Pondering a change after 30 odd years...


After 30 years I think it's time to move on. I have a set of Acoustat 1+1s that I've owned since new, paired with an RHLabs passive sub. It's been a great combination and still sounds pretty nice but it's all long in the tooth. Sooner or later a panel will quit then I'm dead in the water. I love the soundstage with it's "fullsized" presentation even if it's a PITA to get them dialed in just so. Maybe I'm just getting restless! I've heard many "box" speakers but damn no matter the price point it seems I can hear the "box". Granted I haven't listened to some of the big $$ stuff like Wilson but that's way outside my budget anyways. LOL! I'm wondering how some of the smaller "monitors" on stands sound? One thing I'm thinking I'd miss is the vertical part of my large soundstage. I've read about the Golden Ear line which get decent reviews. Or should I just stick with a panel of some sort, like Maggies? I've about 110 watts/side of tube power to work with. As for budget, I'm thinking somewhere in the $5-7.5K range. I'm listening to a lot of jazz these days with a dash of classical. But I'd hate to think my old rock vinyl wouldn't be welcome anymore. I know this is all pretty vague but hoping to get a nice discussion with things to think about versus "buy this" sorts of recommendations. AdThanksVance!
128x128musicfan2349
I ran a pair of Acoustat Model IIIs, biamped to transmission line subs, for quite a while.     Had to downsize, do to a low WAF (lost the house/divorce).     Stayed with panels (Maggies), for years.     Now; I own a pair of Clayton Shaw’s earlier design.     If you enjoyed your Acoustats: you’ll probably love any one of Spatial Audio Lab’s newer builds.     Especially, those with an AMT.     Very easy to drive, open, airy, nice bite (when it’s right).      https://www.spatialaudio.us/xseries/x5
For a very long time I was a confirmed Magnepan owner. The ribbon tweeter an a full sized Maggie coupled with a great sub was very enjoyable. I was not swayed away from panels until I listened to Revel speakers. I am quite content with my Revel studio 2’s and have zero thoughts of changing speakers. So there is life after panel speakers 
op

you are best off going to try to hear other folks/stores systems that are very good, and form your own perspective 

asking here is totally scatter shot... people just spew what they like... zero assurance you will...
Magnepan LRS, if you don't like them, Fed Ex them back for a full refund.  They can be traded up for specified other Magnepan models.
I heard a pair of Spatial Audio X5's today which had all the clarity and transparency of the Maggie 1.7's and then some.  Great sounding speaker and definitely something to consider coming from the Acoustat's.  The owner preferred the X5 to the Magnepan 3.7's that he had also owned.