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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
hddg's avatar
hddg
123 posts
 
XTZ Divine Alpha, just coming out now, just got my pair, will beat any speakers on your list on any point, and many many speakers costing twice and thrice!! no joke. It is not well known in the USA, I dont know why exactly (they sell direct to customer which way better to me!!), the price/quality ratio is very very high, and these must be known because many audio enthusiasts are going passed not less than brilliant speakers without even knowing their existence.
This swedish company makes audio jewels at unbeatable costs. I already had the Master M2 bookself in my secondary system, was so impressed by its near perfection, that i also got the bigger brother for my main. XTZ are neutral, balanced, extremely precise, full resolution, can be tuned, and play very loud!! For me there is just no other way to go in this price range that i know of. If you want a comparison: the XTZ Alpha throws away by miles the best B&W 802D3. Strictly no fight and no doubt.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,135 posts
 
I have been modding speakers for year . For he money the Salk Bud Fried tribute
speakers are Excellent  but order them with upgraded Xover 
stock solen caps . The Jantzen Copper  inductors very hood can stay 
resistors Parts connecxion sells the best IMO Path Audio resistors.
very simple series Xover Mundorf Supreme for Bass.
for series capacitors ,tweeter midrange VH audio OIMP capacitors, with a Jupiter Copper wax bypass cap .1uf.  It is a magical combination.
one other Huge Tip the New Synergistic Research -Black fuses after 100 hours +
truly upgrade hatever you put them in Money Back 30 days .
start with digital to make my point  ,go one size up then what is currently in there 
for steel stock fuses can vary 15% or more. Jim Salk will put upgraded Parts in 
you just pay the extra before the build. The dual 6.5 Peerless Nomex drivers 
are very uniform , and the Hiquphon Tweeter is all hand built and tested to within
1/2db  no commercial tweeter is this precise at any where near this cost.
and transmission line rear ported Bass.
fdemello OP
80 posts
 
First off you can't ever say that one speaker blows the other out of the water.  Many for YOUR ears, but not for other folks
Very true 

Some folks seem to like speakers that are tipped up on top or brighter. I've seen names of those types mentioned in this thread also.
I suppose you are referring to Zu Audio, Tekton. Definitely want a non-fatiguing system. My room trends towards the bright side to my ears

I'll probably touch base with Johnny Rutan

Lot's of choices and if there is any way you can possibly audition to at least get to know what type of sound you like, it will help you in figuring it all out
True but unless you are doing the demo in your room/with your equipment I'm not sure you can guarantee anything. But I will get out there and hear/see what I can. Might be able to eliminate some for sure

Thanks ctsooner

Salk Bud Fried tribute speakers are Excellent
Not sure I'm willing to go this way. If I was a huge Fried fan maybe. Thanks for the suggestion though

XTZ Divine Alpha 
Did a little research. Very limited info out there on these. Thanks though
fdemello OP
80 posts
 
Audio Note AN/e's, fantastic sounding, full range, fairly sensitive, easy to place in a room of almost any size.
Interesting speaker. Very much like a Harbeth. Like the fact you can place in the corners. Many options and difficult to get US pricing though. Never mind hear them
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 
@hddg,
How much did you pay for the  XTZ Divine Alpha? Are you in the US?
Looks interesting.
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