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
One final thought on VMPS speakers--although there are several upgrades you can get, if you order or buy used and get the big 4 upgrades--auricaps, fst tweeters (now included with many models), soundproofing, and megawoofers (bigger magnets on current models), you don't hear about the upgrade bug from many VMPS users, at least as far as speakers are concerned. The similar sound with each speaker starts with the least espensive and continues throughout the line--they all sound great. The size of some of the larger models is a WAF problem at times, though. I'm upgraded a bunch of stuff in the past 2 years because I'm now seriously stricken with the disease, but the speakers (626R's) are awesome in every way and small enough I can take outside on good days where they are even better. I'm done now. And so is my buying as system matching is big and I've hit my home run with analog and digital. I feel the same about Modwright stuff, too.
Find a pr of Revel F52 used and you will be set. I have them and in my home with a PASS X250 amp and they beat:

B&W 801 Matrix III
Audio Physics Virgo III
Spendor SP1/2e
Magnepan MG3.6 with mye stands
Usher 6381
Eminent Tech LFT8a (Loved these)
Vandersteen 2Ce

I'm sure their are others I'm forgetting, The revels are well ballanced, have real bass and image very well. I lsisten to 80% clasic rock, 10 blues, 10 jazz.

I wanted to sell them and upgraded but cant, because they just do everything I want from a speaker
I second the Merlin's and you might want to check out the Dunlavy's for sale on audiogon as well.
I own Nate's original prototype transmission line speakers, and I think they are terrific. My Quad 63s have been idle since Nate's speakers showed up, if that provides insight. And, oh yeah, his little monitors are no slouches either.