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Speakers to build a $6500 system around

I am frustrated with all the speaker choices available in the $2k range. There's just too many! I listen to all music types but I lean towards jazz, vocals and reggae. I have a bedroom system consisting of an Rega Apollo cd player, Music Angel EL34 integrated pushing an old pair of Energy 4.1e's which I enjoy very much. However, this set-up in my larger tiled family room just doesn't cut it. Can someone recommend a source,full range speaker and integrated combo that can deliver "you are there" kind of sound for around $6500? My room is not ideal. It measures 16' x 20'. One side opens out to a dining area. I have to place these speakers against the long wall. I would really appreciate any opinions on speakers in the $2000 dollar range that I can really build something special upon. Thanks!
128x128ejineffect
213cobra
885 posts
 
Let's save you some money and solve your problem.

You have a good CD player and a perfectly fine amp. You need speakers that can uncork the potential of both and drive sufficient dynamics and volume into a larger room on the power you have.

I see that Zu Audio returned to direct sales today. Their excellent Essence speaker is now just $3500/pr. They are flat to 30 Hz and 97 db efficient. The Zu main driver has been reworked for satisfying dispersion and more open top-end sound, further extended by a fast, transparent ribbon supertweeter.

There. Try that one change and if you still want more oomph, you have $3,000 plus the value of your power amp left to further upgrade, or you could just buy a lot more music.

Phil
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Regarding Energy Veritas 1.8, I will definitely keep my eyes open for these. However, you think these can play on par with VR4jr's?

You appear to like Energy and tHE 1.8's are a reaL GEM.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
There is a pair of dunlavy scIII in black for sale;I had a pair of these driven by cary slam 100 monoblocks and obtained excellant results;my other recommendation although not a floorstander would be some of the merlin's listed in the monitor class and there is a $3000.00 pair of full range speakers also.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
agree with shadorne
ejineffect's avatar
ejineffect OP
22 posts
 
Zu Essence, I've never heard them but with 60 day return policy, I am interested!
Shadorne, you are right! I do really like my Energy's. The 4.1e's were made in Canada in the late 80's. They sound great but look like they were made in the late 80's. They are monitors on stands and have grey plastic fronts that look kind of cheap. Thus, they have been relegated to the bedroom. I haven't seen any Veritas 1.8's for sale anywhere. I do not know if this is true but, I've heard all Energy speakers are now manufactured in China. It's not a deal-breaker but, I do not consider that a plus.
I tried to find the Dunlavy scIII listing with no luck.
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