That's a really tough one as it's difficult to match the speed and dynamic prowess of horns. I struggled with it after having to go to a smaller listening space and knew I'd be limited to more traditional dynamic speakers because of the space limitation (you may not be faced with that). From one horn lovers perspective here are a few of my likes: Ultimately I was very happy with with Coincident speakers (I had SuperEclipse III's for a few years, but his current models are certainly worth hearing as well and have similar qualities). I'm now using AudioMachina and could not be happier, but they'd be beyond the budget you stated. I'd also second the AudioKinesis recommendation - his stuff is brilliant... definitely fast and dynamic, with seamless integration of the lows with his SWARM sub system. Of the planar stuff I've heard I've really liked Roger Sanders speakers on two different occasions hearing them. Daedalus speakers are also brilliant, especially the larger DA-RMa and Ulysses.
What does one purchase after owning horns?
I have owned Avantgarde Uno's and sold them because of the lack of bass to horn integration. I loved the dynamics, the midrange and highs. Now faced with a new speaker purchase, I demo speakers and they sound lifeless and contrived. The drama and beauty of live music and even the sound of percussion insturments like a piano are not at all convincing. I have an $8k budget for speakers give or take a thousand. My room is 13'X26' firing down the length. Any good ideas will be appreciated. My music prefrences are jazz/jazz vocalist.
Showing 3 responses by jax2
Although you are a living and shining example of the Peter Principle. I think there's even a bit of John Gabriel's theory at work right here on this illuminating thread as well. I read a post a while back on another site that is worth reflecting on in all of this, who's worshiping the right speaker God, talk: (big snip from larger post by DeadEars on Head-Fi.org)Language is really an imperfect tool for describing subjective reality. My audio system presents a set of stimuli (as does wine) which my brain interprets as a musical event. But of course it is simply an illusion, not really true, since I don't have live musicians playing in front of me. And who is to say that my illusion is better than your illusion? Hey it's happening in my head, right? |
Could you point us to examples of manufacturers or models that are well suited to a low damping factor amp (as a proud Atma-sphere S-30 owner I am quite interseted in your suggestions). I've heard Ralph's amps sounding great with Classic Audio speakers (John Wolfe), on a few occasions. Oh my god, and they're horns too. I guess I need some Q-tips or a hearing aid, or else I'm just going to speaker hell (surrounded by horns of course). Seriously - a fine combination with great synergy. |