$16K new/used speaker question?


Opinions on options for full range, 8ohm, 90db or above speakers. So far I have heard and liked both Devore GibbonX, and Acoustic Zen Crescendo's and really like them both a lot.  I'm using an all BAT tube system with the VK-150se tube amps. Any thing else I should be listening to? I've heard the Wilsons sound great with BAT gear, but on paper they look like they would be really rough on my amps.
tom_hankins
Tom, I have enjoyed your posts over the years and happily weigh in here because I just went through a year of searching for speakers in the $15k used bracket.  I listened to a lot of different brands.  I too was looking for greater bass depth but unlike you, I have a 300 wpc solid state amp.  First off, I think you should not be restricting yourself to high efficiency designs because your BAT's will power just about anything unless you listen at abnormally high levels.  

I rejected the Acoustic Zens (too boxy sounding), Vandersteen 5A's (not as detailed as I want--but I liked the 5A Carbon above my price range); I think the Wilson Sasha 1 are a good buy at 11-12k and provide superb mid bass dynamics; but I really like the Magico S5 --at about $15k-- wonderful extension on both ends, maybe the best bass I have heard,  and judging from the Myles Astor review will work with tubes.  In the end though I purchased a demo set of TAD Evolution Ones-- I really like the concentric design which seems to make the speakers disappear. Plus they are very dynamic and detailed. The beryllium tweeter is very well integrated as on the S5.

You have gotten it right with your current amp speaker matching--a tube amp with a metal tweeter is a great combo.  The YG's are a very advanced and coherent speaker. Replacing them with speakers of lesser coherence and quality to get more bass is in my view a mistake.  So if I were you I would definitely check out the Magico S5 or the TAD E-1.

teeshot,

After mucho listening, your right. I've found three lines of speakers I really like, show after show and demo after demo....to include bothering locals to listen in there homes.;)

After 5 plus years with 2 models of YG's moving on will be hard. If I do it will be to bigger YG's, Magico, Marten, or Wilson. I'm going to audtion Rockports but have heard them at two shows and both times came away thinking there was a thickness to the sound.I was impressed but,  Not sure if its something I could live with long term. I'm probably going to have to save a little more $$$ to get as good or better than what I have now, and can play better in my new larger room. 

Tom- I went through the same decision process recently in your price range (and demo'd most of the speakers mentioned) and just ordered Gibbon Xs. In contrast to others, I much preferred the X to the O96s and Devore definitely makes different sounding lines so personal taste is very much in play. I value sound stage, dynamics, and tone and the Devore hits those criteria right on the button.

On the more resolution-oriented side, I was tempted by YG Haileys but cost just got out of reach for me. They also aren't tube friendly although your large BATs may stand a better chance. fwiw, I had a Carmel 2 in-home demo.

I've been enjoying a pair of Focal Sopra No2's now for about six months.

I enjoy all sorts of styles of music, except rap and country.

I find they are a very "musical" speaker, not what one salesman would call "analytic".