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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
 
@ctsooner Yes you are correct we all have different tastes in both visual and sound. Fortunately I’m located in an area with so many dealers within an hour from my house. 
 The Salks do have my interest up, just have to get out and hear some. I like the fact that they are custom built and without a dealer network and markup, probably a lot of speaker for the money. 
 I do have some customers in the Chicago area, might be an excuse to head that way with a side trip to Salk. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
That would be cool and I'd love to hear your thoughts if you do.  

Here is one misconception in audio.  All the companies who claim that going dealer direct will give you more bang for you buck aren't always doing that.  Due to economy of scale as well as a fleet of engineers etc, you are possibly getting more for your money, but often times not.  It's still all about the sound.  

The biggest problem I have with the direct companies are selling that gear eventually.  Your market share will be less, because fewer folks will have heard of them.  I have owned a few products from dealer direct and found that it was a very limited audience.  They also weren't able to hold their value the way an established, well known company's product typically does.  

There are just a lot of things to keep in mind no matter what piece of gear you get.  I have found that digital gear seems to have many more 'direct' manufactures.  Often times it's a one or two person operation like Steve Nugent at Empirical Audio (GREAT DACS) or Sam Laufter and designer Mark who make my server/dac www.thememoryplayer.net   

I post these things to prove that I DO purchase some pieces dealer direct, but I have to say that my Ayre QX5 isn't being sold just yet as it's still. a GREAT DAC and beats most I've heard up to the 20k mark.  YMMV

I hope you get to hear the Salk and compare it to the others in this thread to hear your thoughts.  
dep14
336 posts
 
Jim Salk does build a heck of a speaker.  If you are looking for a little smoother there are a pair of the exotica towers over on audiocircle for sale.  


zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,244 posts
 
Outstanding for rock, techno, prog-rock, etc...;

- Legacy Focus 20/20 if you are looking used and low budget
- Legacy Focus HD if you are looking used and slightly more budget
- Legacy Focus SE, used or new, under $15K if memory serves on new price
- Legacy AERIS with Wavelet used is under $15K and is outstanding...

All these will move your walls and let you feel and hear the greatest rock material out there and so much more....Focus SE and AERIS are the 2 best....
whitecap
121 posts
 
If not already sole, your Kef Ref 3s properly matched with a sub (or two), might surprise you big time.  That said, if you remain dead set against a sub, read no further.  We use the three-way Kef Reference 201.2 monitors, which produce not much base, but when paired with a JL F112, we rock LOUD and long with an enormous, crystal clear sound stage with all the chest bump one could ask for.  The addition of a sub (and cross-over so as to relieve the Kefs of any bass duty) fundamentally transformed the Kef Ref 201.2.   Meanwhile, in a separate system similar to yours (Mac C2500/Mac MC452), we go concert level LOUD with vintage (albeit heavily modded) Polk SDA 1.2TLs.  With your budget, obviously there are lots of great choices out there that others have mentioned, but there's something to be said for blasting rock music on some high quality vintage speakers.  
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