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Help me choose a speaker match for my Line Magnetic 805ia tube amp under $10K

Since all of you were such a huge help in getting me to arrive at my decision to get the Line Magnetic 805ia tube integrated, I thought I would start another thread to discuss speakers to consider. I do love my Ascend Acoustics but after hearing the improvement that the Line Magnetic gave my system, I am wondering now if there is a reasonably priced but a better speaker that is a better match for my system. The only criteria is that the price be equal to or less than $10k. I am looking for a speaker that is not harsh in the higher frequencies but still has enough sparkle and snap that doesn't give up anything in terms of detail. The ability to deliver some low end, dynamic punch is something that I would be looking for as well as this is the one area the Ascend's lack in currently. 

My current setup is...

Speakers: Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL Tweeters and Ascend Acoustics Center Speaker with RAAL Tweeter
Amp: Line Magnetic 805ia at 48W x 2
DAC: PS Audio Directstream Junior
Primary Music: Jazz and Female Vocals 

Speakers that I have considered so far include (power requirements notwithstanding):
  • Magico A3
  • Dynaudio Contour 60
  • Focal Sopra 2
  • Sonus Faber Olympica 3
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
freesole
djfst
169 posts
 
@freesole,

I've owned the Olympica III, and the highs were the completely opposite than "harsh."   If you felt the treble area was harsh and fatiguing, then it was coming from some other component in the system, not the Sonus Fabers.   Remember that when you are demoing speakers, you are demoing a system, not the speaker.
seanrr
1 posts
 
I use 845 monoblocks (ASL-1006-845DT) with 15” Tannoy Monitor Golds, and it sounds fantastic - if you don’t want to vintage, I think Tannoy’s new Legacy Ardens are in your price range.  I haven’t heard them, but it might be worth an audition.  Tannoys sound great with SET amps
freesole OP
159 posts
 
I would love to hear Tannoy's. Haven't heard them before but have to admit that they are not my aesthetic. 

@djfst agreed. I was just surprised given the gear was primarily McIntosh. Given I was also thinking I would go McIntosh integrated or hybrids, I was surprised at the performance in the high range. 
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
269 posts
 
Devore O96 is on my wish list but $<£ in Uk 

tannoy would be good to and be able to breathe music into your life.
mrmanisundaram
82 posts
 
Devore Fidelity O's
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