Volti Razz paired with a Cary SLI 80HS here and could not be happier! The synergy between them is sublime, like they were designed to work together. I’ve heard Volti plenty of times with Border Patrol amps and the sound is quite beautiful. But for me the Cary does everything i need and then some. Hits hard when I want to rock with Tool or Sanguisuabogg, or relax with Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson.
I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.
Returning to a hobby I abandoned two decades ago as life interfered with my personal desires. I’d like to slip back in with a decent package for streaming the likes of Tidal and Qobuz. I’ve relieved myself of all software (vinyl and CDs).
I am currently drifting between horns or BBC sound. Two different worlds, but each intrigue me. Considering Volti Audio with Cary SLI80 Integrated while also Harbeth 40.2 with something like a VTL MB185 Series III. Schizophrenic I know.
Dedicated Room 12’W x 30’L x varied vaulted 11’H.
i’d appreciate any discussion or feedback on my personal dilemma. Opportunities to sample these pairings are not in my immediate grasp, but I can consider travel (SE USA) to educate myself in the process. Budget $20k on used market. TIA
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You will change whatever you start with, so make a start with used speakers, get listening, learn about the room. I don’t care how much money you have, I would start with this pair of JSE Infinite Slope Model II’s. Two unique patents make discernable differences. Have seller drop them off unpackaged for you at his local UPS Pack and Ship (who you pre-arrange with). Rosewood (walnut stained reddish)
They are easy for a woodworker to cover in a new select veneer after you fall in love with them. Recommended substitute drivers are known, the grille’s wood frame’s are easy to simply staple new cloth, the results will stand up against nearly anything you audition to replace them. Change from 4 to 3 wheels, get advantages of easy movement Toe-In Alternates, Stereo and Video btw, they are shown backwards, you want the tweeters narrow beam on the inside
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this rare model 4 with 1 damaged tweeter might still be available seller says local pickup in Florida
Model II’s started with D21 tweeters, most were blown/replaced, several options exist, the D28 above was the tweeter for the Model 1.8 Model II Bass is a 10" and a 12" with the Bass Phase Shift Patent Model 4, their last product: Bass is two 10" (in more cu. ft. cabinet), with the Bass Phase Shift Patent. I never saw or heard a Model 4, the Model II has more than enough bass IMO, and I prefer it’s appearance,
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@toontrader Having owned both Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary's and horn speakers, I prefer horns. I'm currently using Cary SLI 80 HS with factory cap and hexfred rectifier upgrades. Pairing this integrated with upgraded EL34's and NOS tubes is a sneaky good combo with horn speakers. So based upon first hand experience, I'd pick the Volit / Cary combo over the much more expensive Harbeth 40.2's. |
If you are considering speakers other than a Volti or Harbeth 40.2, you should here a range of types—conventional box speakers, panel speakers like Magnepans, open baffle speakers like PureAudioProject. speakers meant for placement in the corners of the room, like Audio Note speakers, and other speaker types that you can see at shows. The brands I mentioned above consistently deliver good sound, in my opinion. Also, don’t stretch to get a speaker out of your price range if it means going cheap on the amp. The right amp is very important to getting the right sound. |
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