If you think the sound of the Shahinian Compass is the best you've ever heard, I suggest you may not think as highly of anything not made by Shahinian Acoustics.
The designer, Richard Shahinian, designs very much and closely to his own taste. All his speakers above a certain price point (about $6000) are polydirectional multi-driver units with 8" bass drivers in a modified transmission line enclosure terminated in 10" passive radiatiors. The Compass, while having only 2 drivers and no passive, is an attempt to duplicate some of the omni-directional qualities of his more expensive models. The obvious sound preferences, besides the spaciousness of poly directionality, include powerful dynamics, explosive bass and a rich midrange.
I have heard (and owned) only the Obelisks (c.$8k) and the Hawks (c.$15k). I have not, unfortunately, heard the Compasses but I am assuming they will share the family resemblances I have suggested and therefore, like the models I know and love, will be distinctive, not like any other speaker, really.
I have owned Ohm Walsh speakers, also omnidirectional but "single'' driver. They cast a soundstage similar to the Shahinians but they lacked the succulent midrange, the overall dynamic impact and the powerful bass.
But you can't, unfortunately, go to a showroom to audition. They do not market to the United States. The reasons for this are a bit obscure but definitely relate to the (not untypical among highly talented people) crankiness of the elder Shahinian.
But here's the good news. A new pair of Compasses costs only $4800 factory direct. That seems to be right on your budgetary cusp. And their factory is right here in New York. There is a waiting list since they sell heavily to the rest of the world.
I have no connection to this company. What I do have is a deep respect for their business practices, their straightforward honesty, and their glorious products.
By the way, the company is now run by Richard's son, Vasken.
The designer, Richard Shahinian, designs very much and closely to his own taste. All his speakers above a certain price point (about $6000) are polydirectional multi-driver units with 8" bass drivers in a modified transmission line enclosure terminated in 10" passive radiatiors. The Compass, while having only 2 drivers and no passive, is an attempt to duplicate some of the omni-directional qualities of his more expensive models. The obvious sound preferences, besides the spaciousness of poly directionality, include powerful dynamics, explosive bass and a rich midrange.
I have heard (and owned) only the Obelisks (c.$8k) and the Hawks (c.$15k). I have not, unfortunately, heard the Compasses but I am assuming they will share the family resemblances I have suggested and therefore, like the models I know and love, will be distinctive, not like any other speaker, really.
I have owned Ohm Walsh speakers, also omnidirectional but "single'' driver. They cast a soundstage similar to the Shahinians but they lacked the succulent midrange, the overall dynamic impact and the powerful bass.
But you can't, unfortunately, go to a showroom to audition. They do not market to the United States. The reasons for this are a bit obscure but definitely relate to the (not untypical among highly talented people) crankiness of the elder Shahinian.
But here's the good news. A new pair of Compasses costs only $4800 factory direct. That seems to be right on your budgetary cusp. And their factory is right here in New York. There is a waiting list since they sell heavily to the rest of the world.
I have no connection to this company. What I do have is a deep respect for their business practices, their straightforward honesty, and their glorious products.
By the way, the company is now run by Richard's son, Vasken.