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Curious what people think is the best "value" high end speaker (~5K to 15K)

I am on a long search for speakers and just curious what people think is the best value both new or used in speakers ranging from around $5000 to $15000? I have a set of Paradigm S8's (V1) and love them but looking for another set for another set in a different listening area (25 x 20?, maybe larger).  I love the full sound of JBL's and looking for something in that range (it also helps that JBL's seem to hold their value better than most, which will be a consideration). The only drawback to JBL is footprint.  I prefer a smaller footprint which is why after reading I hope to listen to several B&W 800 series but open to suggestions across the board.  used Watt Puppies? Revels?  I am curious about peoples experience with McIntosh XR100's. 
gene3x
gene3x OP
43 posts
 
Oh, and in case I didn't mention it they will be driven with MC501's or an MC352 with some version of Mac's tube pre. Currently I have a C48 that will likely be upgraded.  

Am I wrong to think that a larger speaker in most cases will have a larger soundstage filling the room with more listenable music? 


jburidan
803 posts
 
Tannoy dual concentric speakers in the Prestige series are best, but expensive. Look for used in your price range.

Vandersteen is good, but expensive. KEF LS-50 is nice for an inexpensive speaker. Neither of them is tube-friendly, though.

I've not heard Wilsons.

Salk and B&W are underwhelming IMHO, as are most others in the $5-15K price range. Problems are that they aren't time- and phase-coherent, which as a bare minimum is necessary. I always found B&W to sound boxy and congested.

I don't know if current JBL and Klipsch offerings are as good as the old stuff was, before these companies went mega-church.



mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@jburidan

Every blind demo I’ve found that included a Salk speaker has had Salk come out on top, even sighted ones I’ve found. Every single speaker they have mentions phase coherence, so I don’t see how you can make such a false claim,
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@gene3x

If you want a wide sweet spot, then I agree that Ohm Walsh should be on your short list. Their flagship is <$12,000 in the veneer of your choosing, or they have one ready to sell (demo model I believe) for <$9000. However, contact them and give precise room dimensions, their higher priced models are usually made to work with larger rooms and wouldn’t work if your room is smaller, there usually isn’t a sound quality difference within the same model line.
jburidan
803 posts
 
mzkmxcv, Salk sounded congested to me, but YMMV. The cabinets finish was beautiful.
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