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New Speaker Conundrum - Vandy's, Spendors, Salk, Ascend - Mainstream or ID

I am very lucky to be close to Audio Connection and John has outfitted my entire rig over the years. I am currently running Ares/RP-7 to M-180s - always liked Mark's designs and he/Nick are so approachable over at Rogue.

I used to run 2CE IIs for the longest time and loved them and I thought I would give ID a try and landed a pair of Double Impacts - which I love.

However, I have the upgrade itch and I am in two minds on whether I want to go back to Vandy's or look at Salk/Ascend.

I have narrowed down my list to Spendor D9s, Vandy Treo CTs, Salk Soundstage 8s and potentially the Sierra Towers. I am going over to Johnny's this weekend for another listening session with the Treos and potentially Quatros.

I have always looked (more likely lurked) on these forums over the years for advise - unfortunately never posted :(.
cptkaos
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
cptkaos, thank you for the kind words. The differences you are hearing could be realized to a lesser degree with any of the other optional speakers you were ogling. Even between dynamic speakers there can be surprising differences in performance parameters. The gap does get much larger, typically, between genres of speakers such as panel, horn, etc. 

I am very blessed to be able to hear the variety of gear that I do. There is 25+ years of background, consistent effort and money budgeted annually to achieve my goals. 

gdnrbob
4,442 posts
 
@OP, 
I was speaking with another Audiogon member who is contemplating the DIs and I really do not want him to be swayed by my comments.

I completely get what you are saying. But, when it comes down to it, I think letting the other member read what you wrote about the Vandy's  would be helpful to them as well.
Pls don’t get me wrong Tektons were phenomenal but Quatros are (completely personal opinion) in a different league.
I think what you wrote captured the essence of what make the Vandy's so beloved.
I tried Zu speakers for a while, thinking full range drivers might be the way to go, but in the end, Vandy speakers offer a subtle, but noticeable refinement that the Zu's aren't able to reproduce.

Good move in considering new cables. I know Johnny will get you set in the right direction.
Bob 
cptkaos OP
31 posts
 
Thanks Bob. You were able to articulate it better than I was - it is refinement which persists even if you crank up the volume. Separate across high range and low range frequencies - it is like more of the same imaging but just louder - it does not smear (if that is an audio term :)). Just relentless unfatiguing listening - could not ask for more.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,884 posts
 
11 bands of analog EQ below 120 hz and freeing up your amp from heavy lifting is not something ya get when changing brands, but I certainly understand the need for experiencing something different - fun

that single malt is sounding great !!! Thanks for the invite and of course a reciprocal offer should you find yourself on the left coast!!! 
cptkaos OP
31 posts
 
Sounds like a plan Jim. And 100% agree re: offloading sub 120Hz - talks to a well thought out design.

I think I will give this a couple of months to settle in then will work with JohnnyR on the cable swaps (ICs and speakers).

Spent last evening listening to Ana Popovic, Heather Gillis, Southern Ave and Joanne Shaw Taylor - wow!
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