speaker upgrade fever

I am the very-happy owner of the Linkwitz LX521.4 system for almost 10 years now. For me, this is my end-game: the spacial and  smooth presentation across the entire frequency band is to die for. You can see my system here: https://linkwitz.store/blog/2023/01/20/new-linkwitz-lounge-in-fremont-ca/

I am NOT a dealer by any means: I agreed to open my home to interested audiophiles, because I am convinced that - once you hear it for yourself - there is no going back to anything else, particularly in this price range. If you are good with your hands, you can built those from an IKEA-like pre-cut flat-pack (that's what I did), saving you about $5K (and have your choice of finish: mine is Lexus Pearl White automotive coating). Note, however: you will need to buy the entire system, including the two PowerBoxes: each Linkwitz driver has its own (ClassD, Hypex N-Core) amplifier, 5 per channel (250W x 2, 200W, 150W, and 100W for the tweeters), which comes to 10(!!) amplifiers total; moreover, each channel has its own active crossover, making sure each driver operates only in its linear frequency range. As said above: the result is a mind-boggling being-there illusion. All you need is a good preamp/phono stage (if you spin vinyl) and/or DAC (I use the impeccable MSB), and you are ready to go. I use a tube preamp/phono stage (Supratek Grange), which gives me the best of both worlds in terms of smooth mid-range and punchy authoritative bass. If you happen to be in the Bay Area, feel free to set up an appointment!

If you are looking at the Vandersteen treos, I’d suggest you listen to the Vandersteen Quatro CT’s. Which have better bass and great self amped subs in them already. I think you can find for &14,000 used. Which is a bargain.  

I have a Mimas. I tried some NOS tubes I preferred the OE tubes for overall balance. I also had my Mimas built with Cardas Rhodium Binding posts. I also use a Shunyata Alpha NR v.2 power cord. My speakers are the Dynaudio Heritage Special. Oh and a pair of REL Classic 98’s . The very limited Dynaudio Contour Heritage would work great, ProAc D48R are great, and the Vandersteen would be excellent. 

Hi Larseand, 

I have no idea if you have purchased a new pair of monitors or not but I thought I would at least weigh in on my experience.  I wanted a pair of Focal 1028BE's. However, I had limited space as well.  I found a pair of brand new 1008BE stand mount speakers at Dedicated Audio for $2,999 (1/2 original asking price).  With the Beryllium tweeter I knew they would be on the bright side but by no means are they too bright (no listening fatigue whatsoever).  I did a ton of due diligence regarding matching them with a proper amplifier.  I had a limited budget as well so could not go crazy.  I "settled" on a Hegel H90.  It has been a match made in sonic heaven. I have the Focal sitting on a pair of Sound Anchor stands (look them up) so no need for a sub. I'm currently only streaming using Tidal to a Bluesound Node 2i. I connect the speakers to the amp using Cardas Parsec cables which helps keep the noise floor low as well.  Do I have a vision to upgrade? Of course. My current go to would be T+A 3100HV integrated and Rosso Fiorentino Arno40 floor standers but it changes all the time.  By the way, I did not demo the Hegel with the Focal, I trusted my research and took a risk but it paid off.  Considering your preferred type of music, here are a few suggested options in no particular order: Fyne Audio F1-8 ($10,400), TAD ME1 ($15,400), Fleetwood Seville ($15,600), Franco Serblin Accordo ($14,000) Good luck and all the best in your search.

+1 for Harbeths. I have the 30.1s (large 2-ways) and have heard the 40.1s (even larger 3-ways). Superb, musical sound in both cases.