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Need help in search of Living Voice sound

Hi all,

I've been looking for a new sound system for almost two years now. A couple of weeks ago I had the Living Voice IBX/R2 speakers in my home and quite loved them. They are dynamic, up front, forgiving yet detailed, on the warm side of neutral and give a great live feel. This is what I want from my sound system. But... I'm also no great fan of their looks, their build quality leaves somewhat to be desired and their overall looks are just not what you expect in this price range. So, does any one has some suggestions for an alternative, preferably something in the line of the Sonus Faber Cremona (looks and build quality). Budget is around 10K US Dollar.
I listen to all kinds of music and want to be able to hear bad recordings as well, so too analytical speakers are out of the question.

I've already tried:

- Thiel CS 2.4 (too harsh and analytical)
- Sonus Faber Cremona M (too laid back, too reserved)
- Audio Physic Scorpio and Virgo V (bass problems, no side firing woofers in my room)
- Focal Electra 1007 BE (too colored, not enough weight)
- Wilson Benesch Discovery (too analytical)
- Wilson Benesch Arc (too dry and boring)
- Master Contemporary C (also analytical)
- Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M (not hefty enough and cannot play loud)
- Volent VL3 (too analytical)
hulskof
lokie's avatar
lokie
528 posts
 
Very few speakers have the balanced resolution of the IBXR2's, AND are easy to drive. Genuinely tube friendly from 20 to 70 watts. Lot's of great amp choices in that range giving the listener the ability to dial in personal preferences. Just a great speaker.

A couple of manufacturers you may want to check out are Merlin, Audio Note and Gemme Audio. Also, I don't know what your budget is but the Acapella LaCampanella that just popped up here on Audiogon sure would be a sweet replacement.

I'm interested in your final choice so plese let us know what you decide.

Post removed 
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,407 posts
 
Tvad beat me to it--as I was reading your post the Daedalus speakers stuck out like a......perfect choice. FWIW, I've heard every speaker on your list, including the Cremona's, except for the Master Contemporaries and the Volent's. Given your response to those that we have both auditioned, I would be very surprised if the Daedalus did not do the trick.
david12
1,454 posts
 
Having used the LV Avatars for years, I moved on to the Acoustic Zen Adagios and am now looking for my final speakers in your price range. I second many of the above suggestions and am planning a trip to RMAF to hear the Daedalus line. I would also consider the Bolero's if I could hear them. Some other suggestions:
Art Deco 8/10 Signature Outside your price range, but the dealer is selling off his Dem models on the Gon. I auditioned them recently in the UK, easy to drive, good soundstage, neutral, good dynamics. In fact, the best I have heard to date.
Coincident Super Victory
Devore Gibbon 9 or super 8

I am sure there are others, but I am looking to hear these. I auditioned the older Coincident Victory 11's against the Art speakers and the latter were obviously superior. I would still like to hear the Suoper Victories.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
proac as well
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