Started with $1k speakers … what now?


I got into this hobby during Covid, browsing YouTube reviews my first speakers were Polk L100s and Sonus Faber Lumina 1s. Not bad as an entry point, but wondering what would be the next level is where a speaker is built with fewer compromises in the drivers and crossover design.  My hope was that in the $5k range truer “hifi” entry points may be found in a small room system with a REL t5x. My source and amplification is already in the $5k range. 
 

I visited a hifi store recently but was overwhelmed by the amount of choice and unsure what would be an upgrade based on first listening impressions alone. 
 

Thanks in advance for any insights.

jdavis234

It really depends on what improvements/sound characteristics you’re looking for as that’ll really drive what suggestions you get here and make them more targeted to your specific tastes.  Also, it’d be most helpful to know the rest of the equipment in your system including cables, power cords, power conditioning, etc.  The more info you provide, the better recommendations you’ll get here.

Thanks, soix.

I have a Quad Artera pre and stereo amplifier, mogami interconnects, blue jeans canare quad star speaker cables. A furman power conditioner. Emotiva XIEC power cords.

I suppose my real concern is if going from $1k to $3-$5k is a reasonable step up for someone with not a lot of experience in the hobby. I don’t want to go crazy at this point but in the $1k range I’m at I realize I’m getting things like stamped drivers, lower quality magnets, copper, ect. I listened to a Harbeth (can’t recall the model), Graham LS6, Moon Voice 22 (which I liked the most on first impression).

The best way is audition to find which speaks to you if at all possible.  You can have a look at Arendal speakers as they offer the best customer service and trial period of any other audio company that I'm aware of.  

You need to tell me what amp you are using, what music you listen to and how loud you like to listen.