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Looking for "Last" 2 channel speaker system.

I am looking to downsize my speaker system in the near future and am interested in some feedback as to what my shortlist should be for auditions!

Some background. I currently have the Genesis 4 tower speakers, and absolutely love everything about them, except, their size! In particular I like the fact that the bass towers have adjustments which includes remote volume.........very very handy and useful.

For my last set of speakers I would like something with a much smaller footprint, that can also play occassionaly at higher SPL's. I think soundstage and detail and a holographic image is important, and a strong bass is important although I'm not completely against using a separate subwoofer to assist with the absolute bottom ends.

Some of the contenders that I am considering are: Marten Coltrane, Consensus Conspiracy, Avalon Isis, JM Lab Stella, Hanson King V2 and some model of Kharma. I have also been reading lately some very good reports on the top of the line Legacy speaker.

I would like to keep the price down somewhat, hoping to spend no more than $25K on the used market, perhaps up to $40K for something that performs in Utopia.

I don't feel that my front end info matters much as it is constantly in a state of flux, although I don't see the MBL6010D leaving.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
bullot
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
872 posts
 
I would suggest the Coincident Pure Reference Extreme T's. Like the Kharma, Tidal, Marten, Consensus Audio, Evolution Acoustics,and Avalon Acoustics,they poses the Accuton ceramic drivers. In the case of the CPRE's, Accuton is employed for midrange and tweeter. They are 94db @ 8 ohms (yet perform like 98 or 99db) and have the characteristics of percussion (horn) drivers, very fast, efficient, and extremely dynamic, while mantaining tonal purity (perfect tonality/timbre being my FIRST, MUST HAVE, of any speaker!!!). My experience of them is that of being more tonally neutral across the entire band width than any speaker I have experienced at any price. I am somewhat embarrassed to say... it's true Hifi musical love. They have won me over completely, both intellectually and emotionally. The CPRE's are that amazing.

Happy Listening!
montejay
285 posts
 
I am living and enjoying a complete Coincident system for close to 4 years now, with the Coincident Pure Reference Extremes for almost two. That final upgrade was the game changer IMHO.
My source may change but I have no desire at all to change my Franks, Extreme cables,power chords, interconnects or those amazing speakers.The components together get out of the way and allow the music to really come through in a way that satisfies me all the time. It has to be experienced.
I couldn't describe these components any better then has already been said by the two previous posters. The system seems to get better everytime I sit down for a serious listen.
This is my last 2 channel system. I only buy music these days.

Regards,
rumadian
152 posts
 
Unless you're the kinda guy that gets a thrill out of diving head first into unknown territory, I'd suggest putting a few thousand dollars into a travel fund and then make the time to go around and actually listen to a number of top tier loudspeakers.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I agree with the suggestion of traveling a bit to audition different speakers. One that I can recommend is the new Magico Q3. I just heard it in Boston and it was the best "store demo" I've heard. It's $34K and would definitely be on my short list as a final purchase. Of course, amps are critical part of the equation. Sounds like a fun problem to have.
kclone's avatar
kclone
689 posts
 
Von Schweikert Unifield 3. Small footprint big sound. Soundstage, detail, and holographic image are it's strengths.
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