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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
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"I've tried to like the new B&W's... but I don't."
This is getting interesting. A speaker company with a long tradition of building really esteemed products gets more than just one "not my kind" response on this thread. Again, no haters but just not impressed ones. I thought I was the only one out there. I guess it is time to come out of the closet. Maybe higher models are significantly different?
motobman's avatar
motobman
15 posts
 

I absolutely LOVE my Bache Audio Tribecas!!!  Will post pictures of them, I really like the small footprint and clear, excellent sound.  They blow away my Jade 7 Wharfedales and the bass/highs are equally excellent!!  They were awesome to deal with and even have a custom, champagne color!!  Second to none and under $7000 !!!  Review to come,

Brett

gene3x OP
43 posts
 
So I am going to listen to the Paradigm Persona's and the Tekton's tomorrow.  I am hoping to go listen to several others mentioned if I can find them in my area. 

I have to say, that LX521 looks very interesting.  I usually don't like the goofy minimalist look of speakers like that but they don't look half bad.  I actually like them better than the Persona's in terms of looks. I think my old cherry Signature S8's look better than the new persona line but since that is not my main focus as long as they are not hideous or cheap looking I will listen with an open mind. 

Duke , what was that you were saying about a large soundstage? Fell free to elaborate.....
jburidan
803 posts
 
With Revel you're dealing with the Harman Kardon mega-church which provides shitty customer service. For details, read The Castle by Franz Kafka. :(

Also, I feel sorry for people who buy Maggies because the sound will not satisfy in the long run, although they impress at first. The Maggies break-down, too -- just see all the Maggies for sale that have been rebuilt or repaired due to breakdown of the electrostatic film.
bassdude2's avatar
bassdude2
21 posts
 
I must agree with "russbutton" and those below who have suggested the Linkwitz LX521’s and Orion’s - they are truly superb speakers and incredible values. I have the Orion 3.4’s, and there are very few speakers for less than $20K+ that can match them.

Yes - they do require amplification of 8 channels (4 right and 4 left), and an external custom crossover - which may be either analog or digital (most seem to prefer the analog crossover). There are several sources for these - you don’t have to DIY. But, that additional complexity yields almost unmatched sound. And... for the record... a digital crossover, does not require a digital source.

The Orions do appear on the for sale forums (usually with the ATI 6012 amp) every now and then.

Oh yes... I’d like to have the Legacy Audio Aeris as well - which nothing bests for less than $50K. But... I don’t want to invest that amount of money, and don’t want to have to have the neighbors over to help me move my speakers. The LX521’s and Orion’s are much easier to manage - yet their sound rivals the Aeris.
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