Your advice needed, speakers to buy $8K to $13K


Hello All - I am shopping/buying speakers and want your advice and recommendations on what speakers to audition that might meet my needs/wants. I am looking for floor standing speakers in the price range of $8,000 to $13,000 with the following info for you to consider:

·       I currently have an older CJ 120 wat system but am now changing my entire system starting with speakers. I am looking at AR LS28 or Primaluna EVO 400 tube preamps and a class D power amp. Right now, the Bel Canto 600 with 300+ wats.  My plan is to add tube magic in the signal path at the preamplifier.

·       I stream mostly via Bluesound Nod 2i but for serious listening I have a Linn LP12.

·       I need speakers that are not to room, location or set-up fussy as I have moved a few times and will move again.

·       My listening tastes are diverse although I don’t listen to rap, heavy metal, pop or much opera. The rest is fair game.

·       I love to crank-it-up, but I listen mostly and moderate to low volume levels – the speakers MUST sound good at low volumes

·       Tied to bullet above - I am partial to highly efficient speakers with 90 db efficiency or more. I have a have the impression that higher efficiency speakers still sound good at lower volume. I have been told, by salespeople, that this is not correct, so I open to efficiency below 90 db.

·       I need and want something pleasing to the eye and not obtrusive. Said another way, and to give you an idea of my aesthetic taste, absolutely no Tektons.

·       The sound that engages me emotionally and I am looking for in speakers:

o   Lots and lots of air and space

o   Beautiful imaging

o   Big soundstage

o   Extended highs (I like the sound of ribbon tweeters as it seems to extend way up and sparkle…airy)

o   I like base but only as a support and foundation for the rest of the musical range, but it is not a big focus for me as it is for some.

·        The sound I do not like:

o   Sound that seems reserved, held back, constrained (i.e., opposite of special and airy)

o   Sound coming clearly from a box or from specific location….as in from a box

o   Lack of extended highs

o   Blooming base

·       Considered to date:

o   Alta Audio Alec, $10K – Spacial and airy to a fantastic level. Imaging is just moderate.

o   Spacial Audio X5, $7K – To date, they have check most of my boxes except they are really large and obtrusive. Basically, I am looking for this sound but in a more attractive package.

o   Ohm – Very open and airy but imaging and top end sparkle missing for my taste

YOUR CHALLENGE – What other speakers should I consider and looking at?   Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

 

Dave


butterman
+6 (or whatever we're up to) for Legacy Audio. Girlfriends come and go, but my Signature SEs stay.

Sublime sound and particularly beautiful in the rosewood (although JL19's olive burl ash sounds lovely). And at the bottom of the OP's price range.

Obviously, there is a world of great choices for $8K or thereabouts, but what I and others are saying is that you just can't go wrong with Legacy. Stunning fit and finish, rock-solid workmanship, and top-notch people.
At that budget you can get 
- Kii Three 
- Dutch & Dutch 8C 
- Genelac 8361 with SAM 
- Dynaudio Focus XD 30 or 20 
I'll chip in and 2nd the suggestion of Tritons...great imaging, open, delicate tops and deep, deep, controlled bass. Have about 91db efficiency. Currently I run an NAD M33 out to mine and have zero complaints.
Why is efficiency an issue, if your projected amp will be 300 watts?
In your price range, Rick Craig at Selah Audio could do something really special, tailored to your tastes.  Many of his designs are a little less efficient, say sub 90.
Daedalus makes higher efficiency box designs that are lovely, and can sound very nice at low volumes.
ATC 19A.  Forget the amps, you don’t need them.  Sealed cabinets so less interaction with surroundings.  Quite dynamic and really really fast.  Substantial bass yet not rumbling.  Small unobtrusive footprint.  10K/pr.