Qln, Joseph Audio, Audiovector, Marten, or Canton...?


I am looking to upgrade my speakers. My amp is an NAD M10 with Dirac Live room correction, so bass response is adjustable to an extent.

For domestic tranquility they must be relatively compact with a wood finish. Floorstanders, not standmount. Budget of up to $15k-ish, but less is better.

My list consists of the following:

  • Qln Prestige 3
  • Joseph Audio Perspective 2
  • Audiovector R3 Arrete
  • Marten Oscar Duo
  • Canton Reference 7K

Any and all impressions of these speakers, particularly any comparisons between them, are very much welcome. Thank you!

mrdseitzer

OP, I recommend you check out the thread by Prof, "Contemplating DEVORE SPEAKERS (and others)....LONG audition report of many speakers".

I took delivery of a pair of Perspective2 Graphene three weeks ago and couldn’t be happier.  I had narrowed my options down, based on room size, personal preference, etc.  They sounded great out of the box and are improving.  Jeff Joseph and Aaron (at Now Listen Here) were great to work with.  All in all, I couldn’t be happier.  

I can’t compare them with the others on your list (which I’ve never heard), but am happy to share listening notes if you like.  In sum, I find them to excel in the qualities that you and others have mentioned.  Timbre is excellent, astonishing at times — especially the timbre of vocals.  I’m still working on placement, but the soundstage is large and 3-D.  They are fast and detailed, and not overwhelmed by complex passages.  I’ve had larger speakers with more bass presence (VSA HR-5 HSE), but the bass doesn’t seem absent as it does with some smaller speakers.

Good luck in your search. 

@thr1961 

I know it would be a schlep, but a visit to Audioconnections in Verona, NJ would be time well spent. If you could line up some other dealers on the way, then it would be quite a nice trip that would help you decide. And, perhaps reach out to the Audiogon community to see if there are any Joseph Audio owners nearby that would let you listen to their systems.

Bob

@disc — I actually began my research by reading that thread and agree it is extremely helpful. 
 

@gdnrbob — Thanks for the reference - I may do a local New England roadtrip first but will definitely consider checking them out. 
 

I remain interested in the Joseph Acoustics, but it seems as though the local dealer isn’t interested in responding to my emails or calls. They must be doing pretty well to leave sales like that on the table, but I can’t say for sure and plan to try one more time before going elsewhere. 

captainsteve,

nice pair of speakers you have there, I love audio vector but I also love the monitor audio platinum which I bought. I got the monitor audio platinum 200 ll.