End Game(ish) Speakers - Help Deciding


Hi folks,

Long time lurker, posting for input on upgrading my speakers to an end game(ish) purchase - famous last words I know.  I’m middle aged, and listen to a broad range of music, predominantly classic rock.  

Current core system:

  • Altec Lansing Model 14 speakers (similar to LaScalas)
  • McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp
  • Vinyl (Project X1 Bronze 2M) and digital media (Mc DAC)

I’m looking to upgrade my speakers.  I’ve done a significant amount of research, which has - in some ways - left me more confused than certain.  There are many choices and exponentially more opinions.  

One of the key things I am looking for is a floorstanding speaker with sufficient bass and presence to not require subs.  I am also looking for a speaker which can pressurize the room and provide that visceral feeling you get from the right combination of components.  My room is 14’x34’.  Decently dampened in terms of floor and reflectivity - however it’s also my living room and I do need to consider my (tolerant) wife’s aspects of decor as well.

I grew up hearing friends’ parents’ speakers like Klipschorns - which made a BIG impression on me.  We didn’t know what they were at the time, only that they absolutely rocked.  Same with the Altecs.  So I had some influences there in terms of horns and large speakers.

I have found that many of the newer floorstanding models that I’ve heard in demos lack that presence - other than the top models where you typically find woofers in the 8"+ range and hence you get what I would call a full dynamic range (say below 40Hz-20KHz).  It’s unfortunate that the larger woofer options aren’t provided in lower end models, but I suppose this is how they market the top tier models and differentiate them.

I’ve narrowed my list down to the following, and would welcome comments and suggestions.  I live in Canada, my budget is around $20K CAD - give or take, and I am fine with used equipment vs. new and for this list I’m mostly assuming used.

  1. Klipschorn AK6 or 7
  2. B&W 801/802 D3 or D4
  3. Sonus Faber Amati (Tradtion or G5)
  4. Wilson Sasha or similar
  5. Kef Blade Meta (or similar model)

An issue I have is that I haven’t been able to audition some of these in person.  I would aim to do so before purchasing.  My research thus far has been academic, and also some subjective listening on YouTube to various channels and samples and piecing that together.

Thanks for your time/interest.

chris71

@chris71 

You’re welcome.  Regarding Wilsons, since you are buying used, and you are considering the 2 cabinet configuration (2 woofer & 1 mid/1 tweeter) I would prioritize the newest models in my price range, in the best shape, that are local.   For example, my W/P 8 were local, without the original crates, that I inspected, listened to, and brought home in my truck.  In other words, since you are buying used, I would prioritize the condition and the desired configuration of the Wilsons over the specific model, ie, Watt Puppy, Shasha, DAW, etc....   Good Luck in your search. 

The Khorns are nice since they have good bass and can be driven by low power tube amps. The drawback to them is their size/weight and lack of deep low end bass.

Khorns but with a different take.

Buy a good-condition, used, pair of Khorns -$5-7k, then do a FULL Volti Khorn upgrade on them.  Another $4500-ish (not sure about current cost).  Total $10-11K.

You will have a COMPLETELY different speaker when you are finished.  

Massive wall of a very dynamic and well-defined soundstage.  Solid, punchy,  bass down to 30-35 Hz or so.  WAY better than what you remember at your friend's parents house!  

Very doable and fun DIY project.  Easy one day.

Can be driven by most any amp.  A 300B SET amp is glorious.

Tightly fit into the corners of your room, they really do not take up much space and pretty much disappear.  Dried flowers on top!

In any case, best regards and good luck!  -Jim