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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.


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imaging1's avatar
imaging1
57 posts
 
Take stake a listen to the Spendor D9... (Or D7 for that matter.)  Listen to the MAGICO s3 or s5 . Listen to Avalon diamonds ( purchase pre owned if possible) . When all is set an done... By a pair of back up  or reference checks; quad 63 or Spendor BC1 for midrange) As an audiophile you will probably be changing speakers throughout your journeys. As a music lover, the last two speakers may ultimately be with you till the end!!

layton64
28 posts
 
Harbeth Monitor 40.2. Just bought a pair new under $15,000. I have purchased lots of new gear over the years and this is the best and most easily noticeable upgrade I have ever acquired. They are not sexy looking like some of the trendy stuff...these are all about the sound and representing the music as it was recorded. Voiced for vocals and easy to listen to. Definitely my last speaker purchase.
mike_in_nc
1,152 posts
 
You might want to consider speakers with controlled dispersion, which will reduce (not eliminate) trouble from the low ceiling. I have a basement room of similar dimensions, and Janszen zA2.1 work well there. Other panel speakers could be good. Of course, if that’s not the kind of sound you want, so be it.

I have used a lot of acoustic treatments, too, which helps a lot.

I was thinking of Harbeth 30 or 40 models and tried the M30.1 in my room, which is soundproofed and thus well sealed. The ported bass was uncontrollable in the room, even with extensive bass trapping. Though your room may be less sound-tight than mine, you still may have some walls backed up by the foundation. That may affect your ultimate choice of speaker, and you may need to use some equalization to get reasonably even bass.
 
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