2. speakers
  3. 125865-33947

Need Suggestions for speakers up to $15K new/used

I am a relative newb when it comes to this high-end world of audio. I purchased most of my equipment last year and then got involved in a home renovation project that zapped much of my funds ($500K...ouch). The renovation is concluding and I should have about $15K to throw at speakers to complete my system.

Here is what I have purchased so far:
*Contstellation Audio Inspiration Amp/Preamp
*PS Audio Direct Stream DAC with board
*PS Audio Power Station
*Oppo 105D
*Parasound JC3+ phono preamp
*Pro-ject Xpression Turntable with unknown cartridge
*Blinn Super Wide Audio Rack

I was all set to buy Raidho D1.1 last years and then had to cancel the order at the last minute due to the funding requirements of our renovation :/. I attended RMAF in 2014 and heard the Raidho’s and couldn’t get their sound out of my head. It was the best system I heard at the show. They were using Constellation electronics so hence the reason I bought the same brand. I didn’t have the funds to buy the expensive Constellation stuff but I was hoping for a similar sound. I also chose the JC3+ because I read that John Curl designed the preamp. He also designs for Constellation. Expectation is some trickle down in the technology and sound. Who knows but so far so good.

My room is 14’ x 22’ with 6’8" ceilings (crappy, i know). The room is in the basement and is all new drywall with new carpet over hardwoods. I like to listen to all kinds of great music including jazz, classical, industrial, pop to country.

So that leaves me with my dilemma, what speakers to buy? I plan to attend RMAF in October to listen to other speakers but would like a list of suggestions based on my requirements/restrictions. RMAF is overwhelming with all the choices and I don’t have time to listen to everything.

The brands I have heard that I have enjoyed include:
*Raidho
*Wilson Audio
*Nola
*There are others but these come to mind first.

Please let me know your recommendations on new or used speakers within my budget.


128x128mmporsche
Post removed 
azbrd
102 posts
 
Not seen Magnepan mentioned, 20.7s would be well within your price point and are a great value if you can handle their size.
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Since you like the Raidho’s Diamond series check out the XT series. Not quite as good as the Diamonds but pretty close. Maybe send a pm to coda audio and ask what models they will be showing since they haven't responded to my question earlier in this thread
bassdude
489 posts
 
No question... the one’s that get the best reviews... and the one’s I’d choose in this order are:

1. Linkwitz LX521’s (agree with above post)
2. Linkwitz Orion’s (agree with above post)
3. PureAudio Project’s (probably my first choice)
4. Nola’s
5. Gamut’s
6. Maggies w subs, or bass panels

I’ve got the Orion’s and Maggies - the Orion’s edge them out (greater dynamics and bass). But, I’m likely going to get the PureAudio Project’s, because they’re simpler to drive than the Linkwitz’s - which require an amp for each channel and a ASP or DSP (pretty complicated, but effective).

Most of these are dipole / open baffle speakers - which nothing can match, except possibly other open baffle speakers.

Once you’ve had them, nothing else will suffice.

Unfortunately, the Nola’s and Gamut’s (not open baffle, but incredible) are just too dam’n expensive and don’t sound any better than the other’s mentioned.  But, you might try the Nola Brio Trio - if you must have a "big name" - also, superb sound... and... at a bargain price.

Though... for an average size room... I’d have to admit... the inexpensive WaveTouch Audio GT monitors can pretty well hang with all of these... at a bargain price! Hard to believe, but true (I have them also).
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
My Gamut 5s were quite a bit less than $15,000. There are just too many choices at that price. I would go for some main stream speakers at a good price so I could change without a big loss if you change your mind. Most of these I have never heard of even after 50 years in audio. There is a great morality rate in speakers and you may be left with an orphan Once I saw some speakers listed in the Audio equipment issue. They were close so I went past. I did this several times and there was never anyone there.

More to discover