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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
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
@mofojo...…………………………………………………………..

No, not really. I care less if someone wants GE speakers or not. I mentioned them because they fit his price range and I am familiar with them. Not a fan of the GE Triton 2 and on down, there is much better out there. However, I thought this would turn into another endless Tekton thread. Sorry to hurt your feelings but I don’t like Tekton, so if that is the way this thread is heading, I will bow out. I see you didn’t harp on "missioncoonery" for his complaint about the Tekton here, why is that?  Happy now?  Clear enough?
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 

Hi gene3x, I wasn’t going to post in this thread as I don’t have a clear-cut nomination for “best absolute value” in this price range. But at least four times now you’ve brought up a particular subject that is imo worth exploring on its own:

"Okay, so now we are getting into something that is definitely important to me ..... sweet spot , sound stage , over all stereo sound envelope is important to me and willing to pay more for it. I have always wondered why so many audiophiles were satisfied with tiny speakers on a pedestal that could only give you a full representation within a small window. I want to fill as much of the room as possible."

"Can anyone speak to the size of the total sound envelope or active listening area of each of the speakers that you suggested?”

"Soundstage (sound envelope) is very important also.”

So apparently good soundstaging over a wide sweet spot matters a lot to you. It does to me too. I like to feel immersed in the music, including the soundscape on the recording, and I like to share that experience with others without it being limited to the one or two best seats.

You then ask an interesting question:

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

In my opinion relatively few speakers, large or small, are REALLY optimized for this. The principles involved are not secret, but they are overlooked. To answer your question, yes the larger speaker can do the better job, if it is designed to.

If you’re interested in WHAT it would take to “optimize” a design for a large soundstage that can be enjoyed across a large listening area, let me know. The reason I ask first is, it would be a rather long post and I don’t want to take up a lot of space in your thread uninvited. I’d finish off with a recommendation (of something that I don’t sell), but my recommendation would make no sense without the "backstory".

Duke

dealer/manufacturer

alanr123's avatar
alanr123
6 posts
 
Surprised no votes for Focals. I have the $4K Aria 936's (seen them on sale recently) and they sound amazing. Huge soundstage, I can walk into other rooms and they still sound good. I like them far better than the B&W 800 series and any Revels (haven't heard the new beryllium). I also like them better than the step up in the Arias 948 - I think.  I do really like Harmon & Revel sound, just didn't get as open and musical as the Focals, which could have been the amp I demoed them with.  Amp's can make a huge difference. I personally would demo the Sopra No 2's or any of new Kanta's which looks nice. Focals have a great sound and pair nicely with tube and/or ss gear. I run them off a hybrid amp and they sound amazing.
dmbwire
44 posts
 
Don’t let the B&W haters dissuade you from the new Diamonds. My office rig is McIntosh based consisting of MC152, C47, Oppo UDP-205, 805d3’s. The system is extremely easy to listen to for long periods; even at higher volumes. The new tweeter is much smoother than the previous models. I have heard the complete 800 range, although not for extended sessions, but will admit the 804 can come off as a little “bright” due to the smaller drivers; not the tweeter. The McIntosh / B&W combination works extremely well together and is well worth a listen. Best of luck with your search. 
bmontani
193 posts
 
I would look for a used pair of Thiel 3.7s.  or even 2.7s.  A real bargain and will sound fantastic if you have the right equipment upstream.  The Vandersteen Treo is also very nice.
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