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Oh brother, am I in desperate need of help! 8)

OK, I've been addicted to audio equipment since I was 15 years old.  Marantz receivers and ESS speakers were my first foray into high end.  Suffice it to say, I've been at this for over 40 years.  I've been to the CES show more times than I can count, and listened to more equipment that I can count.  I've owned everything from Magenepan's, to Martin Logan's, to Thiels, to Von Schweikert's to, well, you get the picture. And I've powered them with everything from from tubes to solid state.

So, here's my quandary.  I just sold what was my dream speaker, a custom Altec 604 system that I spent a fortune building.  They were simply too big for my current home, and I know I'll regret selling them for the rest of my life.  I think my favorite pair of speakers that I've ever owned was a pair of Altec Model 19's.  I believe (I think) that I've moved beyond needing/wanting a system that can play at concert level volumes, but I do want something with a little "get-up-and-go" for those occasions I might want to let the system breathe.  I'm considering going back to a pair of panels.  Today I listened to a pair of Magnapan 1.7's.  I was mightily impressed, but I'm afraid they'll lack the visceral impact and "potency" of a more conventional, high efficiency, cone design.

I really haven't had my head in the game for the last 10 years, so there's a lot of new stuff out there.  I read about a company called Teckton, and despite the positive reviews, I'm hesitant.  There's also the Zu's in the same price range (around $2K/pr.), but I'm torn.  I don't need subterranean bass, as Both Altec systems rolled off at 40hz, and I wasn't really wanting for much.

What are some real stand-out's in the $2,000-$2,500 range (new or used) that I might look out for?  I want a floor standing speaker, not a monitor.  I was actually surprised at the presentation/impact of drums with the Magenepan 1.7's, and the timber of cymbals was eerily realistic, but they definitely compressed when the volume was turned up.  I did make the mistake of listening to a pair of B&W 802's, which were quite impressive, but way out of my price range.

As you can see, I'm in a blender, so any direction would be most appreciated...I'll likely be powering the system with a 150wpc solid state amplifier.

Thanks!
seadweller
seadweller OP
55 posts
 
Thanks everyone!  I'll be driving the speakers with a Parasound A23 and matching pre-amp that I have sitting new in the box.  Of course, my Altec 604 system didn't need that kind of power, so I've been using a Parasound Z-Amp (40/wpc) and Z-Pre for many years.

Altec 19's are going for quite a bit of money these days.  They're a big speaker that takes up a lot of real estate, and they just don't have a high WAF.  I may very well own another pair someday, but now's not the time.

On the heels of my Altec 19's, I owned a pair of Magnepan 1.6's, and shortly after that, a pair of Martin Logan Sequel II's, but missed the way the 19's sounded.  The Sequel II's were far too "polite" for my taste, and the Maggie's just didn't have the "punch" I desire, particularly in the lower registers. I play drums, so I'm very sensitive to having the proper impact and weight in that area.  I'm also a Stanley Clarke fan, so bass is very important as well.

My prior Von Schweikert VR-4's (the originals) were not too bad, but I found that I could only sit down and listen to them for so long without losing interest.  There was just something missing.

I will admit, the Maggie 1.7's were quite the surprise when it comes to speed, and they actually represented drums about as good as anything I've heard in recent years, plus cymbals were amazing.  Again, my concern is the "weight" of the lower registers.  I don't know why, but I'm having a hard time warming up to a tower speaker like 100 companies are making (tall, slim, with a stack of drivers), as they just seem, well, typical.

I'd love a pair of Avantegarde horns, but don't want to make that kind of an investment, which is why I've limited myself to a $2,500 max.  I also don't want to buy a 5+ year old pair of speakers.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Lots of fine speakers listed here and I've had experience with some of them, however IMHO I don't think most of them will do what he is asking. Seadweller, since you play drums along with the very positive experience using the Altecs, I think anything other than a high sensitivity speaker will be disappointing. You should look further at the Tektons or Zu. I have heard a pair of Tektons and a few pair of Zu. All of them will "get-up-and-go" and give you plenty of punch. Both companies have a 60 day return policy, and Zu will even pay return shipping and arrange for a pick up as long as you keep them at least 45 days.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rhapsody
42 posts
 
Ubiq Model One

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2015/08/ubiq-audio-model-one-speakers-review.html
soix
9,570 posts
 
Fellow drummer here. I know exactly what you’re talking about with regard to impact and weight. IME cone drivers are better able to convey the density, thrust, etc. that I feel when sitting behind a kit. Stats and ribbons sound great, but to my ears they nail the spatial and detail elements but just can’t propel the weightier dynamics into the room as well as better cone drivers can. If you haven’t already and given what you’re looking for you really need to hear some ATC speakers.  As a drummer, the dynamics, drive, and clarity of their dome midrange I have no doubt will bring a big, wide grin to your face like nothing else. Truly unique and special, and the bass and treble provide a great supporting cast.  Also a big fan of stand-up bass, and you won't be disappointed there either.  Anyway, hope this helps and best of luck in your search.

seadweller OP
55 posts
 
Maybe I'll do a little more research into the Zu speakers...I'd absolutely love to have a pair of ATC, PMC or Westlake Audio speakers, but I'd have to sell my car!
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