Speaker Recommendation: 20K range


I’m looking for new speakers in the <20K range. 

I am not looking for used, unless it’s a demo model straight from an AD.

I am hoping to find a line that clearly beats speakers in the ~10K range like Magico A3, Revel 228BE, Legacy Focus SE etc.

I will be pairing the speakers with a Lumin D2 streamer, Mcintosh C2600 pre and MC452 amp. Changing those components is not going to happen anytime soon and so system synergy with those pieces is important. 

I also would like the speakers to be rated at 500W given the amp I will be using and the fact that the listening space is quite large. 

While I mostly listen to jazz, rock, pop, classical and vocals, I am really looking for speakers that sound amazing with any genre. I also need them to sound great at moderate levels of volume. 

I currently have Focal Kanta No 2s, and while they are quite nice, I want something much better in all respects. 

I am not really up to speed on all the audiophile terms that describe the various traits of sound – I just want my jaw to drop when listening to the speakers with any genre at all volume levels, if that’s possible :) 

I am close to NYC and would like to narrow down the list to ~5 candidates before I start auditioning.

Hopefully you guys can help me compile a list!

Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions.

chandybe
DALI EPICON 8 ( easy on any amp )
TAD THE COMPACT EVOLUTION ONE
Spendor D9
Paradigm persona 5F
Monitor Audio pl200 ii
Double Impact SE

I just purchased a pair of Focal Sopra 3s which listed at 20k . But you know they will knock off 20+ %. We auditioned them at the RMAF last weekend. I like them very much. And they haven’t even been burnt in. I also purchased a few Naim components to push and play the Focals. I’d give them a listen.

bruce
I second the Vandersteen Quatro Ct and save about 5 grand or if you have to spend the whole 20k order them in ebony wood
Hello chandybe ~

Thanks for your post and congrats on what will undoubtedly be a wonderful, exhausting
and 'enlightened' journey! You certainly should have high expectations, given your budget
and I applaud your 'courage' to put this request out there with as many opinions as you will find responses. That's not to say you will not benefit from the various degrees of opinions; only that no one will know as much as you when you finally confront the experience of that one, almost unexplainable moment when your next speaker finds YOU and takes you home...and that should happen AT home!

I think every serious consideration HAS to be auditioned in your room and that's extremely difficult unless you are prepared to spend a great deal of time AND can find dealers (you will not likely find one with everything you should consider) that are willing to allow their speakers out of their hands, even with a significant deposit.

Your concerns about compatibility with your electronics is valid, but your room is FAR more important than your gear. You have to get the various models into your space; with your electronics before you should make any commitment.
My opinion... 

I would add to the list of wonderful speakers already put forth, the remarkable
Bowers & Wilkins 802D3 and the Martin-Logan Renaissance 15.
Both models are a little over your budget, but the B&W's could likely be bought for $20,000
or in the case of the ML's, a little over $21,000.

They represent very different approaches to sound reproduction, but both have that 'magical' ability to transport you to somewhere else and given your already high standards, based on your current set-up, you probably have to spend what you're prepared to spend to get that 'significant' improvement you are looking for.

You will be surprised how each speaker interacts with your room (for better or worse) and the type of music you enjoy will no doubt play some role in which model you respond to the most.
The relationship with your dealer has to be of some importance. With such a significant expenditure, you want to be sure you have their support and ultimately, their respect.

I hope this finds you well and working through these 'interesting times'
Have a great time with this; I'm sure once you find your next speaker, it will provide years and years of enjoyment. 

Best regards,
Jim Gray
Jim Gray Designs
jimgraydesigns.com
850.509.9473