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New Speaker Conundrum - Vandy's, Spendors, Salk, Ascend - Mainstream or ID

I am very lucky to be close to Audio Connection and John has outfitted my entire rig over the years. I am currently running Ares/RP-7 to M-180s - always liked Mark's designs and he/Nick are so approachable over at Rogue.

I used to run 2CE IIs for the longest time and loved them and I thought I would give ID a try and landed a pair of Double Impacts - which I love.

However, I have the upgrade itch and I am in two minds on whether I want to go back to Vandy's or look at Salk/Ascend.

I have narrowed down my list to Spendor D9s, Vandy Treo CTs, Salk Soundstage 8s and potentially the Sierra Towers. I am going over to Johnny's this weekend for another listening session with the Treos and potentially Quatros.

I have always looked (more likely lurked) on these forums over the years for advise - unfortunately never posted :(.
cptkaos
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,927 posts
 
@photomax try Hawthorne Stereo in Univ District, then  make a day of it by visiting Advanced audio in Tacoma, then Gig Harbor Audio  in GH, get a cold beverage and Halibut burger at Tides Tavern

gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
@tomic601 .
Wow, that sounds like a great plan.
Bob
photomax
169 posts
 
^^ I did get to listen to the Spendor D7s, some active ATCs and a pair of Audio Physics at Hawthorne. The Spendors sounded awesome.

Across the street at a Definitive Audio you can check out B&W, Linn, Sonas Fabers and really expensive Wilson’s...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,927 posts
 
@photomax you got it! Advanced in Tacoma is owned by Definitive but carries some different gear - notably for me Vandersteen. You definitely owe yourself a visit and Eric at GHA always has something interesting cooking, anyway have fun and enjoy your search!
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Late to the party.  Been down hard with the MS stuff.  

Bob bought my Treo's. I still LOVE them.  They are a special speaker to say the least for many reasons. I moved to the Quatro's and won't look back.  I have heard most of the speakers in this thread and was a 20 year Proac guy and loved them.  

I heard the Harbeth's a few months ago and enjoyed them, but they lacked the dynamics that the Vandy's have.  To my ears, the Vandy's are making the best compromise in speakers right now.  They aren't trying to be anything other than being musical.  
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