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
I'll bet your glad you asked this question. Only 40 or so recommendations to consider. Let us know what you end up with after attending RMAF.
As someone that seriously got in to audio 3 1/2 years ago, I'd like to offer a perspective that I've found invaluable.  I made quite a few mistakes in my early purchases, especially in speakers, and I have to strongly urge that you either seek out a local shop that will allow you to seriously audition any speakers you're considering or consider internet based speaker companies with generous return policies.  HiFi sound is so subjective that you simply cannot rely on reviews or suggestions from others other than to narrow or expand the models you're considering.

Additionally, don't rely on a relatively brief listening session in an environment that doesn't match where you'll be setting them up, or where the rest of the equipment doesn't match what you'll be playing through them.

As an example, my own decision on my current speakers came after I had settled a couple years ago on B&W 804 Diamond speakers and was contemplating an upgrade to the B&W 803 D3 speakers when they came out last year.  I went to my local dealer that I'd been working with, and listened to them through the same equipment I had at home for about an hour.  My dealer also recommended that I listen to the Wilson Audio Sabrina and I gave them a quick listen as well.  I'd heard Wilson speakers at shows before, and had frankly never been overly impressed with them.

I wasn't ready to make a decision that day, and started thinking about the speakers and doing some independent research.  When I had the funds to make the purchase, I decided I really needed to give the Sabrina a fairer shake, so I arranged for another audition compared to the 803D3.  I brought along a couple of my audio friends, and we spent about three hours with several records I'd brought along (my serious listening is all vinyl), and hooked up to the exact same turntable, cartridge, preamp (with on-board phono preamp) and amplifier.  I was surprised that after 3 hours, I'd come to the conclusion that I overwhelmingly preferred the Sabrina for jazz and classical, and very slightly preferred the 803D3 for rock.

Final step was an in-home audition of the Sabrina.  My room, my exact equipment and my listening habits.  The dealer brought them to me, set them up and left them for a long weekend.  I had to pay about $200 for delivery and pickup, but for $16,000 speakers I considered it money well spent.
While I think you should consider the Wilson Audio Sabrina, there are a LOT of excellent speakers at this price.  The point is that everyone's ears and tastes are different, and you have to find what you like and what works in your environment.  If necessary, considering the amount you're spending, take a trip to somewhere with a lot more options (the Bay area in particular has a TON of HiFi shops).  

I also like to support my local dealer, and I took a quick look and Crescendo in Wheatridge carries Wilson Audio, as well as Harbeth, Dynaudio and Paradigm speakers.  You should look at the web sites of other speakers you're considering to see if there's a local dealer.

Good luck!  Personally, I almost regret being more or less done with my upgrades (only my turntable and phono preamp are left), as I thoroughly enjoy the process of giving serious audition to new equipment.  Now I volunteer to help my friends when they want new equipment, mostly so I can tag along for the auditioning experience.
I would second the Revel Ultima Salon......incredible value though a little hard to drive..shud be no problem driving them with PS audio electronics imo.

rockport atria used might be in the ball park as well though they will not go down as deep as the revels. But incredible speakers nonetheless. I can vouch for them as I currently have the aviors!

i saw a kef blade for 17.5k in audiogon.....another good contender and cutting edge technology 

hope this helps

sujay