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Speaker upgrade help needed: 4500$ used

Like you all I have the upgrade itch and have decided that the speakers are what I want to change out next.

1. My goal is the most holographic soundstage and best imaging I can afford at this price range
2. I have no preference between bookshelf and tower speakers
3. I have no bass requirements as I currently live in an apartment and wouldn't want the bass to annoy the neighbors anyway!
4. Resale value and demand is very important, so rare/old models or companies that come out with new versions/revisions each year are out of the question.
5. My next speaker upgrade probably wont be for 2-5 years
6. Appearence isn't important, although I'd like to keep a reasonable footprint for the speakers
7. This is for a 2 channel only system

My current system:
Tyler Reference Monitors
Plinius 8200 mkII integrated
Muse model 9 Sig version 4 (cdp)
Ridge Street MSE gII interconnect
Harmonic Tech ProAC-11 powercord
Signal Audio biwire shotgun speaker cable

Current room is 14x18, but I do consulting work and move every year or two (so not shopping for room specific speakers!)

The cd's I've been playing a lot of lately:
Cyndi Lauper - At Last
Patricia Barber - Cafe Blue
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions
Paul Simon - Graceland
Peter, Paul & Mary - 1st LP
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Steely Dan - 2 Against Nature
Laureena McKennit - The Visit
Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac and Rumors

I have enjoyed the Tylers. They are my first step into home audio unless you count NHT SuperTwos. The Tylers were an ENORMOUS step-up from them in terms of clarity, seperation, imaging and soundstage. However, they dont get me to the toe tapping, emersed in the music state that I am looking for eventually.

My ear and audio vocabulary isn't at a point where I could say what I would like to improve upon or what in particular I'm looking for.

Speakers I'm considering:
B&W N 803
SF Electa Amator II
Merlin VSM-M
Aerial 10T
Von Schweikert VR4 JR
Martin Logan Request

any of these stand out above the rest?
any to remove? other recommendations?

Thanks for any help!
Geoff
geoffgarcia
barrelchief
294 posts
 
Hi Geoff:

Two items in this thread have caught my attention...(1) I listen to a lot of Steely Dan (2) The manufacturer of my Meadowlark Blue Heron's voiced their speakers around Patria Barber recordings.

I mention this because I may be selling my Blue Herons and will be asking right around the $4500 price.

If you have any interest, I can send you the spec info, reviews and pictures of my speakers.

Please do not take this as though I am trying to push a sale, just wanted to mention that I have a great speaker that is a good match to your requirements, even considering your increased budget.

If not interest, no problem & good luck with your search.

Please let me know if you have any interest or questions.

Thanks

Mike
barrelchief
294 posts
 
Sorry Guys...that was meant to be an email, not a post on the thread.
geoffgarcia OP
92 posts
 
Jeff I heard the 804 Sigs and thought the Maggies beat them pretty well.

Barrel, the fact that Blue Heron is out of business is a turnoff, sorry!

Still hunting!
goatwuss
877 posts
 
With up to $6000 you have a near infinite amount of options. None of us can tell you what speaker will be your magic ticket. Everyone has their own opinion. The blanket "Maggies are what you want" statements are inaccurate and misleading. Yes, they can make an extremely holographic soundstage - but any planar speaker has serious issues that you need to decide whether or not you can life with, ie. disproportionate images, less-then-punchy dynamics relative to a box, non-setup-friendly, etc.

The above comment that "get tubes instead" is also misleading and inaccurate. As per your experiences, tubes have their pros and cons, but your plinius is a good amp, and is certainly capable of stellar soundstaging. 99% of soundstage comes from the speakers and their interaction with the room's acoustics.

You list some fine choices in your original post, all of which some will swear by. Except the B&Ws. LOL just kidding. Really, the best advice any of us can give you is to try and hear as many different speakers as you can, and don't put too much faith in what other people say "this is what you want".
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Look into used Innersound Eros, I like Maggies also, but they sound like a bedsheet is over them compared to the Innersound's
P.S. Innersound's downfall is it is a one person only speaker (very small sweet spot)
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