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
