Speakers to hang on to for LIFE

I have had a pair of Carver Amazing Platinum IV speakers since I originally purchased them about ... You know, I really can't remember when I purchased them. I do know that I got them just before they were discontinued from production. Picked up a pair of Carver Silver 9t monoblocks at the same time. Maybe not the best amp out there but they seem to work well with the Carver speakers.

Anyway, for the price, I can't remember hearing any speaker that can compare with the Carver Amazings. The smooth sound of the 60" ribbons coupled to the four 12" woofers per side are incredible. Truly a full range sound.

Have I heard better sounding speakers? Yes! but at incredulous prices. 25K - 100k for speakers is OK if your happen to be in that tax bracket, but for the average working Joe, that translates to a new car or down-payment on a home or condo.

I have recently started shopping for speakers again. It seems that every few years I get that itch, but have yet to find a speaker that would impress me to the point where I would just get rid of my Carvers. I am curious about listening to the VMPS RM40 though. I have heard good things about them, but their nearest dealer to me is in Virginia or somewhere in that area.

Any suggestions as to what I might want to look into for replacement speakers would be appreciated. I don't know if I could go back to dynamic drivers though. There is just something magical about ribbons or electrostatic panels.

Sure you will get some very interesting responses. I have owned a pair of Spica SC-50s, predecessor to the TC-50 for about 15 years. Little odd shaped cylindrical enclosure. Coupled with a local designer's subwoofer, the combination has been amazing for the price. Vocals, piano, guitar excellent. Could not drive too loud or they became edgy. Visited audiophile dealers several times over the years comparing the SC-50s to their latest "hot" speakers claimed to be great for imaging and quality of reproduction. Each time left with my SC-50s. Nothing better until you spent over $800 per speaker.

Recently acquired a pair of Spica TC-60s. As advertised, great imaging. Not sure if Time Coherent is making the difference, but the TC-60s are clearer, slightly better imaging than the SC-50s. Neither has a strong low end alone, but the TC-60s coupled with the subwoofer are knock outs. The low end is cleaner, tighter, deeper and explain this - the subwoofer amplifer is now running at 40% volume when it previously took 80% for the same sound level. Better quality, less power.

I think speaker evolution when not paying a lot of money, kinda flattened out, and one's preferences play a part..

I am more keen on timbre accuracy and realism of sound...I dont particularly need an iron clad imagining speaker...But when well placed the L-96's image and create a decent soundstage, but with the advantage of incredible dynamics,,,You can sit at low volumes in a near field and just marvel at how well they sound even at low midnight listening levels...

Ill be keeping my Revel Salon's permanently. I also have a pair of Martin Logan Prodigies too, but these will be swapped out in due time, as they pull "elevator music"(non critical listening) duties at night.

I'll keep these Audio Note ANK/L speakers for as long as I can keep them floating, no? They work with the little 8watt amp (god bless her weak little soul). So we shall persevere....
Onward Christian Soldiers....

Or is it Muslimi Soldiers....

Never do get these things right