Need advice about upgrading speakers ( it might be the last one i own).


Need some friendly advice or recommendations about a major upgrade in speakers. I am looking to buy used to stretch my dollar

I currently own a pair of Golden Ear Technology model 7's speaker. They are 3 years old and retail for $1395.. They can sound very  good in my set-up and are accurate, but also are a bit edgy on top, and also  don't convey the feeling or emotion of real music. Without getting into the definition of "real music",or the ambiguous  terms euphonic vs real, or warm versus  analytical,  just  say I would like to acquire a better sounding speaker. I play a fair amount of classic rock, and rock/jazz fusion and classical symphonic is getting a lot of play time recently.


So far, I have considered:

Revel Concerta F-206 ( retail $3500) 

Choral 826W ( $3500);

PBS Imagine T-2 ( $3500 )

Tannoy XT-8F  ( $2600 retail).

Vienna Acoustics Baby Beethoven ( $4500 retail ?) 

Audio Physic Tempo 25 ( $6995?) ( not the later 'plus" version) 

Audio Physic Scorpio  retail $6500 )  

Audio Physic Sitara 25  ($4995 retail);  

 ProAC D-25 (retail ??)

Audio Physic Virgo II  ( $5495 retail )    


I have heard the Tannoy and Revel and AP Virgo II.  The Revel and Tannoy sounded very good , but the Revel has the  lead.   I have heard other Vienna Acoustic speakers and was not overly impressed  The AP Tempo Plus is also in serious consideration.  For the record, I am looking a smoother, and more musical speaker than the GET 7's

Magneplanars are too problematic in placemen;, therefore, I have almost eliminated them from consideration. 


Thank you,  S.J.

 

sunnyjim
About a year ago I purchased the PSB T-3.  I just love them.  Very smooth, non-fatiguing, detailed.  I could listen to them all day.
I think the Revel Performa 3 F206 is the best choice. I have listened to all the Revels in their line of floor standing speakers and just bought their Revel Performa 3 F208's and a C208 for my center. They are an outstanding value. A bit of shopping and you can likely find a deal on them. 

Gary
Built the Linkwitz LX521 and it WILL be the last loudspeaker you will ever want to own.  It murders everything else listed here.  The whole project will probably run you about $4000.   If you don't have access to a wood shop, you can buy a pre-cut cabinet kit from Madisound.  And even if you don't have the ability to assemble it, you can easily have a local cabinet maker assemble it for a reasonable amount.

Look for the Linkwitz discussion forum and ask around to find someone in your area who has a set for you to hear.  Or just take my word for it.  Read up on it around the Internet.  It's the equal of speaker systems in the $50k to $100k range.

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/LX521/LX521_4.htm

Or you can buy your speakers like you buy a car and always wonder what could have been...
I found a used pair of Revel F208's for around 2800.  They have quite a bit more presence than the F206's and you can get pristine used ones if you wait around a little, which you're doing anyway.

Used speakers are a good deal.  If all the speakers work, they generally sound like new.