Need Salk/Legacy speaker help/opinions

No matter what speaker you look at, someone replaced something else with it. While those comments are most certainly honest for that person, they are by no means evidence that one is better than the other.  I am a fan of both brands. Out of the Salk speakers that I have heard, the HT3 was probably my least favorite. They take big power and I felt like the bass was disconnected from the mids and highs. If you are looking for something to replace the Focus in their line, I would consider a used pair of Soundscape 8 if you can find them, or the newer Song 3 Beat or Encore. The newer Legacy line is different than the older and you should really see if you can find a place to listen to them. The Focus SE is a nice speaker, but I would want to be very sure if I were to spend that much on a pair of speakers. Good luck.

I like the Encore but the HT3 have the RAAL tweeter which is suppose to be excellent. I thought that would separate them from the Encore's.

We are a Legacy dealer so take this as you wish.
The Legacy Focus is a much more unique loudspeaker which does things that most of the Salk’s don’t
The Focus is way more efficient 93db vs 84db-86db for many Salks
The Focus has way deeper bass then most Salk models 22hz vs 25-34hz for most Salk models.
The Legacy’s have far greater power handling and will play louder than most Salks.
Other salient features are all custom drivers in the Legacy’s.
For example most of the high end Legacy’s the Focus, Signature Se, the Aeris, all employ a German made Heil AMT tweeter and midrange, coupled with a silk and graphite lower midrange.
These are all custom designed drivers which no one else is using.

Most of Salk’s drivers are Raal ribbons coupled with ceramic midrange drivers which are not going to sound as coherent as what Legacy is doing.
Other Salk speakers use Seas drivers while other Salks use drivers from other companies.

Salk is a lovely speaker builder who builds nice speakers with out a unifying concept or philosophy, vs Legacy whose products all speak with one voice and one concept:
If you notice Legacy is famous for speakers which:

Play loud.
Are extremely durable. Have fantastic deep bass responseUse very advanced custom driversAre extremely efficient
Have many models covering many different price points
Known for having speakers which have a sweet top end, good detail and resolution, a clean warm midrange, and very deep tight bass.

Dave and TroyAudio Doctor NJ Legacy dealers

These are two great speakers from two great designers with beautifully finished cabinets....I'm thinking you might consider the following questions on your journey....


1.  What are your current Legacy models lacking...or what is it you are trying to improve upon?


2.  The Focus SE weighs 188lbs per speaker ready to be shipped...that means if you ever want to resell...it will probably be tough....is this an issue for you?


3.  People often suggest that the RAAL tweeter is laid back...but when you investigate further it has no zing, presents a massive soundstage, tremendous detail and is tonally beautiful...is it going to be bothersome that it just doesn't "grab you" right out of the box...that instead, you will have a lightbulb moment a couple weeks or months down the road as to how good it is?


4.  The Legacy AMTs may have less dispersion than the RAAL...this isn't a good or bad thing...just something to be aware of with respect to the room you are going to put them in and what you are hoping to achieve.


5.  The Legacy AMTs are a little less laid back than the RAAL...and in some rooms this is a good thing and in others...not so much.


6.  The Legacy is pretty tall...can you sit far enough back so that the tweeter/mid are at the proper ear level.


7.  Most would say that the RAAL is safely played below 110db at one meter...so if you want super loud at 5 meters back...then maybe the RAAL isn't the best choice.


As I said, these are two great loudspeakers. Your ears, your music and the nuances that matter to you are critical....as is your room and your ability to position either speaker for its optimal sound.


Full disclosure....I've heard the Legacy (but not in my room with my equipment)..it sounded great.  I own the Salk Veracity ST which has the RAAL and a similar Seas midwoofer...it sounds great also.


Finally, I'm not a big believer in the "best speaker I've ever heard" theory.  I am more of a believer that our brains somewhat ignore what is sounds good, point out "what is wrong" and keep bugging us to fix it.  For me, the Salks get almost everything right...but the key statement here is that I'm hearing them in my room, with my music and my equipment.

Having only heard each type at shows I am perhaps not the best to give my opinion. But, based on my experience the Salks win by a wide margin.