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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
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.
jfz
570 posts
 
I agree with at least checking out the Merlins.
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
I would definitely listen to the Focus. Everyone has different oppinions, and rightly so. To comment on a above users response, I found the Quatro's to be way over priced, and didnt really enjoy them much at all. The Focus had better bass in every way to my ears, and Id gladly take the more relaxed, warm sound anyday. In fact, Id buy the Focus 20/20's again over any speaker out there above or near its price. Thats just how much I loved them. I only sold my 2 pairs for financial reasons, and someday plan on getting a pair back. For me, the Focus 20/20's put things in perspective of the importantance of speakers over components and sources.

Ive owned so many speakers out there, many of the top reviewed from Magnepan, Martin Logan, Paradigm, Gallo, Legacy, B&W, etc...and I just love the music the Focus 20/20's produce. Ive used the Focus in large rooms, and small rooms, and they always sounded top knotch. My opinion, a good speaker, is a good speaker-PERIOD.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Yes but a great speaker is just that much better..........I happen to think the Quatro is worlds above the 20/20 but we all hear differently.
branislav
405 posts
 
I have MIrage OMD 28 that are available new for less than 3K and I consider them the best deal in my current set up. I think they are terrific.
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