Just want some opinions on used speakers for around 3k. They will be used for 50/50 2 channel and 5 channel. I have a Denon 3808 to drive them. Here are the choices:
I like Zu Essence best for that price point. Very easy to drive (can do so with as little as 3-5 watts), dynamic, great tone, and no sub required if properly set up.
the revels are great but need a ton of power--you won't be able to drive them with your avr, so i'd probably opt for the more efficient devores. (i personally haven't heard the pioneers, which get great reviews; i'd be intrigued to hear them as well).
If you can find the KEF 203/2 for $3K used, I think they are fabulous speakers. I can't tell you how to choose between the 205s and the 203/2, but the KEF reference speakers I've heard are smooth, detailed, and very involving.
I haven't heard the others, although I did once hear a really bad demo of the Devore 8s. I think there was something wrong with the setup at that dealer, since every speaker I heard there sounded like crap. So, I don't count that demo.
FWIW, I recently upgraded to a pair of Ohm Walsh 2000s, which sell for $2800/pr new. I am very happy with them, and IMO make ideal speakers for a combo music/HT system. They do respond well to bigger amplifiers, however.
Tyler Acoustics Linbrook monitors - you can save 1k, and they are speakers that work really well with any amplification AND are easy to place (without bass issues). They go loud without strain and sound fantastic at low levels. Very musical speaker, and flat to 35Hz.
I don't mean to start a debate, but I must say I owned the Tyler's before and found them dynamically compressed and overly polite sounding. Fit and finish was very poor as well. Just want to share this.
Ar first I experienced what Bjesien did with the Zus. But once Zu set them up properly the fatigue factor disappeared. (Not saying that was Bj's issue, just relating my experience.) Setting these up properly is very important. Improper toe-in did sound piercing.
I heard the Devore 9's recently and thought they were great. One of the best speakers I had heard in my search for new speakers. you would be lucky to find those second hand at all, and for $3000. I like Zu too, but found they need the right amp. abit strident with the wrong amp. Another one to consider, Acoustic Zen Adagio's. They look and sound very good and a lot around2nd hand for the price you are looking for. Not as good as the Devore's or the Daedalus Da-R Ma's I eventually went for, but still very good value
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