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The very best new/used under $3k for classical?

Rather than a list of "interesting" speakers, I am looking for opinionated individuals here who regard one or two models as very best for the following purpose:

1. Mostly listen to classical, but all kinds. Extended listening at both high as well as low volumes.
2. Non-fatiguing nature, musicality, quality of sound most important.
3. Full-range floorstanders, small footprint.
4. Medium size room, placement may have to be within 2-3 feet of walls.
5. Should work with a 60 w ss amp (can't upgrade everything at once).

6. Should be sturdy against normal use. No sound is good enough if you are afraid to turn up the volume or the speaker needs repair all the time.

7. Adequate WAF.

8. Must be noticably better than the speakers I have (Spendor BC1) or already know about (SP1/2, Proac D15/25. Dynaudio Contours).

9. New or used, under $3k (tops, 2-2.5 preferred). As the best values may lie in discontinued models and used units, I may have to be prepared to buy without audition.

I am open to small audiophile companies as well as established big names.
aktchi
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
DIY or ready made kits from a manufacture direct are for sure the best bang for the buck.You get more performance for less money. Most are more concerned with resale value and the bling bling factor..which is understood. My thought is...If you found a speaker that exceled at what you were looking for ..why would resale value matter?

A speaker can bling bling all day long and still sound like crap!
;-)
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
check out the castle harlechs....floorstanders with heirloom quality cabinets. castle used to build cabinets for many other hi end brands. they are around $2k and are incredible sounding. google the uk reviews
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
no more thing...they are still made in the u.k......not quietly imported from a generic plant in china with a name slapped on them.
rackon
301 posts
 
I've heard the Zu Druids on large scale classical and personally, as a classical lover, I'd pass on them. (The Definitions are another story.)

I dunno about the WAF thing. Depends on the W.

Frankly, for classical I'd prefer...

Any of a variety of used Alon (or - as they are now - Nola) speakers...Nola Viper Sigs/Alon Lotus Elite etc. (Disclaimer, I own ALon Vs which are fab, but your 60w amp won't drive this model .)

Or...

Shahinian Oblelisks or Hawks (again they will sound better with a slightly higher powered amp.)

Or...perhaps...

Viennna Acoustics Beethovens

Audio Physic Virgo IIs (I honestly don't know if they would

The

Silverline Sonatas (although I haven't heard these in a long time).

And I would still consider auditioning Vandersteens if possible. (My rec would be used Vandy 3 Signatures).
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
For an exquisitely fine speaker contact Stuart Jones of Chapman Audio at 206-463-3008. He'll build you a custom pair of speakers that will be a treasure for years to come. And his T-7's are right at your price point at $3k. You will find almost nil on the Chapmans online, but they have a loyal following on the West coast. In fact, just today I put in my order for a custom pair of T-77's, their flagship model. Stuart is hand selecting and matching all the components, not just drivers. He is also utilizing specific wiring for each driver to optimize performance to my tastes. He also breaks in the speakers for you. Just a couple examples of the "over the top" service he gives to his customers.
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