Speaker Upgrade Recommendation for Current Analog System - under $10,000 Budget


Music lovers/audiophiles, looking for input.
Considering a speaker upgrade to full range, floorstanders. Current analog system setup - recent full upgrade to Jolida JD 202 intergated amp. (40 watts), VPI Scout w JM 9 arm, Benz Mirco L2 cart, Tyler Acoustic Reference Monitors, ACI Force sub, Jolida JD 100 CD player. Have enjoyed current system for 15+ yrs. COVID and my location presents a challenge to auditioning. Based on articles and reviews narrowed considerartion to Salk Songbird3 BeAT, GoldenEar Triton One.R, Nola Contender S3. Refined to GoldenEar and Nola speakers. Seems GoldenEar may be the easiest for place in room. Reviews show them to share simular sound signature. Alternative option: switch out ACI Force for two Rythmik F12G subs, upgrade phono pre-amp and call it a day.
Listening room - 12' X 30' (configuration - odd shaped third floor (main room has window well, with narrow 6 ft. hallway to steps w/ separate room by steps). Favorite genries: Jazz and R&B, however, love music (1500 LP's). Probably last system change, looking at retirement with more time to enjoy my music. Appreciate the input.              
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Showing 1 response by allears4u

Being a reader of such forums, we all run into the Klipsch fan boy. However, I asked myself why? "Why do these people exist?" Loyal, passionate, convinced....so, 5 years ago I bought a new pair of LaScalas. Let me cut to the chase. I think I can now explain why both rabid critics poopoo AND diehard fans exist despite reviews. These 175 lb industrial machines require extreme break in time. HINT: Either run them like you're at a 70's Grand Funk Railroad concert for several hours/days/ months.....  OR...confront these stiff horns by making them play the Tellurium Q Systems Disk. (No I'm not selling them) This is like sending your speakers to boot camp.  (This CD produces music/sounds "exercises" to stretch them into what they're capable of.) Reviewers often listen to new speakers while devotees have had their Klipschs for decades. Way too often new speakers sound great immediately after purchase only later to seem to be trying to dig out your ear channel with a cork screw. Klipsch LaScalas reverse this. They start off fair....but then you'll notice they get better and better until a transparent window opens and the musical light floods over, through, and into you. Worth every penny....(I paid $5500 for B-stock Lacalas II) (No monster amp needed: 104 db at 1 watt. Tubes recommended)