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Which speaker to buy.

I have the following system:

Powervar Power "conditioner", 10 amp model.
Onkyo Integra DPC 8.5 changer (I will not replace this but will probably add a Benchmark DAC 1)
Rotel RC995 preamp (plan to replace with Odyssey Tempest extreme version)
Parasound R/EQ 150 equalizer (USUALLY ON "BYPASS"!)
Odyssey Stratos Mono Extremes plugged into a power stip with a circuit breaker (didn't want to limit to 10 amps with the Powervar)
Paradigm Monitor 100 v3. loudspeakers
Rel Storm 3 sub bass unit with Frank's upgraded Speakon cable.
Mas Signature cables and interconnects.

The fate of the upstream components is essentially decided. Would prefer to keep the Rel, just a fantastic unit. I like the speakers very much and they really do a lot of things very well, but can be a little harsh on top. The question is this:

>>>>>>What speaker to upgrade to?????
Larger room, carpeted.
Goals:
Sweet but detailed and articulate highs
Ultra deep, tight, fast and accurate musical bass.
Pleasant, detailed realistic midrange.
Phenomenal soundstage, preferably extending outside the speakers, with width, depth and height.

Initial candidates in(current)order of preference:

1. Odyssey Lorelei
2. Vienna Acoustics Strauss
3. Audio Physic Avanti 3

Haven't been able to audition ANY of these and yes, I know that's a necessity, but am just looking for ideas from fellow audiogoners. Have also noticed over the years that although there's certainly a strong correlation, more $$$ doesn't necessarily mean better speaker, even within the same line, in my opinion. So, am willing to consider different price points, but within reason, i.e.--won't be buying a Wilson Wham or JM Labs Utopia Grande, etc. Thanks.
(Tvad, are you listening?)
mdhoover
mdhoover OP
695 posts
 
Here's a link to the UNSOLICITED review I finally posted about the Intuitive Design Summit PSL624 loudspeakers:

Product Review: Intuitive Design Summit PSL 624 loudspeaker (authored by Mdhoover)
s_allen
6 posts
 
How about some that you don't commonly hear about! Lets start out with the Tannoy Prestige Series with its' dual concentric drivers, interesting solution to an age old problem. Shahanian Acoustics' Diapason Ensemble, they are good enough for the Vienesse Museum they should be good enough for anyone. Harbeths' Monitor 40, what can I say!
Nothing saounds better than a weel built studio monitor!
mdhoover OP
695 posts
 
S allen,
There certainly is something very, very special about a well built studio monitor. Several greats come to mind, in addition to the ones you mention above, none of which I've had the pleasure of hearing. People certainly seem to think highly of the Harbeths, from what I've read. I would add two more cult favorites, the Totem Tabu, which I have personally heard and thought was highly excellent, and the Totem Mani, which I have not personally heard, but have been told is even better than the Tabu, but also more finicky about its electronics. Another little known speaker is the Induction Dynamics monitor, for around 3000 dollars. Splendid speaker with a very open and smooth sound, with a unique brick wall crossover design. I heard those in Florida once. So adding those names to the list with the Tannoy Prestige Series, Shahanian Acoustics Diapason Ensemble, and the Harbeth Monitor 40, I'd say we've just made a list of some fantastic speakers! This is a fun hobby, for sure.

The speaker I settled on is the Intuitive Design Summit, which is technically a monitor also, but provides excellent bass response down to its low end rolloff around 40 hertz, images like crazy, and is both ultra smooth and ultra detailed.

Thanks for checking out my thread.
-Bill
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