Speaker audition recommendations?

I have actually auditioned the KEF Reference 3, Vandersteen Treo CT and B&W.  I really liked the KEF 3 (though the ref1 will be closer to your budget).  I also liked the B&W 804 and the Vandersteen Treo CT.  I especially liked the Vandersteen Quatro CT, so much so that I bought them.  My second choice would have been the Treo.  It would be difficult to make a bad choice from the brands you have listed.

Paradigm Persona 3F or Focal Kanta no2.

Kef Reference 1 (preferably 3), Elac FS 509 VX-JET, Monitor Audio Platinum PL200 II, Dynaudio Confidence C1 (preferably C2)...

Focal Kanta No.2’s....fall in love!  Ooh la la

Maybe Magico S3 mk1 used would sound great with the right components.Good luck on your search let us know what you get.

OP, one other thing directly to the point of the thread... when it comes to auditioning speakers (at a dealer), you should only give so much credence to the audition. 

Here is a link to related thread on audiogon that may interest you:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/not-enough-options-for-auditioning-speakers

Hmmm, perhaps it will affect the subtleties(level controls) but not the overall sense of what a speaker does.
I, too, auditioned Golden Ear and have to say I found them lacking. Hey, everyone's ears are different, but your post reminded me of what I remembered...
I second Beetlemania's recommendation of the Vandersteen Treo's. I have the non CT version, but they are impressive-Especially so, against the Golden Ear.
Bob

For that matter, when auditioning any speaker that has some kind of level control over one or more drivers it certainly makes sense to take note of where those controls are set, and adjust
accordingly.   


That may explain it then.

.....The references are quite large. Bigger than what I thought. I was not blown away by these speakers. The lacked the nice highs and midrange. It maybe the bass was overpowering. The definitely have a wide soundstage......

Did you happen to take note as to where the bass dial was set? Anything clockwise of 12 could very well cause overpowering of the bass with respect to the mid/tweeter. The bass can be adjusted +/- 7.5 db, and the reason for the control is precisely to tame the bass when/if needed. 

For that matter, when auditioning any speaker that has some kind of level control over one or more drivers it certainly makes sense to take note of where those controls are set, and adjust accordingly.

Vandy Treo CT would be on my my short list in this price range. I've only heard the non-CT version - and quite liked it. Made in US, too. I haven't heard the Persona line but not surprised you like them, based on drivers and technology (altho' I wish the midrange driver wasn't so big).

Well I went and auditioned the Golden Ear Reference’s and the Paradigm Persona 3F’s. The references are quite large. Bigger than what I thought. I was not blown away by these speakers. The lacked the nice highs and midrange. It maybe the bass was overpowering. The definitely have a wide soundstage. The Persona F3’s were much better in terms of dynamics, mid’s and highs and very smooth and balanced. Could not compete on the bottom end and soundstage with the GE’s. I would like to audition the Persona’s at home. They are stunning looking and more to my taste.

@akg_ca  +2
Audition, audition, audition.
Let your ears be your guide. My approach is to listen to everything and narrow it down to the ones I liked the best. Then, take your amp to the dealer and see if it can work the same magic.
Yes, it will take time and energy, but you will be one step closer to enlightenment.
B

@stereo5   And they always say the way to win over a man's heart is through his stomach.🍽🍸

What are your PMC Twenty5.26s not doing for you?

Could it be the Devialet 200?

Sharing more details on your system, room, music, and general preferences will help members give you more specific advice.

@akg_ca  says it:

You’ve listed the simple and preferred pathway to solving your quandry: Just start the in-person auditioning process : its a journey that’s a part of this hobby. Just work your way down this list

You stated that you can actually physically audition 11 listed different speaker brands, with a plethora of models within each. (that’s a lot)

You’ve listed the simple and preferred pathway to solving your quandry: Just start the in-person auditioning process : its a journey that’s a part of this hobby. Just work your way down this list and hopefully you hit your preferred brand and model. There are no heavily personally biased suggested faves offered up herein that are to be relied on blindly. (too many variables, including inter alia, performance impact of your other pieces and arena; the source, music genres, listening arena acoustic warts, inpact of cables etc....)

There are no "bad" choices in your list and your price strata... they are are all quality build brands. The performance differences will be subtle and strictly a personal value judgement as to your ultimate choice among the contenders and pretenders.

Drag your amp with you to the dealer, or arrange a dealer home audition ...full stop.

I would personally go with the GE Triton Reference speakers or the Triton 1.  They got me off the speaker merry-go-round.