Have the itch yet again. $5-6k budget for floorstanders.


Well I've owned around 20 floorstanders over the last 30 years. Ridiculous I know but for me that's the hobby: trying new gear every 1-2 years. Anyhoots currently have Zu DW6 Superfly in my main rig, Wharfedale Evo 4.4 in the small TV room. Have both tube & SS amps I rotate. Yesterday I sold my SVS Ultra Tower (the prior version) ergo gots me thinking, so fun to go shopping, no? I listen to mostly jazz, on vinyl & via Qobuz. Some beats also (downtempo/chill). I used to rock out  but nevermore. Prefer to stay under 100lbs; not getting any younger. I do have a SVS sub the SB 2000 pro btw.

Here's my short list:

  • SVS Ultra Titan
  • MOFI 888
  • Dali Opticon 8
  • Cornwall IV (rich buddy downsizing)
  • Goldenear T66 (owned the orig Triton One way back 2013, dug them, had to downsize for a move)
  • Dyn C2 (wildcard, never heard em, wish I could audition)

Anyhoots, who wants to chime in? 

 

zufan

Just get the Cornwalls, enjoy them, then flip them for what you paid for them.

Easy decision, even more so when you consider they will be a temporary choice.

I have absolutely no complaints about the sound of my new Pure Audio Project Duet Horn 1 open baffle speakers. This could be due to the fact that some parts haven't arrived yet so I haven't actually heard them...but so far no issues with the sound.

Thanks for posting as I have Zu Omens and low power tubes. I recently acquired a pair of 180 wpc tube mono blocks. I couldn’t afford Tannoy or Fyne. I looked at the MoFi 888’s and the SVS. I contacted Zu and Sean replied to get what you have. I wanted something different and contacted Terry London and he recommended the Tekton Moab. I went with the Tekton Double Impact with upgraded crossover. My musical taste is Classic Rock and I wanted something less refined. Unfortunately I’m not able to audition anything where I live. I WOULD LOVE to try the 888’s. I’m surprised at how good the Tekton’s sound over the ZU’s and I added Townsend Seismic Podiums and am very pleased with the improvement. I tried the Tektons with 12wpc tubes and 60wpc Akitika and that worked well too. Happy Hunting and hopefully I won’t get flamed for suggesting Tekton. Mike B. 

How about these $9k speakers for $5k? AMAZING!

 

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/bowers-wilkins-804-d3-floorstanding-speakers-rosenut-pair/

 

You sold KEF Blade 2 Meta's and you are now shopping in this price range?  Why did you get rid of the KEF's? I don't think I've ever read a review that wasn't glowing.  BTW, I recently sold a pair of KEF R7 Meta's that were really great speakers. FWIW, I'd say they were 90% as good as my Focal Sopra No2's. Perhaps, slightly better soundstage.

I'm enjoying this thread. Thanks.

OP, if you have able bodied friends or family,  I wouldn't discount getting larger speakers than 100 lbs.  There's a reason the nice stuff weighs more.  Tektons are my go to but there are many nice looking used options that exceed that weight limit.  There's a pair of Eggleston Andra II's used out there and some Rockports.  I'd check those out and / or go audition some tektons near you.  Even if they aren't the moabs or ulfbehrts, anything with the seven+ tweeter array is going to give you the qualities you listed with solid upstream gear.

Best of luck to you and update us on what you choose and your thoughts!  Always fun to hear about someone's journey and what they wound up selecting after all these people respond and chime in.