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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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bthartman
34 posts
 
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.
sujay
24 posts
 
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
murphythecat
181 posts
 
in the 15k price range, Id try

jbl m2
jbl s3900 or jbl k2 s9900
revel gems 2 + rel g2 subs or revel studio 2
atc scm45a
harbeth shl5+ with rel g2 subs
focal sopra 2

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
276 posts
 

"I am a relative newb when it comes to this high-end world of audio."

Fix the room first.  Take each system home and compare brands in that room.  You will hear a difference and be able to decide.  Any reputable dealer will allow you to hold a credit card for a few days and let you compare.  

I am not a person with a huge income, but love listening to high end systems and comparing the difference between different levels of cost verses performance.  Everyone hears differently, and there is no "Golden" set of ears that can dictate "The best"   What is boils down to are two things.

1.  The "High End" Audio system is no better than the room you set it up in.  You can have a $30,000 High end audio system in a crummy acoustical room,  and a cheap system in a neutral good room and it will sound better than all that expensive gear.  There is a fine line between how much better a $5,000 system is when compared in the same room to a $10,000 system.  Is it worth the sound difference?  With unlimited funds, why not get the Bugatti. 

2.  What do you like to hear in your music?   It does not matter you impress your buddies, what do you like?   Specifications will not tell you how the system sounds.  Get the detail, impact, sweetness, timber, bass you like.  That is what matters.


erik_squires
16,118 posts
 
The thing to remember about room acoustics, is they will outlast  your speakers. :)  Once done right, you may change all sorts of gear, but the acoustics you'll leave alone and never want to let go. :)

Best,


Erik
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