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Technology in speakers....

So... I am curious as to your opinions of the impact of technology and progress with regards to the design and manufacture of speakers. For example, how would a highly regarded and top rated [originally] $15,000 speaker of 10 years ago compare to a modern speaker? Would it compare to a well designed $10,000 speaker today or would it take $20,000+ to compare??? Or has there not been that much change and the value basis is about the same?

I know, it’s a broad conversational topic with no parameters. Just curious as to people’s thoughts on this. Considering that a pre-owned older speaker could be 40% of its original retail price - would you consider money better spent on a preowned speaker which might offer a superior value vs retail price or on a newer speaker that would have to be half the retail price of the comparable speaker’s original price? Assuming of course that one doesn’t mind pre-owned with some scratches etc. 

In short, if you had say $7k to spend would you pick a 10 yrs $15-18k speaker or a newer $7-10k speaker? Finally, would the answer change if you are planning to keep and use this speaker for a very long time?

Thanks for any thoughts with this.
denjer1
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,178 posts
 
depends on the manufacturer...but for fun consider the discontinued Vandersteen 5a vs the current Quattro CT......to some degree it will depend on your listening priorities and room. The 5a will play lower. The Quattro will work in more rooms and have better more pistonic tweeter and midrange with measurable lower distortion. Parts and support available for both from factory and worldwide dealer network. Thriving primary and seconday markets. Replacement packing material, manuals, etc also available.. This particular brand invests in technology and frugal cost efficiency, others may do same to greater or lesser degree.

these are perhaps some of the questions to consider as you evaluate other brands. So for example, Magneplaner would look quite similar. 

have fun, enjoy the music and whatever route you take.

Jim


ebm
9,311 posts
 
Wow thats a tough one ill get back to you asap.
denjer1 OP
45 posts
 
Thanks ebm. 

Jim, 
Great reply. So.... 5A was roughly 22k. Quatro CT around $14k+. Your measured reply poses a strong argument for the Quatro (assuming playing lower is not the top priority).
So..... Between your 2 examples - assuming similar out of pocket - which would you pick? 
Thanks,
J

gs5556
1,247 posts
 
I've had the $4,000 Thiel 3.6's since the early 1990's and haven't found anything that would want me to replace them. I am blessed that I can afford to easily spend much more than $15,000 on speakers if I so choose, as the Magico S5 MkII almost tempted me to do.
gdnrbob
4,497 posts
 
@OP, 
Another Vandy nut here.
Quatro's, would be my choice- unless I had a huge room.
I own the Treo's with a pair of 2wq subs- so I have about 85% of a Quatro.
Bob
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