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Retooling the system upward?? What speakers would be a major upgrade over GET model 7's?

Fishing for opinions about what speakers would represent a major upgrade from the Golden Ear Technology model 7, the rage product of CES 2012. Overall, it is very good speaker. So why so I want to change??. Because, I slowly acquiring much better electronics, and therefore want to experience the sonic improvements of high end separates ( not new but used)  So far, the one major change made has been the purchase of a used BAT VK-200 which has made a notable difference in the sound. However, I have as of yet found a suitable pre-amp

Let me cut to the chase, I have considered the "new" Magneplanar point 7 speaker,  or  possibly the 1.7r  ( which may be too big for my 12X15 living room.)  I happened to run across an ad  on AG yesterday for a pair of the Salk Song Tower QWT speakers which have received good reviews. This  model is Salk's entry level speaker (I think) the higher  models promise better sound.   Therefore, looking for recommendations for speaker that will be a major upgrade over GET's 7 and.not a sideways move.  I will address the issue of new speakers only after I find the right pre-amp for the BAT amp. 

For the record, I have a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp (whose pre-out connects up the BAT amp),  an Ayre CX-7e mp CD player. The interconnect is an older Harmonic Technology "Truth Link" IC, and speaker cable are alternated between Grover Huffman Z series, and Harmonic Technology Pro 11 + speaker cables.  In addition, I used a Blue Circle "Thingee" power line condition ( really a stupid name)   Thank you!! 

sunnyjim
erik_squires
16,233 posts
 
Hi Sunny,

I'm afraid that subtlety of language (any) is not my strong suite. To me it sounds like you just told me you weren't dissatisfied, but you were dissatisfied! :)

I used to do the same. Then I built my own speakers, like them so much I completely forgot to think about buying or trading them in.  I still keep up with models and tech, but I've yet to be compelled to further engage in speaker trading.

As always, make yourself happy.

Best,


Erik
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Erik, I am not the type of person to engage in "subtlety of language"  If I find fault or (even some faults) with a speaker system I own or have owned that does not necessarily mean I am dissatisfied. I just may keep the GET 7's and be done with it especially should I find  the "right" pre-amp for the BAT amp. I just purchased.

The amp has made a difference in the sound. If I had to cite a percentage, 20-25% improvement in the sound would not be an exaggeration. Therefore, the issue of a new speaker will not be even considered until the pre-amp spot is filled in, then I will either proceed choosing a new speaker or just rest my case with the model 7's 

BTW,  a friend from long ago had a pair of speakers built for him which he claimed used all JBL drivers. The year was around 1974.  Personally, I thought their sound quality was below average, if not just terrible.  At the time I owned a pair of ESS 7's (not the Heil Air Motion version.) Just a Philips tweeter, midrange, and a KEF B139 oval driver. which  provided excellent deep bass even by the standards of the day.  I don't know how anyone can DIY a  speakers without testing it in anechoic chamber to measure distortion and frequency response

Since my long response of August 25, and after reading several of member replies, I did a little homework based on those replies. Upgrading to the GET 5's at $1995. really does not offer that much improvement in sound  even if the local dealer  offered me an upgrade trade-in of the model 7's  The GET model 3  at $2200 offers maybe more clout in the bass, but its design goal appears to be more for  home theater.

 Someone mentioned the Tannoy XT-8F's  separately reviewed by  Neil Gader and Robert Hartley of TAS. They highly praised the speaker, but had some criticism  about an overripe bass that could be somewhat corrected using  either a pair of rolled up socks in the  port of each speaker to control the bass, or getting some plugs from Tannoy.  I loathe having to use plugs because it is somewhat of an admission of an unfinished design.

Nevertheless, the Tannoy XT-8F speaker deserves an audition, if I can find a dealer within 30 miles of home

So there it is;:..... thanks for the comment, I really do not feel I am on a speaker merry go round. Sometimes the search for sonic nirvana can be fun.    


erik_squires
16,233 posts
 
Sunny,

Hi Sunny,

Interesting. Personally I find that few people want to listen in an anechoic chamber, so I never build speakers that way. ;-)

Seriously though, modern tools have advanced time-gating, so if you know where to put the microphone, you can get quasi-anechoic like JA at Stereophile uses for his reviews, or gated far-field like I do. Details on the former are in Dr. D'Appolito's book Testing Loudspeakers.

Part of the inherent problems with JA's measurements is the room response is never there, so speakers will look a lot better in his graphs than a consumer would actually get after purchase, and as a result, I take a hybrid approach.

As for the merry-go-round, if life isn't fun your not doing it right. :)

Best,

Erik
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