Magnepan, Ohm, Spatial or ??

A friend of mine had the Wharfedale Jade 7 tower speaker a few years ago. The only way I could describe the sound is "odd". Music never seemed right coming out of that speaker, almost a phasey quality. He didn't keep them long.

Oz

I feel like I need to sh*t or get off the pot, as they say. Right now here’s where I am (and this could change any minute...):

>Spatial M5 Sapphire
- no way for me to demo yet, don’t know about return policy - they never responded. Lots of good feedback about them.

>Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature III
-Can order from Music Direct and they have a pretty liberal return policy. Sounds (no pun) like a very popular speaker with a lot of people.

>Ohm Walsh 2000
-4-5 month wait time with decent return period Great feedback and looks good on paper.

I have never owned a Vandersteen speaker but I am very familiar with them. Way back an old customer/friend of mine opened a small audio outlet and stocked the Vandy range, his biggest sellers. He often called me to deliver and install speakers he sold so I got to hear and compare many. He also stocked Martin Logan, Eggleston Works and Vivid (which are built in South Africa where I was born and lived most of my life) Vivid are great but their entry level is in a higher price bracket than the entry level Vandies.

The Vandersteen model 1 or 2 are outstanding value. They are open and easy, they image well and also able to crank if provided with ample clean power, though will also perform with a push-pull valve amp. Just lovely with a pair of Quicksilver monos.

Some of the speakers that were traded in were 2 or 3 times the price of the Vandies that replaced them.

If I didn't design and build speakers I would definitely consider a pair for myself. So very highly recommended.

Many Spatial threads over on AudioCircle, where Spatial is a significant presence.  They definitely have some kind of try-at-home deal.

I will add that my Spatial X3s are some of the best speakers I have heard in my home or anywhere else for that matter. I don't have any experience with any of the other spatial models, so I can't speak to that. But if either of the Sapphires are close to what I hear, you should really strongly consider them.

Oz