2. speakers
  3. 168304-163832

Help with Shortlist of Speakers! (SF vs Devore vs Others?)

Hey everyone,

First time post but long time lurker. I've been aggressively researching and listening to speakers over the past several months and I could use some help with more experienced folks (who are not trying to sell me a product). Here are pictures of my space and dimensions. Essentially 22'X12'x11' but with an open concept into the kitchen and a hallway. A decent size space but the listening distance to speakers is relatively close. Right now I'm using a cambridge audio Azur 651w (amp) and Azur 851N (preamp/dac/streamer). I plan to upgrade the amp in the future so if the sound could be improved but is still enjoyable today I am OK with that.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RL9QojAHog3CjD6HFTToxoat3_i9a4zG/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SO47Y5JEnRY2RGuAlWJsGUI9i8Q42twl/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vNNNCKpn3ywU3ZzE-MxKOT0GjpFu0gF9/view?usp=sharing

So far I know I like a warm speaker with a visceral bass. I like to feel the music and have a very large soundstage. I do not like when the speaker is too bright or thin. The Sonus Faber Olympicas II/III and Devore Fidelity Orangutan 93/96 have caught my attention. A gentleman at the speaker shop recommended the Audio Physic Avanti but I have yet to try them out.

Given my space, what would you all recommend in terms of size? I'm torn between the SF II & III and the O/93 & O/96. I was scared off by a salesman at one of the audio shops here in San Francisco who said the Dynaudio Countour 30i (which I also liked) would be way too big for my space and really drove home the fact a bigger speaker would overpower the room. 

Anyways, would love to hear your thoughts on this and if you have any other speaker recommendations that come to mind for <$15K.

Cheers!


128x128jpearson3131
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op

my 2 cents

agree heartily with recommendations for spendor classic series, larger harbeths, vandys - they have the warm full sound signature you seek AND are done right by good solid state amplification - also consider upper grahams and stirlings

i also agree that devores o series and audio notes are best driven by tube amps

proacs and spendor d series will not sound warm driven by solid state

parenthetically, i would consider your cambridge gear not quite really good solid state, but close... kinda sorta

i have not yet heard larsens nor the latest high line sonus fabers

good luck
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,935 posts
 
for fun go see Randy. at Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica and give the Vandersteen Quattro a listen Built in powered subs, 11 bands of room taming EQ below 120 HZ, your main amp can loaf, Award winning 3D sound, made in Hanford ( you will drive right by the exit headed to LA ). Or simplify your life with the Treo CT ;-) no sub but plenty of bass in a back wall friendly bottom port design. Also with the famous carbon tweeter…made in USA

Bratwurst with cut mustard.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,848 posts
 
I do not think your source and amp merit really expensive speakers. Smaller Monitor Audio Golds and a pair of REL T5x will sort it.
chorus
976 posts
 
You do not say at what decibel level you listen. If low then speaker size not relevant.
 The great mid range and strong bass are not usually found together.

Sonus Faber although pricey are good speakers.

From what I read you need to learn a good bit more before buying anything.




infection's avatar
infection
808 posts
 
A gentleman at the speaker shop recommended the Audio Physic Avanti

Definitely audition these...
More to discover