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Looking for a Speaker Recommnedation

Looking to upgrade from my current Rogers LS3/5a + AB1 REL 328 setup .  While I love the smooth mids of these speakers (especially on voices/acoustic instruments), I tend to play harder music more frequently (alt/rock/punk/etc) which these do not excel at. I like to play music loud and have a real world living room my system is in (cathedral ceiling, open on one side, many windows. couch between my speakers) so setup is a challenge. I hate harsh sounding speakers.

My current playback system consists of a Oppo-BDP105 (or primarily Roon/JRiver via Ethernet) into a PS Audio DirectStream Jr DAC > Conrad Johnson Premier 14 Tube Pre > Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp.  All run by a PS Audio P5 with a combination of Nordost/Shunyata cabling.

Looking to spend around $4,000-$7,000 but could be flexible. Used or new is fine.

Currently considering:

PSB Imagine T3
Vandersteen Trio CT
Spendor D7
Mangepan 3.7i (don't think this will work with high SPL)
Endeavor Audio E-3
Revel F208
Golden Ear Triton 1
Dynaudio Excite X44

Any other speakers I should be considering based on my equipment, volume preference and music? Anything I should eliminate?

Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions & thank you in advance
fdemello
thieliste's avatar
thieliste
816 posts
 
You can find a pair of Thiel CS 2.7 for $5K.
There is one pair for sale in my country right now for 5250 €.
gdnrbob
4,422 posts
 
Too bad there are no Vandy Dealers nearby.
But, I suspect if you like the Maggies, you will love the Vandy's.
If you can find a pair of 3a sigs or Treo's, I doubt you would be disappointed. Johnny Rutan of audioconnection is known to make some killer systems with even Vandy 1's and subs.
limniscate
241 posts
 
I've seen used non-CT version Treos for $3400.  How far apart (inner edge to inner edge) could you have Magnepans?  Imho you need them at least 5' apart.
gnostalgick
88 posts
 
I also really like the ProAcs. (It was probably because of sbrownnw's recommendations that I auditioned them in the first place--so thanks!) I listened to the 148s with The Pixies, Stone Roses, Nick Cave & REM among others; I can attest they handle pop/rock really well. The difference between a good & bad recording was immediately obvious, but manifested as 2d vs 3d imaging rather than any sort of harshness. I also had some Aphex Twin and the bass is extended and articulate. They do have what I'd consider a British mid-range, but I think that's a good thing when complemented by their excellent treble & bass.

I currently have Monitor Audio (Silver 2) & my guess is MA is not what you're looking for.  I find them admirably neutral (especially for the price), but so refined they're almost stodgy--though a power amp of your caliber may be able to kick them into gear.  Personally I think the Dynaudio & Vandersteens I've heard are better speakers for rock.

If you don't hear something you fall in love with locally, I'd think setting aside some funds for a trip to a show or dealer or even return shipping would be a better use of funds than buying something non-refundable based on hearsay.


mtrot
804 posts
 
" Will see if there is someplace I can demo the the Vandy CT’s and do some research on the ProAc and Legacy. Would prefer if at all possible to stay closer to $5k. "

@fdemello

If you are looking in the $5K range, and still want to check out Legacy Audio, they also have the Classic HD, which I would definitely want to hear. This is an 84 pound speaker with a ribbon tweeter, dedicated mid range driver, two 8" woofers, and well built cabinet, not a 40 pound speaker.

http://legacyaudio.com/products/view/classic-hd/

I also agree that Dynaudio are great for rock music.  They kick azz with drum shots!
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