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Speaker candidates/suggestions

Hi everyone! I’m thinking of upgrading the speakers in my second system and I could use your opinions and suggestions. I currently have a Belles Aria integrated and a Sugden A21 integrated that I switch around when the mood hits. I stream via Bluesound Node. My room is approx 15’ wide x 30’ length in size and carpeted. My system faces the long wall. My speakers are Tekton Lore Reference. Budget is $2-3k.My musical tastes are all over the place---I can listen to Ella, Johnny Cash, then Dean Martin then deep house and 80s alternative or classic rock. Listening volumes are average: 70s-80s db. I have a REL T7x if I need one.

From doing some research, I’ve come up with 3 candidates---let me know what you think:

1. Vandersteen 1ci+ (pairs well with Belles and somewhat efficient at 90db)

2. Fritz Carbon 7 SE MkII (also pairs well with Belles and Sugden and efficient, 88db)

3. Totem Bison monitor or Tower (of the 3 listed here, the Totems are the only ones I can audition here in town.) Not sure if the Sugden is enough for power.

Thanks in advance. I’m open to other speakers btw.

bluorion
bluorion OP
444 posts
 

Thanks @hilde45 --- I'll check it out. I've seen really good reviews for the Carbons. The Totems get great reviews as well but apparently they love power so I'm not so sure my amps (particularly the Sugden) will be enough? On Totem's website the recommended amp power is 30 - 150 wpc. The Sugden is 23 wpc. But Proacs do well with Sugden.

Thanks @grislybutter ---never seen that site before! Wow!

grislybutter
2,488 posts
 

@bluorion thank you! I collected the data and built it 6 months ago and I am planning to add a few more brands and features. But if one person finds it useful, I am happy!

btw I like your choices. The safe one is Totem, obviously; Fritz and the Vandies have a die hard cult following

jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
227 posts
 

I haven’t heard any of the speakers on your list but I have a pair of Fritz Rev 7 SEs that do well with all types of music.  I’ve auditioned a handful of others looking to replace them at some point but they stood up so well I’ve kept them.  I’ve compared them to B&W 805D4, Focal Sopra 1, Joseph Audio Pulsars, Fyne Audio 502SP.  Fritz might have a bit of a cult following but that’s cause they are very good speaker’s especially at the price point.

bigkidz
3,334 posts
 

Hands down Revival Audio - Atalante 5 Speakers $5K and don't look back.

 

 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,952 posts
 

The best Loudspeaker bargain Anywhere Clayton Shaws open baffle Loudspeakers ,far better then they have a right to be at $3k a for sure must check out.

 

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