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Best Rocking Speakers 15K and Under

 Been looking around for speakers in the 15K range and under. Most of my music is listened to on Vinyl but recently purchased a Aurender N10 for streaming which I am really happy with. I listen to a very wide range of music, some classical, jazz, classic rock, punk and metal. About 10 years ago I got rid of my 70’s era JBL and Pioneer speakers and they both really played everything well. Now it seems difficult finding the right all around speaker.  FYI, I like playing loud and want to hear the bass, but not wanting to go with subs. 

 So far I have listened with my set-up the new Magico A-3 and was impressed. Also on different gear at a dealer Monitor Audio Platinum 300 (I liked) but wasn’t a fan on the same set-up Totem Wind Design, Aerial 7T or ProAc D48R. In fairness to the Proacs I liked the sound but there was a lot of boominess at the dealer and in a fairly large listening area. Might have to go to a different dealer and listen again. Listened to the Legacy Signatures at Audio Doctor and was really impressed. 

 So my short list is Magico A-3, Legacy Focus SE, ProAc D-48R. Anything I’m missing that I should hunt down for a demo? I haven’t yet but by the encouragement of my salesman wants me to listen on my exact set-up the Focal Kanta and Sopra  as well. 

 Recently switched my front end and although my current speakers sound 100% better still not low enough and the highs become fatiguing afer awhile.
 Currently Gear:
McIntosh C2600 Preamp
McIntosh MC611 Monos
Aurender N10
Dr. Feikert Woodpecker TT with Jelco Tonearm/Koetsu Black Goldline, Denon 301II, Sumiko Blue Point
Speakers Kef Reference 3.

 Not willing to change any of my front end, just speakers. (And please no Tektons)
trknomo
trknomo OP
80 posts
 
@zephyr24069 They are on my hit list. Not sure where I read but someone mentioned they liked their Focus SE’s but had horrible off axis sound. As much as just a few feet away the sound took a serious tumble. Good hearing you saying something different. My room is open on the left side and when having company would like to have more that just a sweet spot.. The Kef’s are wonderful at filling up the room. 
 Have to schedule a day to visit Dave at AudioDoctor again. 
trknomo OP
80 posts
 
@jackd Yes I forgot those on my list. Spoke with Clayton and Linear Tube Audio in VA at times has a pair set-up. They just sold the ones off the floor and will let me know when they get another pair. I can listen to them as well as the Daedalus which has a dealer in the general area. Will make for a nice roadtrip 
clevland's avatar
clevland
1 posts
 
Acoustic Zen Crescendo. They pair especially well with tubes . Tons of reviews . The mk ll is even better tan the old reviews . A transmission line speaker that works ! 
gandmjl
19 posts
 
Old school speakers and matching with modern decor is and always will be an issue. In my previous post I stated my love for the old school Altec VOTs and the Model 19 home version of them. Yes, they do not have the "Look" most of us these days can or will appreciate. Big boxes that do produce some great sound however not very wife friendly as far as decor goes. My home is decorated with turn of the century Mission style furnishings most of which I made myself having been a cabinet/furniture maker. With this in mind I had to remake my Model 19s into what my wife would consider acceptable for her decor. Speaker boxes are rather basic in that the components require particular internal box volumes which are easy enough to achieve once you know the parameters. I am not sure of how to post photos here from my PC but my Model 19s have a new dress in the exact Mission style that fits our decor but are still very much Altec/VOTs with all the original components but in a box worthy of my wife's acceptance. There is of course more than one way to skin a cat so I set out to keep my Altecs but disguised them to appease her desire to match the decor. They are still rather large but a happy wife makes for a happy life and I get to listen to the sound the way I like it. I have to try to post a picture but have no idea if it will show here.


 
steve59's avatar
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steve59
1,760 posts
 
I ended up buying a pair of Saoln2's because they matched really well with the system I built around the Salon1's, BUT if you can audition the Dynaudio C60 that retail for $10k and have been around long enough to get a deal on... with the sota electronics I heard them on they were musical and dynamic and with 2 9" woofers in each box I felt the notes as I heard them.
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