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$3000 Speaker Search

I'm celebrating my 20th year working for the same company this coming spring (knock on wood). I decided to treat myself to some new speakers to celebrate. My budget is about $3k. I generally purchase used/demo gear only, but I'm open to something new since this is a special purchase for me. I stream music only and my current system is a Primaluna Dialogue One integrated, Eastern Electric MiniMax Dac Plus and Totem Acoustic Hawks. I like the Hawks a lot but I think the highs are a bit "etchy" and sometimes a bit bright. I'd prefer a 3 way speaker and something more efficient that the Hawks since I'm pretty committed to the tube integrated. I generally listen to indie rock, jazz, and acoustic rock. I listen to a lot of other music, but these are the genres most important so the speaker must excel with string and percussion instruments as well as vocals. I'm also more interested in a speaker with excellent imaging and soundstage over detail, but I also want a natural and dynamic sound. My listening space is a nook off the main living space. It's supposed to be a dining area I think. It's about 11x12, but open on one side to about 1000-1200 sq ft living space. You can watch this youtube video to see my system and room. Since the speaker is in my main living room it will have to be a good looking speaker, preferably in a wood finish, and it can't be huge.

I'm looking for any suggestions given my equipment, music tastes, room, and preferred genres. My current favroite is the Salk Song3 or maybe Song3-A, even though I haven't listened to them. I had Songtowers before and loved them so I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with these, but not sure if going the Song3-A is worth the extra money for me. If you have any other suggestions let me know. I'm in Portland, OR so I have a lot of good brands to listen to around here but its not a huge audiophile town. Thanks!
abd1
cisgo
30 posts
 
  If Spatials are something you are interested in, I recommend placing a call/email to Mr. Clayton Shaw, he is very knowledgeable and friendly. He can best answer your concerns and explain his models. There is also a U-Tube video from New Day Records that reviews Spatials. Towards the end of the video they (M3) are placed in a smaller room and reviewed. You may want to take a peek at that.

  In my opinion their design can work in many places that conventional speakers may have issues. I first purchased his Turbo S model (only the 4ohm speaker model was available at my time of ordering) which Mr. Shaw advised me that they might not be that compatible with my amp (he is a straight up guy) however, they sounded great and exceeded expectations. I have an amp that behaves like a tube (First Watt J2), so when the new model became available, I upgraded to the Triode Master 16ohm and haven't looked back. Both models are very good. Good luck with whatever you choose.
2channel8
758 posts
 
If Frisco isn't too far:
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649390911-canton-ergo-90-tower-speakers/

Great speakers, bargain price! I love my Ergo 1002DCs.
robtjmur's avatar
robtjmur
8 posts
 
Hi abd1 I was in the same predicament as you and scared as hell to buy with out listening. I had heard the b&w cm9 & 10 and was positive until my dad wrote me to try a speaker that was getting rave reviews. It came with a 30 day money back no issues they had a promotion going may still be going buy 3 speakers and get cables too. Anyway I after some burn I was sold, except I am OCD I do a small Nick almost crack and called in and they sent a new one immediately. Customer service is A+ and they recommend some power and ask what you have just to make sure it has enough power. I kept them until my dad wanted to trade for his b&w n802 I in away regret it because they have that sweet spot and look is awesome. The break in period is awesome to hear. Just my 2 cents good luck.
wester17
70 posts
 
I apologize for being so late to chime in, but I would strongly support the Spatial Audio M3 Turbo recommendation. They are ideally suited to the criteria you have listed – especially the sound stage component. They are efficient, dynamic, and very musical. I spent a full year on a travel odyssey auditioning speakers to replace my Klipschorns – which I happily enjoyed for 17 years. I listened to many of the speakers on the list above. I settled on the Spatials and haven’t had a moment of regret. In fact, I’ve continued auditioning other speakers over the past two years, and my choice has been validated many times over. These are wonderful speakers, and so far I’ve not heard anything in their price range that would come close to making me consider trading them out. I hate to admit it, because I dearly loved my Klipshorns, but these surpass the K-horns in every way.  Since acquiring the M3s, I’ve become a sound stage connoisseur (maybe “junkie” is a better word). I’ve replaced my amplifier (now tubes) and some other upstream components with the intent of enhancing the soundstage, and the M3s have responded magnificently to every tweak. They are producing a sound stage that often has me shaking my head and laughing out loud at how amazing it is.  And they don’t sacrifice any detail in producing that sound stage.  Everyone’s tastes are different, but based on what you’re looking for, you really should hear these speakers.

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