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Need Suggestions for speakers up to $15K new/used

I am a relative newb when it comes to this high-end world of audio. I purchased most of my equipment last year and then got involved in a home renovation project that zapped much of my funds ($500K...ouch). The renovation is concluding and I should have about $15K to throw at speakers to complete my system.

Here is what I have purchased so far:
*Contstellation Audio Inspiration Amp/Preamp
*PS Audio Direct Stream DAC with board
*PS Audio Power Station
*Oppo 105D
*Parasound JC3+ phono preamp
*Pro-ject Xpression Turntable with unknown cartridge
*Blinn Super Wide Audio Rack

I was all set to buy Raidho D1.1 last years and then had to cancel the order at the last minute due to the funding requirements of our renovation :/. I attended RMAF in 2014 and heard the Raidho’s and couldn’t get their sound out of my head. It was the best system I heard at the show. They were using Constellation electronics so hence the reason I bought the same brand. I didn’t have the funds to buy the expensive Constellation stuff but I was hoping for a similar sound. I also chose the JC3+ because I read that John Curl designed the preamp. He also designs for Constellation. Expectation is some trickle down in the technology and sound. Who knows but so far so good.

My room is 14’ x 22’ with 6’8" ceilings (crappy, i know). The room is in the basement and is all new drywall with new carpet over hardwoods. I like to listen to all kinds of great music including jazz, classical, industrial, pop to country.

So that leaves me with my dilemma, what speakers to buy? I plan to attend RMAF in October to listen to other speakers but would like a list of suggestions based on my requirements/restrictions. RMAF is overwhelming with all the choices and I don’t have time to listen to everything.

The brands I have heard that I have enjoyed include:
*Raidho
*Wilson Audio
*Nola
*There are others but these come to mind first.

Please let me know your recommendations on new or used speakers within my budget.


128x128mmporsche
inna
7,296 posts
 
You bought all the equipment before choosing speakers? It is rarely done and only when you just must have particular amps. Is this the case? Also, your source is weak.
There are probably hundreds of speakers in this price range. How can we advise?
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
inna, as I stated in my original post I heard Raidho with Constellation at RMAF and that was what I was planning to buy and still may do so unless I hear something else that wows me more in October at RMAF.  I delayed the speaker purchase because of a much higher than expected bid on a home renovation, also stated in first post.  Not sure what you mean by "source is weak".  The turntable was purchased many years ago and is not a long-term solution.  I also don't listen to a ton of cd's, however, I read very good reviews about the Oppo.  The PS Dac for streaming is considered one of the best on the market, in some people's views and that is what I use most often.  Ultimately I would like to upgrade the TT but that is going to be after the speakers.

Lastly, yes, there are many speakers in this price range.  That is what makes it so difficult to choose.  The reason I posted was for some advice on speaker recommendations to narrow down my search since I don't have unlimited time to search.  My plan is to attend RMAF and seek out a dozen or so suggested speakers and make an educated decision.


inna
7,296 posts
 
Yes, I meant mostly the turntable.
You need to listen to speakers in your room or at the very least in a well set-up dealer's room. $15k is enough to get excellent speakers even new let alone used. Some high end speaker manufacturers now have the cabinets and perhaps some other parts made in China. Do you want it? Ask them, anyway. What if the speakers that you like most don't work well with the amps that you already have? Cables matter too, big time. You can get lucky with this speakers last approach, but it's very tricky. I would never do it. Well..since I want Lamm amps I actually might, but it would be a pain. As I understand it, you don't care whether it is Constellation or something else.
As a very general direction - if the speakers look pretty they are either very expensive or not good enough. Most great speakers are quite ugly.
I'll add two names to your list without knowing your amps and taste: Kharma and Dynaudio.

bache's avatar
bache
527 posts
 
If you  close to NYC try Bache audio
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
No, I live in Denver bache.  I will seek out listening sessions in October at RMAF and make a decision.

inna, I am sure you didn't intend to make me out to be an A$$  by buying my amp and preamp in advance of my speakers.  I actually recall a conversation with the rep at Wilson Audio at RMAF and he recommended buying the amp/preamp BEFORE the speakers.  I know, what an idiot.  Anyway, I will continue on to stumble forward in my stupidity and hopefully end up with something that my dumb fuc$ ears and brain will like.
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