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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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Guys, if you read everyone's posts, you can understand how the OP listens and what he likes in a speaker.  He wants dynamics and a lot of detail.  if he doesn't want the Vandersteen's, he won't want the Harbeth's.  Harbeth's are one of the most enjoyable sounding speakers, but they lack some dynamics and are not going to give you the micro and macro detail. They will allow you to listen and enjoy music all day long.

The best I've ever heard were the new anniversary 40.2's with the top of the line MSB system with Audioquest dragon and Hurricane cords.  This is overkill for this speaker, but man was it fun to listen to.  I just don't feel that the OP would be happy with that speaker, but of course he should listen to it if he is able to.
ohlala
1,238 posts
 
If you really do not want subs and your goal is LF extension, the JBLs will not likely work for you. Their efficiency and other things are maintained in part by early bass rolloff. The spec graph is on JBL’s website. I am completely unfamiliar with ’70s JBL but can tell you the 4367s are very flat, deigned for good dispersion in the home and unromantic. They are stereotypical studio monitors but have a laidback presentation. There is not another model you are considering that loads a room l like they do, is well blended from mid to high freq or is as dynamic.

The booming sound from your proac audition was likely a combo of your position and speaker position in relation to the room. Walk around a little during auditions.
trknomo OP
80 posts
 
@ctsooner Yes you are correct, I’m looking for a good all around full range speaker that can sound great playing all genres of music and when the time comes to crank up Sabbath, Audio Slave, Metallica to 100 db levels and have it hold together and give me excellent bass response. I have listened to the Harbeths but not for me. 

@ohlala I had the JBL L250’s and they could really rock the house down, but play CSN, CCR and Traffic and sound great as well. I guess thats why I really want to hear the 4367’s which seem to have a similar bass response. Wanna hear what the 15” woofer can do with them. I may in fact be disappointed but I need to find that out. 
trknomo OP
80 posts
 
@benzman To bad I’m on the east coast or I’d take you up on that offer.
benzman's avatar
benzman
419 posts
 
So at Axpona they had the Persona 5F running off two
Mac 500 watt per channel monoblocks. The Mac's put out 1 k peaks and we measured over 100 db on Personas from 20 ft away in a 25x 50 ballroom. The Personas never once even showed any signs of stress. If you want to rock it out you are not going to beat the Personas
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