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I've $4k to spend on used speakers for big room

I'm looking for a pair of speakers for a relatively large room wtih vaulted ceilings. The room has a very unusual dome shape, and seems to be a nice venue for a good pair of speakers (you can see the room in my virtual system). I had great success with Audio Physic Virgo II, moved to Focal JM Lab Diva Utopia Be, and then downsized am currently using my roommate's Definitive Audio Mythos. Just to mentin, I've tried horns (Acuhorn Biancore 155) and hated them.

My current amp is Red Wine Audio 30.2, which is a 30wpc battery powered class T amp. It's quite nice, and may be nicer still if I can match it to the right speakers, but I'm not married to it. That said, I'm open to an eventual amp change if necessary (up to $4k by the end of the year). I use the system mostly for music but also for watching DVDs. I may add a sub later if required too, but no time soon. Music taste is very broad - mostly rock, but some classical and pop. I like a system that is dynamic, subtle with great imaging (loved the virgos for this) and one that presents a great degree of air and delicacy. I like visceral power and impact, but not if it's colored or imposing. I like good bass, but only if it's controlled, integrated well and in it's place.

I know these speakers are quite different and I haven't heard most of them, but i've considered:
Harbeth
Tyler Linbrook (some available used nearby - I live in SF Bay Area)
Audio Physic Virgo II or III (haven't heard III and not sure if they would be better than the II)
Emerald Physics
Living Voice
Sonics
WLM

Any insights or opinions greatly appreciated, especially from those who have similar rooms and/or have heard some fo the above speakers, but any opinions on best used speakers for my $4k would be apprecaited.

Thanks!
128x128outlier
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I know - [MBL 101] compltely different speaker and pricepoint, but I liked the midrange and treble on them

If you like midrange and treble on MBL's then you like wide dispersion speakers. Dr Floyd Toole in the 70's found this was pretty much the number one consistent thing about peoples tastes in speakers. The research lead to companies like Energy, Mirage, PSB - often designed with wide midrange dispersion in mind.

The MBL's are limited dynamically. I have also heard the Beolab 5 and they started to get congested at realistic levels.

I am sure you can find some good used speakers in your price range that have wide dispersion.

A used pair of Energy Veritas 2.8's are the ticket ...it will leave you money for a sub (which you may need for HT but probably won't need for music).
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Thanks guys. Well, I ended up pulling the trigger on the MBL 121s. I figure I can add a sub (or two) later,as the upgrade bug bites me - maybe the JL Audios 112 or 113, and maybe a crossover like Bryston 10b to take some of the strain off bass for the 121. I guess I'll need to investigate amp matching, as my 30wpc may not be enough for this speaker.
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Well, I ended up pulling the trigger on the MBL 121s

For a large room with vaulted ceilings and for listening to rock music I think you ignored the good advice here and have made a mistake. I hope you got a great deal as you will very likely be selling them shortly.

Great speaker - but wrong application, IMHO. Sorry to rain on the parade but I am sure many people will agree...
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Shadorne - I appreciate your thinking, and you may be right. I've just loved the MBL sound and why it wasn't on my shortlist because of my room scenario, I did get a very good unexpected deal on the pair, so it's a good way for me to sample the MBL sound, at least for a while. I have fun swapping out equipment every once in a while. Were I to add a good sub or two later, it may make more optimized use of the room acoustics.
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I appreciate your thinking, and you may be right. I've just loved the MBL sound.... I did get a very good unexpected deal on the pair, so it's a good way for me to sample the MBL sound

Good for you! Sometimes a deal is too good to turn down!

Sorry for being so blunt - I am glad you did not take offense. Hi-fi to a man is like clothing to a woman....a very sensitive subject and a dangerous one to speak of frankly and openly.
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