Speaker Advice -- Which to Buy

Well this may not be what you're looking for, but in the long run might get you closer than me just telling you what I like.

First off, you will have to make compromises. What we need to know is which virtues cannot be compromised, and which ones can be.

Below is a list of speaker qualities in no particular order. Tell us which ones really matter to you (and perhaps put those in order), and of course add anything you'd like to your list.

1. Timbre (the natural sound of voices and instruments).
2. Clarity & nuance (you can hear all the details).
3. Dynamic contrast (liveliness).
4. Superb soundstaging for a single listener.
5. Good soundstaging over a wide listening area.
6. Natural-sounding bass.
7. Extreme deep bass extension.
8. Unobtrusive size and visual appeal.
9. Works well in less-than-optimum room or location.
10. Sounds great at low volumes.
11. Sounds great at medium volumes.
12. Sounds great at high volumes.
13. Forgiving of less-than-ideal recordings and sources.
14. Ruthlessly accurate and revealing.
15. Freedom from little colorations that remind you you're listening to boxes, not live music.
16. Non-fatiguing over long listening sessions.

Do you like a more forward or a more laid-back presentation? Do you tend to like your sound a bit warm, a bit bright, or dead neutral? (It is no sin to prefer something other than dead neutral). Which is more important to you - that lush feeling of rich ambience and spaciousness you get in a concert hall, or being able to pick out the precise location of each individual instrument?

What megabuck speakers that you can't afford do you really love, and what was it they did that captured your heart?

Just answer whichever questions matter to you. And of course add any comments you'd like to about things you especially want (or don't want) your speakers to do - like if they have to be toddler safe, for example.

Selecting speakers is probably the most fun part of assembling or upgrading a system, and what I'm hoping is that we can make it even more fun for you by offering suggestions that address your personal priorities.

Enjoy the Quest!

Duke

Okay Trip - thanks for taking the time to give us your priories, which are: Timbre, dynamic contrast, good soundstaging over a wide area, natural-sounding deep bass, unobtrusive size and visual appeal, sounds great at medium volumes, forgiving of less-than-ideal recordings and sources, and non-fatiguing over long listening sessions.

Now I have much better idea of what you're looking for!

You have already found an excellent speaker line in the Meadowlarks. I would also suggest you look for a used Audio Physic speaker, perhaps a Step or Spark. The Vandersteens mentioned will also work well, but only you can decide if they look good enough.

The Audio Physics will give you the widest sweet spot and are the best looking. The Vandy's are the most forgiving, and the Meadowlarks the most dynamic.

[email protected], you also took the time to list your priorities (in order), namely: Dynamic contrast, timbre, clarity & nuance, natural-sounding bass, unobtrusive size & visual appeal, works well in less-than-optimum room or location, and superb soundstaging for a single listener. You added that you prefer a laid-back speaker. Thanks for taking the time.

Hmmmm. Generally, it's pretty expensive to combine real good dynamic contrast with a laid-back sound. I'd suggest you take a look at the smaller Soliloquy's, and also the Meadowlarks. My recollection would give the edge in dynamics to the Soliloquy's, and imaging to the Meadowlarks.

To Trip and [email protected], thanks for participating. And please don't take my suggestions here as being comprehensive! They are based on my limited experience. My personal first choice in this price range would be the Maggie MG-12. I don't sell any of these speakers, but I do like them all.