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Best speakers for about $3500

Hi All,

I would appreciate some input on my next speaker purchase. I want to spend no more than $3500. I have a Krell 400xi amp. I listen mostly to rock/jazz on vinyl. I have an Innersound phono pre, VPI Scout, and a ZYX cartridge. My dedicated listening room is on the second floor and is about 12 x 14. I prefer full range speakers but don't need to fill an auditorium.

In the past, I have owned B&W Matrix 802s and loved them. In my opinnion, the nicest speakers I have ever heard were B&W Nautilus 802s. Alas, I can't afford them. Notably, I owned a pair of DM 604s for about a week. They were the most disappointing speaker purchase I have ever made.

So I am considering Nautilus 803s though I would be really dissappointed if they were closer to the 604s than the 802s. But I also have access to a very good deal on Gallo Acoustics ref 3.5s. I have heard the Gallos and, while they sound nice, did not compete with the N802s. However, it is not fair to compare the Gallos to the much more expensive 802s. How would they match up to the 803s? Moreover, it seems that I might not be considering all of the great speakers in my price range. For example, I stumbled across a pair of Talon Khorus speakers for $3200. Based on their $15k retail price, I bet they don't suck. Or how about a pair of Wilson Cubs.

Thanks for the feedback, Jim
jwit
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dave43
108 posts
 
I think if you liked the N802's the N803's would be the best choice in that price range. I'd have to think they're going to be closer in sound to the N802's than the DM604's you did not like. I've owned N805's and thought they were a great speaker for the money. I drove mine with a Levinson No. 331 and McIntosh MC7200 and both sounded great.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Used Sonus Faber.
dorkwad
548 posts
 
I have a B&W dealer very near me and have listened to all their best speakers and the Magnepans several times. Nice speakers but I don't think either of those companies' products have the clarity and dynamics of VMPS speakers. In a small room, either the RM 30's or the 626R's would be outstanding. If you got the 626's, you could also get a sub at that price. Must get the upgraded capacitors, megawoofers and fst tweeters. The VMPS speakers are very adaptable to rooms to get great sound. You could get a brand new pair in your price range. I have the 626R's with the upgrades plus sound deadening package with a VSS sub and it's like there is no sub--just dynamic, live sounding music with clarity without etch at every frequency. Bob
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
LOL, no really Dorkwad, did you really just say that your VMPS speakers have more clarity than 3.6r Magnepans???

Wow,that's bold, I mean I've heard of talking your book, and I wouldn't argue with that statement regarding the B&W's, another box-y speaker, but a large planar like a Maggie 3.6r?? No way. No unless you were way under driving the speaker with less required power.

That's just not reality. I mean I know all of this hobby is subjective, but I have to call "Foul" on that statement.
dorkwad
548 posts
 
Macdad,
I've heard them all and in my opinion, with the upgraded VMPS speakers, the 3.6 sounds as though there is a thin pillow covering them compared to the clarity and dynamics of the VMPS. For me, if the price were the same, I'd pick the VMPS everytime. You can think differently and that's OK. I can't vouch for any VMPS speaker that doesn't have my 4 upgrades. I've never heard them. Brian Cheney says that all the VMPS speakers sound very similar but the bigger ones have a bigger sound and can play a bit louder, and will go deeper in bass. Bob
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