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Speaker Suggestions/Opinions

I’m in the market for some new speakers. Budget up to about 3k. I prefer to buy used. Currently running some Totem Rainmakers. Have also Run Totem Forest and Arros. I love the Totem sound clearly, but still curious what I’m missing out on.  
Most important to me is a lush midrange, musical, the ability to disappear, and they have to image very well. I run McIntosh for amplification so I’m comfortable with a speaker that may be a touch hot in the tweeter. I’m very drawn to Harbeths based on everything I’ve read but really don’t dig the look of those fat boxes.  And why for the love of god do they have 20 screws visible on the front baffle. It’s almost as if they trademarked the look, but it’s terrible. Proac, Spendor, and Sonus Faber are few others I also find intriguing. Especially Spendor but they don’t seem to have a large market in the US. I also find there line up a bit confusing, lots of options. I really don’t like to purchase anything that doesn’t have good resale value and a fairly high demand on the used market as well. Anyways look forward to all your thoughts. 
brylandgoodman
donvito
400 posts
 
If you buy Harbeths and you want to use them with the grills removed you should get a magnet puller to remove the grills. Many used Harbeths are damaged from the grills removed incorrectly. This is the tool that I use!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-100-lb-Pull-Power-Handle-Magnets-96544/203613179
Here is a review!
  Harbeth P3ESR Review! - Bing video
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
@brylandgoodman 
Fritz is close to a one man operation, and he's been doing speakers for 40 years. He has a great ear and uses excellent parts. He's very easy to talk to and does not hard sell. If you call him and ask him questions, he'll answer honestly. He knows what works with his speakers in terms of amplification, too. 

In my opinion, the recommendations you've gotten here are all excellent. You're considering truly excellent speakers. If I were in your place, the question which would be foremost in my mind (after getting close to the sonic type of speaker you want) is, "What can I audition and at what cost for trial?" Because I really think you need to try things in your space and see what turns you on. 

Crutchfield has an excellent try and return policy, but they don't carry some of the speakers mentioned here. They do carry Dynaudio and Revel and other good brands (Martin Logan, Wharfedale, and more). Safe and Sound and Music Direct also have return policies, but I believe shipping will cost you more. 
gano
141 posts
 
He also lets you try them out: https://generubinaudio.com/


gano
141 posts
 
"room is 11ft by 22ft"
it sounds like bookshelf  speakers... I had both Monitor Audio and Dynaudio and ended up going for Dynaudio.
Monitor is much more precise, neutral, Dynaudio is harsh and sweet, a bit worse timing but more personal, irresistible
perkadin's avatar
perkadin
286 posts
 
I went through the same thing recently. I loved the sound of my system and just wanted to change it up a bit. I picked up a Willsenton R8 tube amp. It’s got the option to swap from Triode to ultra linear, and is compatible with multiple power tube types (el34, 6550, KT88). I haven’t tried tube rolling yet, but it’s fun comparing the tubes to my SS amp (Simaudio W3).  Keep your gear, just add a tube amp for some color, maybe one that can use EL34s for the midrange you seek.  
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