealers that I've worked with hit it right on the head " Audiophile speakers generally aren’t intended for listening at ear-bleeding volumes...". Some of the other responses I think have it right. Older JBL's perhaps. Maybe even Klipsch if you can tolerate the horns. I've auditioned the Legacy's. Thumbs down. Bass doesn't blend well at all. I've listened to the VMPS's as well. Great bass punch, but the mids and highs almost seemed to buzz a bit at higher volumes. The Revels, I just didn't like. I made the decision to listen to my program material at a slightly lower SPL with the Dunlavy's, something you may want to consider. The quality of the sound far eclipses the reduction in volume. Don't get me wrong, Dunlavy speakers will play loudly. Just not as loudly as say JBL's or Altec's. Let us know what you finally decide. If there is a such thing as a ‘final’ audio decision.
Rock and Roll Speakers
I have been down the audio hi fi road for about 5 years now. Spent more money than my wife will ever know about( if i want to live ) have a large listening room 19x24x9. I like loud rock and roll, I have great tastes in music from braums, to miles davis, sonny rollins, herbie handcock to the new alternative bands. I like to go to clubs and hear live music. According to bound for sound I like to listen to amplified music that is reproduced. They said to buy some mini monitors and a good sub. I have spent $$$$ and bought the ML quest, gallo ref 1's, platinum audio ref 2's Ml monolith 2's and even some exotic german physiks boarderland's with the DDD. All have their great strengths but I really dont love any of them. Love the sound and feel of the esl, gallos were ok, the German Physiks are the finest of all, almost angelic, but I miss the sock it in your gut feeling. In the past I played in some college bands and when I grow up I would like to be a studio engineer, I know what sound I like but havent found it yet. I live in a very rural area and cant audition alot of equipment. For electronics I have the Burmester 956 250w amp, Meridian 541 processor, 518, and 506.20cd and nbs cables. What I want is it to pass the ac/dc test. Dont call it crude music but if i have spent 35-45k on equipment I want it to do what I want it to do. I like quality and dont mind paying for it. I have listened to the Revel Studios, Legacy Focus, liked both but what about long term (years) enjoyment. Any thoughts about the Von S 7's or the Dunluvy 5 or 6's. I want a large sound and large volume but to be able to enjoy the old smokey 2am jazz after a hard day.