2. speakers
  3. 1142804128

best speakers for vocals?

Hi, I was wondering what people's thoughts are on speakers that are best for vocal centric music? I am looking for speakers that are best at reproducing vocals, especially female in the most lifelike, 3-dimensional, airy, emotional manner. I am trying to recreate a lifelike, live show, front row sound. To this end, I prefer a speaker that can create a holographic soundstage with a palpable vocal sound with some weight.

I listen mainly to jazz, pop, adult contemporary, down tempo.

My budget is < $15,000.
128x128tboooe
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Thanks everyone...great speakers and many I have never even heard of. I am looking forward to hopefully auditioning all of these. Unfortunately, some like the Wilson Benesch are not readily avaiable in my area...I have heard the Sonus Faber and they do sound very nice, warm and relaxed. Based on all of the responses here, I will give the electrostats especially the ML Summits another thorough listening.

Thanks again. Keep the recommendations coming.
rgs92
974 posts
 
Old Apogee Stages. Anyone agree?
ekistler_sj
60 posts
 
I'll chime in to support those who have suggested Spendor and Harbeth speakers. Both are well known for their ability to bring life to female vocal recordings. That is one of the things that I love about my Spendors.

I have listened to electrostats and I never really liked them, although perhaps my opinion would change were I to live with a pair for a while. I am not bashing 'stats by any means, it's just that (to my ears) they are missing some sort of warmth that dynamic speakers possess.
rrsclyde
84 posts
 
My 2 favorites (and I own both, so my bias is clear), though very different are Sonus Faber Electa Amator II's (romantic), and JM Lab Micro Utopia (not as warm, but oh so refined and smooth).
vinylmeister
68 posts
 
I got the Reynaud Orfeo and you are right, Reynauds are warm, emotional, immediate, tonally accurate and wonderful with vocals and acoustic instruments.
But I also got the KEF 201 and if you want to focus on Vocals, nothing beats the KEF 201 reference
More to discover