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Well Rounded Speakers $2500-$3000?

I live in Memphis TN and really don't have a lot of availability in terms of "high-end" stores to audition speakers.

I've been looking for a pair of speakers in the used $2500-$3000 range such as the Eggleston Fontaine II's, Von Schweikert VR4Jr's, Vienna Acoustic's Beethovens, etc...

I listen primarily to classical and jazz but they also have to be able to pound out some Pink Floyd and Zeppelin. My front end is currently an Audible Illusions M3 pre, Odyssey Khartago mono blocks, pro-ject turn-table, and lexicon sacd player.

Which of the speakers I listed would you choose? Other speaker suggestions or places to audition these speakers in my area are welcome! Thanks for the help guys!
mattybvt42
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
06-27-09: Daverz
The NHT Xd processor only takes analog inputs, so it doesn't matter if you're system is all digital or not ...
I understand, but since I had just laboriously returned to an all analog signal chain after 20 years of digital, I didn't want the signal chain to terminate with digital speakers. It's not that 24/96 digital sounds bad; it's just that I can tell it's not analog, and when I listen to analog I want it so sound analog.

So for me, in a primarily analog system I'd get the Mirage OMD-28s, but for a primarily digital rig I'd go with the NHT XD.
sunshdw's avatar
sunshdw
256 posts
 
B&W CM9s have been getting great reviews.
rufipennis
118 posts
 
There are many good suggestions here but I have to second Drewfidelity's recommendation. IMO, anyone shopping in the sub-$5K category has to consider Vandersteens, either the 3A Signature or the 2Ce Signature II. I went with the IIs because they sound very nearly as good as the 3s while being more affordable, easier on the eyes due to being 8" shorter, and a bit easier to drive.
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knownothing
1,584 posts
 
I would add these great speakers to your shopping list:

Dynaudio Focus 220 II
Epos M16i
Usher Be-718 (small but great)
Acoustic Zen Adagio (used)
Devore Gibbon 8 (used)

I really like the Totem Forest, Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Baby Grand - both are just above your stated price range new.

By the way, how do you like the Khartago amps?
bondmanp
1,816 posts
 
In addition to the numerous great suggestions above, I would add:

Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand
Silverline Audio Allegro

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