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Shopping for new speakers-need ideas... Selling old DQ-10's...

As I get older my Dahlquist DQ-10’s are simply too bright and give me an earache. I’ve tried different amps so that is not the issue. I just bought a Marantz PM-KI Ruby amp to pair with them. They sound great, but after some time the ear issue comes up.  However, I am looking for new speakers to match with my new amp. These are my desires:

-Not as bright as my Dahlquist DQ-10’s, but not as distant sounding as my Aerial 6s. I do like speakers on the warm side nowdays, but not muddy of course

-Great separation of sound so you catch the detail

-Bass not too punchy as I’ve always had ear trouble with this

-I love midrange

-I don’t like too sharp highs anymore unfortunately

-I love an open sound even airy sound.


What I may be describing is something that is between the DQ-10s and the Aerial 6s. Not in my face, but not behind a wall sounding like the Aerials. Something smooth yet with texture and good separation.

I always loved the phased array design of the DQ-10s and my DQ-8s since I have had since 1993. They are open and airy with tons of soundstage potential.

I listen to a variety of music from ‘60’s and 70’s folk to ‘90’s hard rock like Collective Soul. I’m a 70’s guy and love classic rock, but I lean in the Steely Dan direction. I love progressive rock like Rush and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I’m also fond of Sade and similar artists in that genre. Jazz is an occasional venture to the likes of Joshua Redman and older stuff like Ramsey Lewis.

Now that I have this magnificent Marantz amp I’m ready to pair them with something that is more of a fit with it and my now limited ears. Earaches suck when you are trying to enjoy some music. This is a lot better now with the Marantz amp, but I still feel a slight ache at medium volumes.

I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos reviews and I’ve started reading some things.

My budget is $3,000 or less. Hopefully less...

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
georgethedog

Showing 8 responses by georgethedog

georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
Thanks everyone.  Some great advice and recommendations.  I am keeping a list and then doing more research.  Please, if you have not commented yet do so if you would like.  
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
I'm leaning in the Vandersteen direction.  I'm weighing some others before I pull the trigger on the Vandersteens.  Audio Advice gives me 30 days to return.  Anyone know of any other good vendors that will allow a return???
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
audioguy85, I never really considered bookshelf speakers...  the room is probably 17'x 26' and whatever I buy will second as the right and left channels for my 7.1 theatre setup (Marantz AVR also...). Wow, it would be strange going from these giant 5-way DQ-10s to 2-way bookshelves on stands.  But, when our local hifi shop was open they had some impressive speakers that size so maybe you are right.  I'll have to research this alternative!  As an aside... I had quite a great car audio setup years ago with audiophile quality Canton car speakers (not sure they make them anymore), and I always liked the sound better out of the front 2-way than I did the rear 3-ways.  Maybe there is something to that.  If you get a chance please expound on the virtues of going to a 2-way bookshelf speaker if you would.  I do have a REL T9 subwoofer to control the lows.  Thanks so much!  
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
Thank you!
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
Thanks again.  I wish I could figure out a way to reply to your posts... what am I missing, or is it intentional to not let us respond?
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for answering my question about bookshelf speakers. After research I am down between:

Tannoy Revolution XT 8F
Vandersteen 2Ce Signature III
Martin Logan ESL
LSA-20 Signature

Ideally, I would be able to just go somewhere and listen, but that is not possible. So, now that I am focused on these four I will be looking at more reviews. What would be nice is to find a dealer that sells all or most of these and and get their opinions, but so far I have not found that... Again, thanks to everyone!!! Onward. Oh, and if you have opinions on any of these pro or con, please post. Thanks.  
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
@b_limo  I see these are bookshelf two-way speakers.  What advantage would these hold over speakers like the Tannoy Revolution XT 8F or the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature III which are around the same price considering the requirements I listed in my first post?  I am only curious because I would like to learn and I had not considered bookshelf speakers in my room that is fairly large (26x16 est. without measuring).  These speakers would also double as theatre speakers in that room.  Thanks for any teachings you can provide!!! 
georgethedog OP
9 posts
 
Going with LSA-20 Signature.  I'll report back after they are broke in and let everyone know what I think.
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