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.
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!
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!
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- 38 posts total
- 38 posts total