Best Speakers for around $2000

I guess I should have said $2k (inflation adjusted) default recommendation. I think that the Vandy 2 was +/- $1200 when I first heard it ca. 1980.

Marty

I would suggest an in-home audition of the Ohm Walsh 1000. As long as your room is not too big for it (there is a size guide at the ohm web site), they should give you everything you desire according to your post. I own the 2000s, and they are exactly that - warm, yet detailed, clean and unveiled, with a soundstage that is huge (source material permitting), yet with imaging solidity that is very surprising for a mostly omni design. Ohm gives you a 120 day in-home trial.

I would disagree with the notion that Ohm's have been evolutionary. The original Ohms with true Walsh drivers were very different that today's Ohms, and to some, not in a good way.

Some kind of planar speakers are what you will prolly want. Nothibg will approximate your headphones however. The other issue is whether "mostly classical and jazz" speakers can play Hip Hop well in addition. Can you audition anything? It is always best to do that, otherwise used Maggies, if your room can take the size and a pair of Cerwin Vegas in the closet to use when you get rowdy.

Unsound,

I thinks he means the sound refinements to the Walsh line specifically in recent years have each been evolutionary, not revolutionary, ie refinements to prior models. That is what JS and OHM advertise with the current line and I have read comments from owners that indicate they agree.

The Walsh line started in the early 80s and is clearly a different beast from all OHMS that preceded it, including the original single driver OHMs with the wider range Walsh drivers.

I'll still disagree with your assertion by inference though that the Walsh drivers in the newer models are not "true" Walsh drivers. That debate is already well documented in the audiogon archives if anyone is interested.

I'll also chime in and concur that the OHM Walshes are worth consideration by anyone looking for top notch $2000 speakers. Whatever you call whats inside those cans, its the sound they produce for the price that matters.