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

In that price range, I would add Fyne Audio 700 series speakers.  The F-703, made in Scotland, are just a bit above your price range and have 10” woofers.  Perhaps you could find a pair used.  The F-702 are well under your target price, possibly allowing you to add one or two subwoofers.  I am running the G-702s with two Rythmik 12” subs, and the sound is superb.  I am beyond middle age and, as much as I would love to have a pair of Klipsch LScalas, I consider these Fynes with subs to be my end state speakers.

I just went through this and settled on Arendal's 10th Anniversary 1528 Tower 8s. They're amazing for the price. Truly one of a kind. But I'd say If you want the best built (IMO) and best engineered (again IMO) go with Perlisten S7t Black Edition and keep your McIntosh. If you want to try something truly revolutionary, sell the Mac and get some RBH Unrivaled SFTR/AX. Don’t let their look be off-putting, Shane Rich will paint them whatever color suits your needs. I’ve heard a LOT of speakers and the S7t Black Editions are just on another level. They do it all and have the best engineered drivers available today. I know with "regular" Perlistens, they can be had for 20-25% off at times so don't let the "$30K asking price" scare you off. Contact Matt Poes from Poes acoustics. The Klipsch will definitely need subs. The Blades are better designed than the others. Not a Wilson fan or B&W fan. B&W have a hot top end and is kinda their sound. 

 

 

100 percent you should look at Joseph Crowe Audio, also in Canada.

Absolutely a beautiful complement of horn speakers, some within your price range.

Look at some of the reviews of his room from the Toronto Audio show and if you are close enough you can go for a demo.

 

 

 

 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.

Look at the JBL S4700 see here

Mike