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Curious what people think is the best "value" high end speaker (~5K to 15K)

I am on a long search for speakers and just curious what people think is the best value both new or used in speakers ranging from around $5000 to $15000? I have a set of Paradigm S8's (V1) and love them but looking for another set for another set in a different listening area (25 x 20?, maybe larger).  I love the full sound of JBL's and looking for something in that range (it also helps that JBL's seem to hold their value better than most, which will be a consideration). The only drawback to JBL is footprint.  I prefer a smaller footprint which is why after reading I hope to listen to several B&W 800 series but open to suggestions across the board.  used Watt Puppies? Revels?  I am curious about peoples experience with McIntosh XR100's. 
gene3x
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I went to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October.  Listened to every speaker demo and I thought the Salk Song3 Encore’s with a price of $6,000 to be by the best in that price range.  They are incredible and sounded better than a pair of $60,000 speakers I listened to.  Jim Salk uses the best tweeters, mid and bass drivers you can buy.  He can afford to do so because he sells direct and does not have to compromise his quality in order to sell his speakers to retailers at a discounted price.
gardners501's avatar
gardners501
164 posts
 
If you possibly can, audition a pair of Chapman Audio speakers.  Their "entry level" T5 is right around 6K and the T7 and T8 are about 10K and 12K, respectively.  If you live near Seattle, you're fortunate because you can hear them at The Audio Connection in the U District.
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
I have heard good things about Salk and are definitely on a demo list for me.  Thank you for the value input Larry. 

I am definitely enjoying the Tekton DI's and I have to say they will be hard to beat for the price although not as aesthetically pleasing as others. 

I am now comparing them to the Persona 3f's in my space and I have to say that I am totally impressed although I can see what people mean about the Beryllium tweeters being harsh after awhile.  They would be especially harsh after loud rock music for long periods of time but are absolutely a great speaker all around.  The 3f's have amazing bass response given their size. 
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
Oh, and I really like the Salk wood grain look.  I always seem to be drawn aesthetically to any speaker that has a natural wood look. 
rabbitholedigger
4 posts
 
I own the Legacy Focus XDs with the Wavelet DAC/preamp/crossover/room correction unit and I could not be happier. I listened to B&W, GE Tritons and bunch of others, nothing even came close to what this system does. I have a Cary 120s mk2 driving the mids and AMT tweeters, truly spectacular imaging, tight full bass extension and smooth detailed top end. I doubt I will ever want more. And all this for well under 15k.
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