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Opinions please

I am looking at the following speakers as an upgrade to my current speakers (PSB Gold Is) and would appreciate any comments on them:

Montana EPX (used)
Dunlavy Cantata (demo)
Tyler Linbrook Sig System (new)
Dynaudio Contour 3.3 (demo)

I've heard the Dunlavy's and Contour 3.3s in other systems. I liked the 3.3s more, but I'm wondering if they are worth the additional money. I have not heard the Linbrooks or EPXs, but I have read nothing but favorable comments on them. They also cost more than the Cantatas, but again, I question whether I will get the return on my expenditure.

My room is approx 2400 cu ft. and I have an Aragon 4004 amp and an AI Mod 3A preamp.

Thanks for your help.

Woody
woody_1029e403
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
The Montana;with the right equipment is where I would put my money. I owned the EPS for over 3 years. The only used EPXs 4 sale here, were sold by a friend, because of his job situation.(The only pair I've ever seen; used.) I'm sure the other speakers are fine,indeed.Once you get to this level of speaker what you use to drive them matters,a lot.--Your amp and pre combo is a level below what will make the EXPs sing.--Go with the Gold i--Just my opinion.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I would agree with Avguygeorge if you asked my 2 cents. If I had your system I would look to be upgrading upstream before changing speakers. There is much more satisfaction to be had in taking this approach than in doing it speakers first, in my experience.

Once your upstream changes are done, you will be able to hear the differences between the speakers on your list much better.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,841 posts
 
Although I am a big Montana fan, I agree with the other opinions. Front end upgrades would yield a huge improvement that would be further realized later on with better speakers. Your preamp is pretty darn good for the money, but the Aragon should go. And you didn't mention your source, that might be another area to look at.

I think you should consider a nice tube amp and add a vinyl front end, if you don't already have one. These two things will reap large benefits while keeping your existing PSB speakers. But when it's upgrade time again, Montanas are the REAL deal.

Oz
woody_1029e403 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

It appears as though the Montanas are the choice, provided I have the proper electronics. So, what would be a good amp to use with the Montanas?

The Dyns were very, very good IMO, so how are the Montanas better? Can you guys elaborate?

Thanks.

Woody

avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
I think you have to hear the EPX with high quality ancillary parts. I ran my EPS with CJ 8xs triode monos. The EPX is a step up in all areas,starting with the bass. The 3.3 needs a quailty SS amp.So you have choices on where you want to go. A good front end is not negotiable.The best speakers need the best;fed to them.---Or, you could buy them,use them with what U got, and never know---.
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