Used speakers $7,000-$10,000

I have seen, on a couple of occasions only, the Avalon Eidolons for $10,000. (Rarely, but it does happen.) These are some of the finest speakers I have heard. They need the best in electronics, but for MY money, they win everytime.

The Eidolons clearly beat out the Avalon Opus. (I just never could like the sound of those downward firing woofers on the Opus. Never seemed to sound quite right to my ears.)

As far as electronics, I would use what I am using now. An Ayre K-1xe, w/phono boards (used price around $4,500) and a pair of Lamm M2.1 monoblocks (used price around $7,000).

Total cost of system = $21,500

(That is my top choice, period. No second or third choice necessary for me!! Care to guess what speaker I am going to buy next?)

I know this might initially sound stupid, but there's a pair of Sony SS-M9ed for sale here. Check out some of the reviews. If I had the money I'd buy them.

They never got the respect they deserve because of the 'Sony' label. They were US designed and US built, and Sony put a TON of money into the design and execution.

This is not the earlier SS-M9es, but it has the newer drivers, crossover, cabinet finish, and super tweeter.

Kurt tank, I do not disagree that if you can fit the Eidolons in that price range, then I would go for them too!

Uppermidfo is right,
The best deal on a pair of speakers on Audiogon right now is Long Ho's pair of Sony SS M9ED speakers. I own a pair also and this is a reference level speaker which is easily as good as any other $20k pair out there. New these were underpriced at $16k. People just need to get over the name and pretend they're Wilsons. I've never regretted owning mine and I've heard a lot of the big names.
But it doesn't matter as audiofools will turn up their noses and miss a screaming opportunity.
Vandersteen 5's, Eggleston Andra and the new ML Summit are other favorites of mine.
Bill

For that matter, if you ever found a pair of the SS M9es speakers, they're equally a fantastic bargain.

Didn't Stereophile rate those Sony speakers with the best of the best at one time?...It's been a while, I could be wrong.

Dave