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Thinking of upgrading speakers, any suggestions?

What I look for is tonal accuracy, open and clear midrange and dynamics, as I feel these are the most important parameters that can give you impression of live sound, in other words a reproduced sound of live unamplified instrument is as real as possible, in all harmonic richness.
You know, kind of thing you hear from a nearby bar while walking down the street, you do not have to walk in to know there is a live band inside playing with no help of electronics.
Presently I own PMC IB2, and I am wondering if there is anything better in a range of up to 10K used / 15K new, if I can take it up a notch?
So far I have not heard anything better that impressed me to the point where I would be willing to make a purchase.
A few examples of sound I do not like at all, what comes out of any Sonus Faber (too dark and dull), any planar/static speakers (no dynamics), and any B&W (that midrange is giving me headaches, not to mention the rest), so anything that sounds like these is not my thing (and to make it clear, I do not want to get into pissing contest about speakers, I am merely expressing my preferences, so no hard feelings please from those that own speakers I mentioned as not likable).
What came close to but overall not better than what I have now is Avalon (up to and including ISIS), lacked a bit of dynamic freedom.
This is all obviously based on my limited exposure to the sound of speakers mentioned, but they simply failed to capture my attention, did not have that ultimate “live” factor.
Has anyone heard IB2s along with something else that may represent clear performance improvement?
sashav
sashav OP
72 posts
 
Shadorne,

I would not find more forward sound and leaner bass objectionable.
ATC was on my list at the time I got PMCs, but I never heard them.
From your perspective, how do “hi-fi” manufacturers with some professional monitor pedigree fare in comparison with ATC/PMC, for example Focal and Wilson Audio?
dvavc
81 posts
 
One thing is for sure, you'll never get to that level of live band. :~) and first reason for that is the sorce i.e. have you noticed the difference between live translation from radio studio v. best recorded CD? However, isn't the question should be not what speakers but what speakers/CABLES/amp/pre/dac/transport or player combination? ;~) BTW, Have you heard horns with set 2a3?
Your room shape is realy interesting idea. One day i should try that, in my rental appartment. :~) I'm sure landlord will love the sound. :~)
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 
07-05-08: Shadorne
Oh one thing - if you want that "live factor" then you can pretty much forget everything in dynamic speakers except ATC, PMC and Genelecs. Forget about panels too.

What a lame statement!
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,166 posts
 
if you are looking for speakers that have dynamics like live performance, clean clear midrange, and "you are there" presence with excellent transient response and low intermodulation and harmonic distoration, i would surely recommend a pair of jbl 4430 or 4435 or even a pair of 4425 (if you would prefer smaller) studio monitors. i have listened to these studio monitors for 20 yrs and they also sound excellent at low volume.. with these speakers you can choose any level of from soft to rock concert and the microdynamics are excellent depsite all the untruths the audiomagazines spew.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Seems like there are no such a speakers ......according to some.
There is a pair of SP Tech Revelation MK III with Mundorf crossovers for 10K delivered.

Or

Vandersteen 5A and Emerald Physics with seperate dedicated subs (X2) for dynamics out of this World.

Good luck on your quest

Mariusz
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