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Shopping for speakers at $1500-$2000 is a chore.

I have been amazed at how many $1500-$2000 monitor speakers are out there. Just to name a few: the Wharfdale Jade 3's; KEF LS-50; KEF R-300; B&W CM-5S2 and CM-6S2; Focal Aria 906. and though NOT a monitor, Golden Ear Technology Model 7 small floorstander at $1500 a pair (which received raptured and orgasmic praise at CES 2013)

I have heard both KEF's , especially LS-50, but despite excellent sound staging and accuracy sound lean and at times lifeless The B&W were better, but the CM5S2 sounded lean and often edgy,However(the CM6S2 is very good to excellent, but also more expensive than the others)

The Wharfdale Jade 3 was the bane of one our members in a recent thread claiming they just did not sound right or what he expected.

However, the Choral Aria 906 monitor has often popped up in discussions, and as I mentioned to another member, they have received very good and solid reviews from generally reliable sources, However, the Focal 906, and the Golden Ear Technology model 7 are harder to find to audition.

So I would like to get some input from owners of either or possibly both speakers about which they preferred, and also the better sounding or most satisfying to listen to. I will greatly appreciate this feedback, as I seek out a dealer of either or both, but hopefully not in a city or state that requires air or train travel to reach.
sunnyjim
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I would look into finding a used pair of Marten Logan Vantages. This is one hell of a speaker for around $2000 used (depending on finish) they are the best deal on the planet! IMO. You will not be disappointed, give them correct power and great electronics and you are in audio nirvana! Regards,

Matt M
freediver
1,189 posts
 
NO IT's NOT! Sonus Faber Toy Towers are easily in your budget range,they take up no more room than a monitor on a stand & they will pretty much lay waste to ALL the competition under $2K!
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
Sunnyjim,

Have owned a lot of above mentioned speakers, and now own & love the Aperion Verus Grands which are $2k with free shipping. If you don't like them, return them for free. Beautiful sound and to die for good looks.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"10-23-15: Freediver
NO IT's NOT! Sonus Faber Toy Towers are easily in your budget range,they take up no more room than a monitor on a stand & they will pretty much lay waste to ALL the competition under $2K!"

Those things are a steal at $3500!! You normally need to spend $5000 to lay waste to a $2000 speaker.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
To ZD542, Yes, I am going monsoonal over this speaker quest , but there is still for Tsumanic (two of which occurred when I lived in Hawaii, and fortunately did little damage to Honolulu....the other Islands were not so lucky.) I have yet to go Earthquakic or Volcanic.... but give me time.

Telescope trade, I will at least check out the Aperion Verus Grands. I recall seeing a review in Stereophile a few years ago or less

Freedriver, I will also check out Sonus Faber Toy towers.

P.S. Has anyone an opinion or comment about the new Reference 3A DeCapo BE monitors which now use beryllium tweeters, and gray Nextel finish that supposedly has some magical effect on the acoustics of the speaker. I have seen a few for sale on AG over the last year. The feedback and press attention on this version and its predecessor have been scanty. It can't just be another Canadian speaker, especially at $3595 retail (?)
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