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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!
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musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349 OP
227 posts
 
m-db I got a kick out of your response. LOL So last night I showed my wife some pictures of the Spatial line and asked if they were acceptable esthetically. (While she enjoys the music, I don't want her cringing every time she walks into the living room, right?) She said they were okay, no strong objections, but that she preferred the current 1+1s believe it or not. Go figure! 
Part of my dilemma is living in the Seattle area there are precious few dealers of hi-end gear up here. I just noticed that Definitive carries Maggies. I may have to swing by and give a listen. 
mhmeyers's avatar
mhmeyers
70 posts
 
My vote would be for KEF monitors on very good stands with a sealed sub in at least one corner, preferably two.......
tweak1
3,645 posts
 
What makes the 1 +1s so attractive is they are slim almost disappear, but Maggies are both wide and tall, they look more like doors
tuberculin
81 posts
 
I used the Acoustat service guy, if this the us one in Florida. He did an excellent job on my TNT-120 MOS-FET power amp.
If you are really wanting a very good stand mount monitor, look into the .ATC line of consumer monitors. They are a good value, excellent detail and sound stage. Their flat impedance curve gives them excellent linearity. I have the SCM 19s and am very satisfied.
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349 OP
227 posts
 
@ tuberculin, I think FL is where the company was originally located? In any case, not that I don't appreciate the tip thank you, but shipping from Seattle would likely be twice what the speakers are worth. I'm not known especially for my rational decisions but even I have to draw the line somewhere. ;^)
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