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Do I have to spend $4000 plus to get a better sounding speaker than GET model 7 ?

I have owned a pair of Golden Ear Technology 7's speaker for almost 3 years. I think they sound very good in my current set-up.  I bought them unheard based on the rave reviews they received at CES 2012. My concern is that if I was to invest in a speaker that is $3500-$4000, it may prove to be only marginally or fairly better. I am not saying that the GET's 7's are the best bargain in audio at $1395.  My experience with them is they are  very accurate with low distortion, but don't throw a particularly wide or deep soundstage. 

I have considered( not necessarily auditioned) Revel F-206;  Focal Aria 936;  Paradign F85;  PSB T-2';  Ryan 630;  B&W CM9S   Dynaudio X-34;  Duevel "Venus"  Audio Physic Sitara 25 and Tempo 25  All of the indicated speakers (except AP and Duevel) fall in the $3000-$4500 retail price range 

ProAc floor standers are off the scope in price, (often, even used)   Anything I buy will be used, because California sales tax is 8.5%,  and I can stretch my dollars buying used. 

Any recommendations are welcomed especially if based on you own experience with a particular speaker or brand.


Thank you, S.J     

sunnyjim
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,134 posts
 
A deep and wide soundstage are just as likely to be setup related issues.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Yes you do have to spend much more. Basically mid to entry level tower speakers can be pretty good and you are soon reach diminishing returns. I could never be happy with GET 7 but since it works for you for 3 years I don't think you will find much improvement. It boils down to what is acceptable for your ears - some of us really appreciate accuracy, dynamics and ultra low distortion and $4000 may only buy you an incremental improvement that only a fanatic may value.
213runnin
914 posts
 
Sunny, if you are sensitive to the edgy highs, I would add another to your short list.  Ascend Acoustics Tower could definitely be an upgrade.  They image superbly and with the Raal ribbon tweeter give pinpoint imaging but are not sharp or edgy, according to all of the owner reviews I've read.  I'm looking at a new speaker myself, and these are my leading contenders so far.

The downside to any other speaker besides Golden Ear is that almost none have powered subwoofers.  None will give you the bass response you are getting now.  You would also need to buy a sub or turn yours up somewhat if you already have one.

It would be helpful to know what amp you have, room dimensions and cables too.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

The only way you're going to know is by auditioning, in person, one of the Golden Ear models against a very different speaker.  One of your preferred makes, or something broadly similar.

Different strokes for different folks.  I heard the GE 2's against B&W CM10's a while ago, and there was no comparison for me.  B&W much greater truth-to-timbre on acoustic instruments.  GE's sounded like (good) HT speakers to me.  More recently, in another shop, I heard the B&W's against other brands, and preferred Harbeth, Sonus Faber, and Paradigm (Persona) over the B&W's.  YMMV.

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