Appreciate your advice on speaker selection and what I should spend proportionate to the rest of my system. Recently retired and moved to Atlanta, I am restructuring my system, going from 2 systems to 1. Dedicated listening room measures 13.5' x 21' x 8', is carpeted and will have diffusers and absorptive panels. I listen mainly to jazz. I would like to make this speaker purchase my last.
I've owned Bohlender Graebener and currently own Eminent Technology LFT8B hybrid planar speakers, also own Talon Raven C. I like the sound of the Talons and the openness of the ETs. However the ETs aren't as refined a sound as I'd like (the Talons are more so). Neither speaker is particularly alive at lower volume levels, and more engaging lower level listening is one of my goals. I like a natural sound that is non-fatiguing. While imaging is nice to have, it is less critical to me than the overall sound. I want openness and as I age, the top end needs to be present and not rolled off but not over emphasized. I also like enough base response that the sound is balanced. Finally, I want a enough of a dynamic sound to accurately portray the music as it has been recorded.
The rest of my system includes:
Chapter Audio Chapter 2 amp
Cary SA_200.2 Moon version amp (with volume control)
SAS Audio hybrid tubed line stage preamp
Classe CT-SSP processor
Eastern Minimax phono stage
Musical Fidelity A5 CD
Metronome tubed CD player
A number of mid-fi turntables including Technics SP15, Yamaha PX2, Lenco 75. I also have a very cool massive 16" transcription turntable from the old CBS radio station in Chicago that is a future project. Cartridges are on the low end (Denon103 and Hana) and I plan to upgrade.
Mosscade Saturn 12 subwoofer
I intend to sell off what I won't keep to help fund my purchase. My budget is $5K - $10K and I prefer pre-owned to get the biggest bang for my buck. I have my eye on a pair of pre-owned SoundLab Majestic 845, but I have never heard an electrrostat and there doesn't seem to be a dealer within a reasonable drive of me. Also I'm not sure if my room would be too small to optimize the 845s and I will do most of my listening within 8' -12' of the speakers. I also am considering Maggies and I will be auditioning an Acoustat 2+2 locally.
I recently listened to Klipsch Forte 2s and Belles. I liked the Forte's base and the midrange of the Belles. I did not care for the top end of either as it seemed recessed and lacking air.
My electronics (except maybe the Chapter 2 amp) aren't the highest caliber so I'm open to any suggestion to maximize my sound. I don't have unlimited funds to churn thru equipment until I find what I like and I am frustrated with the lack of opportunity to audition the equipment I've researched that seems to be what I'd like. So, your input will mean a lot to me. Thanks in advance.
