Fritz carbon 7SE MK 2, Upgrade


I hate the title above, but didn't know how to phrase it. Current system is secondary one, but, great otherwise. ATI  6002 AMP, Benchmark LA-4 preamp,  Meitner DAC MA1 V2, Bricasti M5, above mentioned FRITZ speakers, SVS SB 3000 SUB, Streaming Audirvana via Qobuz. 13x14' room, open door to bathroom and another to common hallway. ONLY play Rock and roll  85 to low 90's    Zeppelin, Rush, Pink Floyd, I could go on. Love my FRITZ, not sure why I'm posting. (will never sell)     Is there a speaker that is stand amount (bookshelf),  possibly small floor stander that will play superior to what I have (rock and roll) that is a dramatic upgrade sound wise. Will be keeping sub in place, currently crossed at 60.  Have been looking off and on for Joseph audio pulsar Graphene, whether that is the correct direction.  Have no way of demoing speaker in house, live an hour from Nashville. Willing to drive some though!  Looking used up to 6k, a bucket list speaker, if you will. You folks at audiogon have helped me in the past, thank you all very much. Robert TN

robshaw

I don’t have experience with the Fritz, but I think the KEF Reference One’s are worth consideration. I had them and they will deliver on Zep and Floyd with amazing clarity and soundstage at volume, with plenty of bass. While I have not heard them, the Joseph’s are a great choice too, probably a toss up and would come down to personal preference. 

NO.... is the simple answer. 

The full answer is it’s a little complex.  Given the prices of Fritz, with their superior imaging and glass smooth tonal capabilities I’d say there’s nothing at all wrong with them but it’s not unheard of for audiophiles to get bored with anything so I might suggest that rather than look for "better" you look for "different" and find something affordable and fun sounding you might want to swap in from time to time.   Compared to other speakers Fritz may seem too laid back, so perhaps swapping in something with a different balance may be fun and also help you appreciate Fritz in the long term. 

Alternatively ... if it was me and I was starting from your system I’d consider a nice small tube integrated as something to swap in from time to time. 

Also, consider your room.  Fritz speakers do best with a moderately well treated room which controls the treble and lets the mid-bass come out. 

I have no experience with KEF recently but the Reference 1 Meta are among the hardest speakers to driver right now, a strong counter point to Fritz which are among the easiest.  Given the OP's amp this may not matter. 

I would like to thank the following for your help and expertise that I don't have, or would like to. SOIX< THRIFTYAUDIO<JASTRALFU AND CHAYRO.  All had a lot of great advice. Don't really understand the sweet spot ref: on the ATC's?  I may adjust the crossover a bit as suggested, the second sub in this room would be great, just don't have the room.  Like I said,will never sell the FRITZ, they are that good, at least in my situation with rock and roll. I am not in a great hurry, just getting older as I speak, just very curious!  Also wondering if a Joseph audio perspective (USED) would  be a giant step up, overkill, too much for the smaller room, or maybe Nirvana??????? Thank again Robert

eric_squires/zlone   thanks also. Everyone has the voice of reason, but me. The phrase, NOT BETTER,  BUT DIFFERENT strikes a logical cord!  My  current ATI amp has the current and power to drive most anything. ATC has always intrigued me, but, the Joseph audio has also.  TAD does also, but, my wallet says differently.  Used should open some doors,maybe. I'll keep all posted. Robert