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Pondering a change after 30 odd years...

After 30 years I think it's time to move on. I have a set of Acoustat 1+1s that I've owned since new, paired with an RHLabs passive sub. It's been a great combination and still sounds pretty nice but it's all long in the tooth. Sooner or later a panel will quit then I'm dead in the water. I love the soundstage with it's "fullsized" presentation even if it's a PITA to get them dialed in just so. Maybe I'm just getting restless! I've heard many "box" speakers but damn no matter the price point it seems I can hear the "box". Granted I haven't listened to some of the big $$ stuff like Wilson but that's way outside my budget anyways. LOL! I'm wondering how some of the smaller "monitors" on stands sound? One thing I'm thinking I'd miss is the vertical part of my large soundstage. I've read about the Golden Ear line which get decent reviews. Or should I just stick with a panel of some sort, like Maggies? I've about 110 watts/side of tube power to work with. As for budget, I'm thinking somewhere in the $5-7.5K range. I'm listening to a lot of jazz these days with a dash of classical. But I'd hate to think my old rock vinyl wouldn't be welcome anymore. I know this is all pretty vague but hoping to get a nice discussion with things to think about versus "buy this" sorts of recommendations. AdThanksVance!
128x128musicfan2349
rosco88
24 posts
 
My Apogee Slant 6's many years ago blew the ribbons, so I got to explore a lot of speakers in the intervening years.  My experience/bias meant I hunted speed, imagery and the sound wall of the ribbons.  I evolved to a pair of Dynaudio C2 Plats, which unfortunately didn't sit well with my original amps so after a number of combinations I eventually found my end combo with a Supratek DHT pre (adds the warmth and some color), Accuphase A70 (just clean power).  So matching new speakers with your existing amps could be a journey.  I also run a C22/Mc75's system but too much color with the Dynaudio's so use different speakers with them.

I recently had my Apogee Slant 6's fully restored, new ribbons and rebuilt bass speakers and fell immediately in luv' with them again, now being driven by an Ayon pre and Radford STA-25, and never sounded better.  I also picked up a pair of Apogee Slant 8's cheaply and not much between them and the Dynaudios (a bit more dynamic), I rotate them every couple of months.  So my 30 year old speakers compete very well with my modern speakers.  Maybe hold onto your Acoustat 1+1's, you never know how you might feel in a few years.

So sometimes what you have and luv' are for a reason, but then again its the journey that's fun, but can be frustrating as well.   Enjoy your search.


wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,019 posts
 
Another for Tannoy (and I am a very happy SonusFaber user)
lcherepkai
280 posts
 
I've heard but never had the 1+1 but did own 2+2 with medallion transformers driven by both Threshold SA4e and Krell KSA100S.  Source was a Theta Miles directly into the amp.  The system did a lot of things right and was able to pull out a lot of inner detail due to the huge radiating area.  Imaging was not a strong suit.  Yes, the Acoustats threw up a huge soundstage, and that was great for some music (Tangerine Dream in particular) but sounded overblown and ridiculous with other fare.  I moved on as audiophiles are apt to do and have been through numerous speakers.  I have a pair of custom/DIY loudspeakers that have the same appearance as the Legacy Focus with Eton drivers.  Standing a little over 5' tall, they put up large soundstage, actually they fill the room with sound and completely disappear.  In the dark or with eyes closed, I really can't tell where the speakers are.  Images are properly sized, dynamics can be fantastic depending on source/amp/cables.  Again, these aren't actual Legacy Focus and may be better with the Eton drivers but it may be worth the effort to hear real Legacy Focus loudspeakers.  They are quite efficient so you'll have plenty of power on tap and you won't need subs.  
m-db's avatar
m-db
972 posts
 
"Is this love or confusion" Jimi

Its not often that folks actually read the posters question before making their well intended speaker suggestions. I'm not a panel fan at all but I'd say you're getting a few good beginnings to look into.

Have fun with it, welcome back, and keep your subs.
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349 OP
236 posts
 
m-db I got a kick out of your response. LOL So last night I showed my wife some pictures of the Spatial line and asked if they were acceptable esthetically. (While she enjoys the music, I don't want her cringing every time she walks into the living room, right?) She said they were okay, no strong objections, but that she preferred the current 1+1s believe it or not. Go figure! 
Part of my dilemma is living in the Seattle area there are precious few dealers of hi-end gear up here. I just noticed that Definitive carries Maggies. I may have to swing by and give a listen. 
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