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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
nondemo's avatar
nondemo
17 posts
 

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. 

 

 

glenmschneider
99 posts
 

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.

 

 

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,394 posts
 

 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

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
944 posts
 

You really need to audition for yourself. Maybe travel to a big audio show and have a fun weekend. I have a well funded friend and he has the Mac 1.2 monos , Mac pre and B$W 804’s. Considerable room treatment, and JL subs he doesn’t need. He likes rock mostly and to me it’s too bright, but he loves it. Go find firsthand what you like the most and make sure your amp compliments that speaker. At that level you absolutely need to get it right. Guessing at a speaker and hoping it pairs with your amp gives you about a 1 in 4 chance of being happy. Also listen to the big Tektons, they throw a huge wall of sound and do have a pretty big following. I like them , but I like loud , live Rock and Roll too. People that like their music more refined usually don’t care for them. Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

kennymacc
723 posts
 

There are a thousand speakers out there that would float your goat in addition to the speakers you already have on your list of consideration.  Based on your list, I'd definitely go with the Wilsons, simply because you get it all with the Wilsons, and wouldn't have to look any further.  Not to mention the high resale value you get with Wilson speakers as well.  Happy listening.     

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