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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
 
Short list after doing some more listening:

Magico A3 listened 4 times now and compared against Focal and Paradigm and B&W

DynAudio Countour 60 (haven't yet heard but wanting to)

Legacy Series and Bache. Been to AudioDoctor once and have to get back. It's just finding the time to hang out there for a few hours as there is so much to see and listen to there and great people to shoot the bull with. 

JBL 4367 Still have to find a pair to listen to. Aesthetically not my favorite but willing to listen as I think they might be the best next to vintage speaker sound. 

There were so many great suggestions here and have listened to few whether at a dealer or an item within driving distance that someone was selling. Found many out of my price range as well. But for now the list above will be one of the ones I settle on. 

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Based on what your tastes seem to be, the Contours may do it for you.  
rcprince
3,075 posts
 
Given that you've listened to the Magicos four times, I think that they may be what you're looking for.  Sometimes it's best to trust your feelings...
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,789 posts
 
I hope you get to listen to your final contenders in your listening room. I'm enjoying the thread.
 There's a pair of SS8 about 20 miles from me that I want to trouble the owner to listen to even though i'm not in the market. ..would it be rude?
trknomo OP
80 posts
 
@ctsooner Hoping to hear the Contours this week if all goes OK. Same dealer has a pair of Proac’s that I may listen to again while there.

@rcprince To be fair the first time they were just set-up and not even broken in. The second time was at a Music day at the dealer. The third time they were now going on 3 weeks old and well broken in and spent a good hour listening. And the last time I was auditioning some preamps but had them all going thru the A3. Enjoyed what I heard but last impression was based more on preamp. 

@steve59 I dont think it rude as long as you told the guy you really just wanted to hear them for a future reference. If it was a brand that was sold in stores that would be different, but with the SS’s thats not possible.
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