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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
parkergetdean
1,036 posts
 

I would also like to plug my friend's speakers that I have owned for 60 years and is the best according everyone. His company "MericaFirst" produces an absolute delight, and you should just order it online. There is no return policy because nobody would ever want to return it. Please. 

I can honestly say that there is nothing even close at this price range: most people usually run out of the room like an electrocuted mouse the first time they hear it, they think the house is filled with an orchestra.

bpoletti
1,590 posts
 

Just turn loose of a little extra $$ and pick up a pair of Wilson Sasha's.  Get used certified and be done with it, never look back.  As you age and start to lose some hearing, the last thing to go with the dynamics.  Wilson's excel in dynamics.  

einsteindisguised
13 posts
 

I heard the Wilson Sashas in a pretty high end system in a dealer’s dem room in London UK, and was very impressed. 
That said, since you are in Canada and seem to favour sensitive near full range loudspeakers (nit-picking, I believe you mean frequency range not dynamic range when you list Hz), you really should try to audition floorstanders from Israel Blume at Coincident. I am a long term owner and and very satisfied user of a pair of Super Eclipses.  These sensitive loudspeakers (92dB sensitivity and 14 Ohm nominal impedance) will help give you dynamic impact. Ideally, if you can, get a home demo of any of the loudspeakers you are seriously considering since room interaction has a great deal of influence on how loudspeakers sound. 

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
yesiam_a_pirate
322 posts
 

In my opinion the Wilsons will give you something to grow into. The presentation is  holographic and will expose the shortcomings in what drives them. As you upgrade your gear (and you will) the Wilsons stand firm as the reference.

For me the W/P 8 used is the best value. They can be bought for about 8 grand. Never mind the asking prices- audiophiles think every old thing is worth 1/2 of the current models retail price. One quick call to TMR as a seller will tell you that the used market price is 1/3 of that item's original retail price. 

timberwoofer
3 posts
 

I'm in Ontario too.  And as others suggested for rock music you should take a hard look at Bryston speakers.  Then the money you will save can be used for other upgrades.  I have their middle-T speakers and they stand up well to much more expensive ProAcs which I also own.  Or as others suggested check out Joseph Crowe speakers.   They were my hands down favorite at the Tor. Audio Fes this year. And also made in Ontario.  You will get the most value for your money in buying a Canadian made speaker.  Support local companies if you can.

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