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Speaker Suggestions for Next Move

I'm considering moving on from my Klipsch Cornwall IVs.  I'm looking for suggestions on new loudspeakers in the $8-$15k range. Used is fine too.

Here's what you need to know (or what I think you should know):

  • Modifications:  I upgraded the crossovers and binding posts similar to the modifications made by Don Sachs (VCap ODAMs, Rike resistors, better wire/posts, and some internal damping).  I have them sitting on acoustically near inert 1.5" studio subwoofer platforms.  I feel I've juiced just about all I can out of them. 
  • Reasons for Changing.  They do not sound harsh or bright. I'm not thinking of moving on because of that. I'd like to get a bit more depth to the soundstage and more finesse in the overall presentation. 
  • Things I Have to Keep. 
  1. I need to have sizable scale in the presentation.  I have a good group of audiophile buddies and a friend who is a dealer.  I've heard so many high end offerings that don't really scale that well to me. I really like how you feel like you listened to live music or a studio--not a laboratory.  Sound doesn't shoot at you with laser focus, but rather it blooms, bathes and surrounds you. 
  2. Amp Friendly.  I have found the CWIVs to be very friendly with both SS and tube topologies.  Surprisingly, they can sound amazing with great quality SS. I have both types of pre/power amps to service speakers, but I'm not looking for speakers in this price range that need gobs and gobs of wattage.  I'd be happy to commit more so to SS if needed, but I'd like to stay way from very difficult loads.
  3. Placement.  I have a dedicated space and have leeway on placement. That said, I don't want to wrestle with a fickle speaker either. 

Side Note/Stuff I Don't Really Want to Discuss Here.  You can note this stuff all you want and chat with others about it in the thread (won't bother me at all), but I'm not going to engage on (a) Klipsch Heritage is garbage and awful sounding; Trust me though, I do see how Klipsch builds to a pricepoint and could easily better its offerings with better parts, bracing/dampening, etc.;  (b) modifications are dumb, wasteful, hurt resale, etc. I could care less about any of that. I'd prefer not to modify stuff--fyi;  (c) detailed discussions about amplification and sources. I have and have access to various topologies, manufacturers/brands, etc.  

Room:  A bit large for me, historically.  15.5' wide, 23' long, with 10' ceiling. Speakers will be placed along the short wall. 

Music Format:  Vinyl 50%, Digital 40%, CD 10%.

Genres: Pretty much you name it.  Jazz ~30%, Rock/Pop ~30%, Blues/Folk 30%; Classical ~10%. 

I'm curious to trying Fyne, Spatial Audio, Spendor (classic line in particular), Tannoy, Volti, Harbeth, PSB's flagship, Wharfedale's flagship, ATC, Vandersteen, Devore. Open to others. 

Thank you in advance!

128x128jbhiller
deep_333
1,373 posts
 

Here are some high value speakers that fit in your budget.... They can serve as end game speakers for many guys.

 

Mofi Sourcepoint 888.      $5000

GR Research Bully.            $6000 (factory finished)

Technics SB-G90M2.        $6000

Tekton Encore.                   $7500

Yamaha NS-2000A.           $8000

Magnepan 3.7i.                  $9000

Wharfedale Elysian 4.       $10,000

Borresen X3.                      $11,000

Yamaha NS5000.              $15,000

KEF Reference 3 Meta.     $15,000

 

 

 

allenf1963
335 posts
 

@mijostyn -- Sir, I like the way you think. To the vast, VAST, majority of music lovers, the Klipsch Cornwall IV’s are an endgame, end of the search, speaker. I know the deal with Klipsch -- they are either revered or despised by members of this Forum. I love them.  I have Forte II's, Heresy II's, and (soon) La Scalla's.  But be honest. The community on this Forum are a mere fraction of 1% of the listening public and consumers of audio gear. I’m a "To Each His Own" and "Live And Let Live" kind of guy, always have been. Spend your money how you and your conscious want to spend it. But I still shake my head at times at the threads on this site and the debates they create: "No don’t buy XYZ integrated amp (at $60,000), buy LMNOP separates (at $80,000)" or "I’m looking for new speakers. My Magico S7’s just don’t have the soundstage I’m looking for."

 

Your suggestion is the most reasonable idea I’ve seen. Again, you’ve got Cornwall IV’s and you’ve done some awesome modifications on an already awesome speaker. Maybe, just maybe, some modifications (Room Correction, EQ Processors) to the signal and you will find the Nirvana (not the band) you are looking for. Sounds a lot more sane and less expensive than chasing an entire new speaker system that you may or may not like. Try your suggestion first, and if the desired sound can’t be achieved by the signal modifications, then start looking at new speakers. Just adding my nickel to your 2 cents worth.

sgordoxyz's avatar
sgordoxyz
35 posts
 

No mention of the recent release of one of the PS Audio Aspen speakers. Worth considering. FR10 or FR20 

rmdmoore
163 posts
 

You mentioned Vandersteen in your list and at the price point you're looking at with your room size, I'd recommend a pair of Quattro Wood CTs. They might press your budget a little bit but if what your looking for is imaging and depth they'll have it in spades. They are not too fiddly with set up, if you buy them from a reputable dealer then they'll usually come set them up. They have built in room tunable subs as well so bass management is not udally an issue. Also, since the bass is not in the picture for your amps, despite a sensitivity I the high 80s, they're really quite an easy load. They're not trendy or the newest greatest thing but what they are is excelle t loudspeakers. I've had mine for 8 years now and have no interest in upgrading unless I can go up their line to the Kento or maybe a used 5. I've changed every other component and with each upgrade the speakers just get better. 

mark200mph
178 posts
 

I do like my aspen fr 30 all aspens are hard to find used but I did find a pair.they sound great.i run them with bhk 600 found it used as well.they do have a trade in program.check thier web site. I have some klipsch ps takes alot more watts.enjoy the hint.you can visit ps audio and listen 

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