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~$15K floorstanders: opinions sought

There a chance I'll be able to make a significant investment in my speakers within a few months, and jump from $4K/pr Focal 926 to something in the 10-15K range. I'm running krell gear and have no intention of changing electronics, they are perfectly suited to my ears - - but if new speakers expose weaknesses, then I'll tackle that later.

Here's the thing: aesthetics matter to me, a lot, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love my art and home and music is a huge part of my lifetime joy. These are some of the brands /models that I personally think are beautiful, and I'd love to hear from folks who could speak to a possible pairing with Krell. I like precision, speed, clarity, and firm bottom. 

Room is approx 18x20x9. New or used is ok.

Von Schweikert Endeavor SE
Vienna Acoustics Klimt The Music
Magico S3
JBL Synthesis (4700, 9900, etc.) 
Spatial (loved the demos I heard but not sure if OB would work in my space)

Appreciate any insight, despite the aesthetic emphasis. 
wassaicwill
pjcoughter's avatar
pjcoughter
16 posts
 
Consider the QLN Prestige Three from Sweden, at around $10,000. It's impossible to know your visual aesthetic, but I think they're quite attractive, if unassuming-looking (they don't scream, "look at me!" which I consider a plus). Superb fit and finish, and a sound that's simply sublime. Stunning mids and highs, and a full, tight, low bass that can't possibly be there from this modest-sized two-way floor-stander, except that it is. Read the reviews from Rocky Mountain and last fall's Capital Audiofest, where I heard them and was thoroughly blown away.
parsiphal
2 posts
 
Will,

I've been lucky enough to find a demo pair of the Acoustic Zen Crescendos at a great price and I could not recommend them enough. 

The veneer is absolutely stunning, and their size, presence, and full-frequency extension from 20-20+ khz is stunning given their price point. I don't think you would be disappointed with these! 

I'm running an all Allnic tube system in a small NYC apt and I wouldn't sacrifice it for anything. Smooth, smooth, smooth with limitless power and drive from the M-3000 monoblock amps. The AZ Crescendos have a sensitivity of 90db, so they would pair well with medium to higher powered tubes or solid state, in your case. Give them a try - I was looking at Wilson Sashas but these were just as musical, involving, and resolving at a much more palatable price point. 

There is a pair on here in beautiful bird's eye maple for ~11k, if I'm not mistaken.

Good luck!
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,370 posts
 
S2000cr has the right advice, scanning through this I was thinking the same thing.  If you are sold on keeping your Krell then I would look only at speakers that match well with that type of sound and power.  You can't have it all, I love the high power with Wilsons or Kef type sound sometimes and others the high efficiency horn speakers really do it for me.  
johnread57's avatar
johnread57
227 posts
 
Try a pair of these if you’re into horn speakers 
https://www.viking-acoustics.com/grande-voix
dhite71
318 posts
 
My only experience with Wilson is Sophia 1 and they are quite impressive. You want bottom-end, the aforementioned Sasha would likely deliver in spades. They are a major room commitment. If you have the space that seems to meet their recommendations it would be a likely successful venture.

You like your Focal where I was not a fan of the 1038Be. If Focal still sound great to you, but you simply want more then those suggesting a move up their lineup does indeed make sense.  There is a pair of red Sopra 3 right now at your price point.  Those definitely make an aesthetic statement....a quite attractive design.

On the flip side, Magnepans have always intrigued me but I haven’t ever heard any. You could buy brand new with those as they are reasonably prices for audiophile gear. I am sure the bottom-end would be a concern but that leap of faith may just pay off.

Keep us posted on what you try and good luck!
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