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Soliciting Upgrade Advice

I’ve been reading numerous threads on this forum in an attempt to isolate what would generally be regarded as the “best” pair of speakers in the 5K range. I understand that “best” in this context can be both subjective and objective. I listen to two channel only. While my primary musical preference is Grateful Dead, on occasion I’ve been known to throw on Mozart.

I currently have JBL S412P speakers and recently bought an M6si amp. Now before you guys trash the speakers (because I realize it may be a stretch to even consider them audiophile grade), I can tell you I’ve listened to quite a few speakers in my day, including the relatively new to market Golden Ear Triton One’s, and I still feel the 412s hold their own (if not sound even better). And yes, I know that there are Von Schweikerts to be had at 50K and even JBL makes an Everest model at a 50K price point, unfortunately that’s out of my reach.

Also, I’m told the JBL Array 1400 can annihilate the 412s. While that may be true, spec wise it doesn’t appear that way. I’m not simply looking for speakers to handle more wattage. The Array 1400’s appear to me at face value to be more-of-the-same (with respect to the 412s).

So, my dilemma – although it’s not a bad one to have – is because I’m budget constrained to 5K, do I stay with my JBL S412Ps or should I “upgrade” and if so, to what?
128x128gdhal
jond's avatar
jond
5,926 posts
 
Looking in the $5K range used these certainly caught my eye:

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-tannoy-dc10a-2015-11-21-speakers-04401-bangor-me

And I don't think anyone here looks down on JBL, a classic brand that's made some amazing speakers. And if you think they sound good and maybe better than other speakers you've listened to then perhaps you can pocket that $5K or put it to upgrading other parts of your system? You list an MF M6i amp but how about your source? Cables? Etc?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Zd won't like this but I ended up with B&W 804S which retained many of the things I like about the JBLs. They do not image quite as well, but dynamic range is great, and I began hearing things in program material I did not hear with the JBLs. For the money you are talking about, used B&W s might be an option."

Once again, you're wrong. What I like or dislike is not the issue. I know you mean well, but its all about you. Yes, I don't like B&W speakers, but that's my honest opinion. Its just as valid as yours. Also note that I don't try and sell my favorite speakers in every thread. As with any speaker, opinions vary.

"And regarding specs, they are basically meaningless."

I agree with you on that one. Gdhal, one thing I forgot to mention in my last post, is that specs aren't always accurate. They can be way off.
goose
717 posts
 
I think the B&W 804's would be worth a listen. They were one of the speakers that caught my ear during a recent speaker upgrade and I listened to the B&W line from the 805's to the 802's as well as 12 other manufactures.
pkelly1504
62 posts
 
Sonus Faber Cremona M. You should be able to get a pair for clost to 5k.
soix
9,844 posts
 
Ofher than the fact that you own JBL speakers and a MF amp and that you listen to the Greatful Dead and Mozart, there is really no indication of what aspects of sound reproduction as it pertains to speakers or anything else is most important to you. How in the world are any of us going to give you a meaningful or even semi-informed opinion unless you tell us more about what specifically you're looking to improve upon? Details like imaging, soundstaging, tonality, timber, PRaT, micro or macro dynamics, disappearing, bass, treble, mids, etc. etc. Until you specify what's important to you and what you're looking to improve upon this is just an inefficient crapshoot littered with individual preferences that may or may not have anything to do with what you're looking for. And it's a shame because there are loads of great options in your price range. Not trying to be an ass here, but garbage in garbage out. More info would be most helpful. And we're all trying to help here.
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