@parkergetdean I guess you're trying to be funny? I dunno.
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.
- Klipschorn AK6 or 7
- B&W 801/802 D3 or D4
- Sonus Faber Amati (Tradtion or G5)
- Wilson Sasha or similar
- 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.
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- 109 posts total
@chris71 This is a great thread, the # of responses, dialogue sparked is great to see. I'm not a measurement only guy, much more about the connection to the music when I'm listening to gear but... if I was in your shoes, I'd attack this by researching what speaker drivers, designs will get me to an "end game" space when looking at new speakers. If horns are what you connect with, I'd look at horn designs, you are and other designs that deliver some of the horn magic, example, ribbon tweeters are often referenced to deliver horn and electrostatic type sound. Your current list is diverse, represents different sound signatures which is a great place to start as long as you are able to listen to them, audition. I'd add Focal to the list, think you would be doing yourself a disservice leaving them off, their higher end lines compete head to head with B&W, Sonos Faber and Wilson's. I'd also leverage boutique speaker makers, many listed in this thread, you can often talk with the owner / designer who will be able to tailor recommendations on models, designs, based on what you are looking for, sometimes they'll even customize, tailor their offering. Another key item is your gear, synergy is so important to how everything sounds, really high end speakers can sound very lackluster with the wrong gear powering them. If you are planning on sticking with your current amp / pre, great set up, no reason not to be sure your new speakers play really well with your current gear. Speakers Brands that seem to be up your ally, I'd look at are Higher end JBL's, Devore, ATC, Alta Audio, Legacy. Good Luck!! |
- 109 posts total