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Speakers in the 5-6K$ region & their components

Hi all,

This is my 1st post here.
I'm a long time audio enthusiast and even worked in high-end audio sales for a few years a while back, but I've been out of the loop for a few years now. I'm looking now for a new pair of speakers in the 5-6K$ range to replace my current Merlin TSM. The type I'm looking for is a 2 way 6-6.5'' speaker, preferably a floorstander. I know many brands and models and went through a lot of speakers in the past, so my question is a technical one:

I'm looking only for speakers in this range which use high end componenets. which ones are there?

I've already done some research, so here are a few examples of what I mean:

Proac in its response range is using Scanspeak D2604 tweeter (48$/unit).
PMC in its "i" series - Seas 27TFFC (45$/unit).
Spendor, "A" series - Seas 29TFF/W (52$/unit).

I can go on and also bring examples of the woofers used and more speaker brands, but I think the picture is clear. These are all quality units of well acclaimed manufacturers, but are by no means high-end units. Which are?
My research brought me this far to the following (All in my price range):

Kudos audio Super 10/Super20: Seas T29CF-002 tweeter (330$/unit) + a version of Seas W18NX (196$/unit)

Marten Form Floor: Accuton C173-6-095 woofer (over 300$/unit) + a ribbon tweeter I was unable to recognize (anyone?)

Merlin VSM (as second hand only): Dynaudio D330/A tweeter (over 400$ per unit) + Scanspeak 18W/8545-01 (173$/unit).

BTW, my current Merlin TSM is using Morel MDT30 tweeter (80$/unit) + Morel MW166 woofer (124$/unit) and sounds wonderful to my taste, despite a considerable lack of bass (being a sealed- box design). 

So, given all that, does anyone have any more ideas for speakers I should consider?
roylindenfeld
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Other than the Accuton, I've used every driver mentioned.  In every case, with good crossover work, the finished product would be very good.  I think that your letting the price of a single driver get in the way of the finished product. Peter mentioned one of his kits and it is very good.  Not sure that you'd want to go the DIY way at all,  but considering your comments on a few parts listed, these should fit the bill. These are Morel Parts,  the tweeter is similar to what you listed, except this tweeter offers a bit more detail than the 30. These were designed by Jeff Bagby, a well known and valid speaker designer by any standard.  Basic cabinets are included, but you'll need to do some cabinet work to bring the cabinets to the level of a $5000 retail speaker... the speakers and design itself will hold up sonically at that level.... these are $1000 a pair. 
http://www.parts-express.com/solstice-mltl-reference-tower-speaker-kit--300-708 
This might be way off from where you were going, but I thought I'd throw it in. 
timlub
2,039 posts
 
@roylindenfield 
sorry Roy,  I forgot to mention,  the Ribbon on the Marten speaker, looks to be a Fountek Neo CD3.0
dgarretson
2,588 posts
 
Personally I’ve found the Merlin VSM a great platform for development. With the designer's unfortunate demise, you can find well-priced used examples. Upgrade caps, resistors, and wires in the crossover and caps, resistors and power supply in the BBAM, and you’ll have about as much as any two-way can offer.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,260 posts
 

I second the Golden Ear Triton Ones.

bassdude
458 posts
 
"With all due respect" - this is all "such a load of BS!"  

It's the total design of the baffel, cabinet, drivers, and cross-over that makes the "sum of the parts" sing like nothing else... or... not.  

I absolutely... guarantee you... that if you try a set of WaveTouch Audio Grand Teton stand-mount monitors... you will sell your Merlins, Harbeths, Wilsons, Marten's, Maggies, and all else!  Nothing sounds any better... certainly for the money!

Try them - it will cost you nothing if you don't agree... but... you will!
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