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$5k Pair Full Range Speaker Shootout - Help me pick

Hi Guys,

Around the holidays I will be purchasing a pair of (roughly) $5k/pair full range stereo speakers for use in a 2-channel only system. My current JBL Synthesis HDI-1600’s will be accompanied by the matching HDI-4500 Center Speaker and likely an Arcam AVR30 and used exclusively for Home Theater use.


Here’s what I’m currently considering for the 2-Ch speakers. If you all could relay any experiences or impressions you’ve had with these specific speakers, or speakers in their range, it would surely help me make the right choice. I know a lot of people say "I listen to all genre’s", but I truly do have an enormous digital music collection that spans all genre’s. Everything from current EDM and Pop to High Res Classical, Audiophile tester type selections, every one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 500 albums of all time in FLAC (classic rock and funk heavy), etc. I like to put all of this content on shuffle and just listen to whatever happens.

2-ch system will continue to be powered as follows:

Digital - Foobar2000 --> SMSL SU-8 v2 --> Classe CAP-151

Analog - Technics SL1300mkII --> Ortofon 2M Red --> NAD PP-3 --> Classe CAP151


The speaker choices:

JBL L100 Classic

https://ibb.co/yhjJHn1

Revel Performa F208

https://ibb.co/TK4PNBD

B&W 702 S2

https://ibb.co/D4qPFcH
128x128dougeyjones
dougeyjones's avatar
dougeyjones OP
163 posts
 
I do have two subs, and can split the bottom end off on my Martin Logan Dynamo 10” for music. Have a Sunfire True EQ 12” for HT. Though I wasn’t planning on using a sub for my 2-Ch setup. 

Totem is a good suggestion, I’ve loved their gear since I first heard them at the Alexis Park hotel @ CES in Vegas a few years in a row. 

I’ll check that out. 
soix
9,456 posts
 
Underwood HiFi, who now manufactures LSA speakers, is offering their LSA 20 Statement speakers here for $4500/pr (normally $7k) that includes a nice pair of speaker cables.  As they’re selling direct this offers a lot of value given their pedigree and quality of components, and they offer a 30-day trial, which is really nice.  Initial reviews are very positive.  Best of luck. 
glupson
7,842 posts
 
They would not be my choice, but a number of people do seem to like Tekton Moab for $4500. Check current Tekton Moab thread (long long one, but sifting through garbage you may find some useful pointers) for pros and inconveniences you may encounter if considering them. They do not sound like Revel, Bowers & Wilkins, or Dynaudio, but if you could audition them before purchase....you never know.
imthorek
21 posts
 
I'd go with Revel

imThorek
andrewkelley
275 posts
 
Are revel and jbl the same company ??? My dealer told me the tweeter in the JBL 100 costs more than the speaker and the manufacturer them at a loss for some kind of marketing. This could be BS. But hey. 

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