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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
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Legacy 20/20 are not the answer (my father owned them 5 years and were EASILY bested by Vandesteen Quatro in every regard).
Bass was so much better in Vandersteen it was laughable, image, warmth, depth all in Vandersteens favor.
dorkwad
548 posts
 
Jimwit,
This forum can be very helpful as it can open your mind to different possibilities or in this case, speakers. I'll still stand behind VMPS speakers with auricaps, fst tweeters, megawoofers, and sound deadening as having stunning clarity, dynamics and basically excellent at all the little audiophile goodies and if you get VMPS subs with the 626R's or RM-30's, you'll experience a royal eargasm with any type of music you like. The only possible drawbacks of VMPS speakers is you have (get) to adjust the sound for your room and it takes some time to get it right--you definitely can do it, and secondly, they're not free. Hey, Brian's got to eat too. By the way, MacDad, I like the 3.6R's and if I had never heard the 626R's that I was lucky enough to buy from a former A'gon owner, I'd been tempted to buy a pair. Just one dork's opinion. I could use a hug, man. These little forum ditties are loads of fun--like farting in 5 colors. Later, Bob
goldprintaudio's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
Joseph Audio rm25 or rm22
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
If you have ever seen Brian C at VMPS you wil know he HAS to eat and eat alot lol
sarcher30
596 posts
 
803 nautilus are much closer to 802's than they are to the 604s. When I first got into this hobby I bought a pair of 602.5s. I quickly upgraded to 805n which were tons better. I loved the 803n but could not afford them at the time.

With the size of your room I would think the 803n would work better than the 802n anyway.

You should go listen to as many speakers in your area as you can to determine what sounds best to you. No one can tell you what you will prefer.
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