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Speaker Upgrade Recommendation for Current Analog System - under $10,000 Budget

Music lovers/audiophiles, looking for input.
Considering a speaker upgrade to full range, floorstanders. Current analog system setup - recent full upgrade to Jolida JD 202 intergated amp. (40 watts), VPI Scout w JM 9 arm, Benz Mirco L2 cart, Tyler Acoustic Reference Monitors, ACI Force sub, Jolida JD 100 CD player. Have enjoyed current system for 15+ yrs. COVID and my location presents a challenge to auditioning. Based on articles and reviews narrowed considerartion to Salk Songbird3 BeAT, GoldenEar Triton One.R, Nola Contender S3. Refined to GoldenEar and Nola speakers. Seems GoldenEar may be the easiest for place in room. Reviews show them to share simular sound signature. Alternative option: switch out ACI Force for two Rythmik F12G subs, upgrade phono pre-amp and call it a day.
Listening room - 12' X 30' (configuration - odd shaped third floor (main room has window well, with narrow 6 ft. hallway to steps w/ separate room by steps). Favorite genries: Jazz and R&B, however, love music (1500 LP's). Probably last system change, looking at retirement with more time to enjoy my music. Appreciate the input.              
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kevin60
8 posts
 
You won't be disappointed with the  Nola Contender S3 I had a pair of the NOLA Boxer S3's and upgraded to a pair of NOLA Contender S2's and couldn't be happier I have them connected to an E.A.R. 834 integrated with absolutely amazing results. 
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,789 posts
 
I went on an upgrade quest for my 20 yo VA beethovens and ended up spending so much more for speakers that still were a compromise. If you like what you have and just want more go bigger. changing brands will probably disappoint as you're used to the sound from the 15 yo speakers you're replacing.
mofojo
2,306 posts
 
I think most 10k speakers would make your Jolida a big bottleneck to great sound. Maybe consider selling the Jolida then spending 7k on new speakers and 4k on a new amp. Just a thought. 7k can go a long way buying used. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
The Golden Ear speakers to my ears are very colored and as someone pointed out, they are better for home video use. There are a lot of great speakers in this range.  I'm a Vandersteen fan like many above and owned the Treo CT's and now have the Quatro's.  I"m sure you'd have them in your final three if you heard all of the suggestions at the same time.  I just like a speaker that is truly phase and time correct and uses pistonic drivers that won't break up like so many other cones do.  

It will be interesting to see which way you go.
davkobza
78 posts
 
For under 10K I would seriously consider Tekton Encores. Over the years (25+) I’ve had several brands and types of hi-end loudspeakers and the Tekton Encores have been the most SATISFYING for the most genres of music, bar none. 
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