Best speaker in the $5-10K range. Details below.


Thank you all in advance for your help. I am a long time member but first time poster. I have a speaker budget of ~$5k. I could stretch it if needed to 8-9 if necessary and 10 MAYBE.

My room is 16'x18' with 10' ceilings. I am currently using Usher 6311's with a JL Audio f112. I am enjoying the sound I have but would like to upgrade. Using a Metrum DAC, Dodd Battery preamp and AMB labs balanced B22 amp (30-50 wpc).

I would like to upgrade my speakers but I do not have the time or opportunity to audition speakers at hifi dealers.

Based upon reading mags, web searches, etc. I have come up with some considerations. Speakers that might fit my requirements include Legacy Classic HD, Salk HT3, VMPS RM 30, Usher Mini Dancer 2 dmd, Magnepan 3.7, and Von Schweikert 35. I am not limiting my search to these and would greatly appreciate any experience, suggestions etc. to help me out.

Musical preferences include mostly rock/classic rock. jazz, and occasionally classical. Thanks again.

Regards,
jjr
joe2687
If you are not willing to go out and listen to speakers that are in your price range then I think that you should keep what you have and convince yourself that you just bought them and they are wonderful.

Asking for recommendations from strangers who do not have your equipment, room or music is a great way to become an equipment collector. Basing your purchases on reviews are just as unwise. When was the last time you read a review that was unfavorable? Audiogon is full of classifieds from well meaning so called audiophiles who continually "turn" equipment because they mostly buy without trying and read reviews. They listen to the component for a few months and move on. That is not the way to achieve bliss only frustration and a lot of wasted money.

If you sincerely care about music and building a synergistic system you have to put in the time and travel to hear what gives you goosebumps, anything less is a crap-shoot.
Well said Tom! Too bad we can't use this response as a "Sticky" blanket reply for everyone continually asking what's the "best" amp/speaker/cable,etc ad nausium. At best, the answers from well meaning respondents will be whatever THEY bought but doesn't take into account the O.P.'s systems/room interactions or the listener's preferences or bias. While I realize no one can listen to everything in their area, but when it gets down to major dollar purchases on an item as personal as a speakers, listening (preferably in your own system) becomes a must. If you live in an area with little choice, take a trip to a major city center. The cost of a mistake at this level is disappointing and costly. A'gon is littered with the heartbreaks of unwise purchases. Good luck.
If there is an audiophile club in your area you might consider joining and listening to what other audiophiles have. You can get a wealth of knowledge, hear their different speakers and associataed systems and also find out what they tried before their current set up.