Best speaker in the $5-10K range. Details below.


Thank you all in advance for your help. I am a long time member but first time poster. I have a speaker budget of ~$5k. I could stretch it if needed to 8-9 if necessary and 10 MAYBE.

My room is 16'x18' with 10' ceilings. I am currently using Usher 6311's with a JL Audio f112. I am enjoying the sound I have but would like to upgrade. Using a Metrum DAC, Dodd Battery preamp and AMB labs balanced B22 amp (30-50 wpc).

I would like to upgrade my speakers but I do not have the time or opportunity to audition speakers at hifi dealers.

Based upon reading mags, web searches, etc. I have come up with some considerations. Speakers that might fit my requirements include Legacy Classic HD, Salk HT3, VMPS RM 30, Usher Mini Dancer 2 dmd, Magnepan 3.7, and Von Schweikert 35. I am not limiting my search to these and would greatly appreciate any experience, suggestions etc. to help me out.

Musical preferences include mostly rock/classic rock. jazz, and occasionally classical. Thanks again.

Regards,
jjr
joe2687
My experience has been that, unless you have a acoustically-designed room, speaker choice may well be a trial and error process to see what speaker clicks with the acoustics of your room. I've been using the Opera monitors for a few years now. I've attempted "upgrades" by purchasing more expensive speakers that I truly wanted to own, but when I put them in my room, I just couldn't get them to work. So - if you can afford the expense and time, try purchasing some different speakers used and hope they work in your room. If not, sell at not too much of a loss, if any. I highly recommend you try something from Coincident. They are excellent speakers, very efficient and the used prices are highly below what they are worth, IMO. Best of luck.
1. In most cases for the speakers you've listed you'll need larger power amp.
2. If you don't have a listening capabilities it's realy hard to 'collect equipment' since there will be pricey shipping involved indeed.
I was just wondering what is it that your current speakers are not doing that is giving you the itch to upgrade;is it something specific?
Thanks for the replies everyone. I would much prefer to be able to travel and listen, but it's a practical impossibility for me right now.

I am certainly open to in home audition and don't mind 'investing' a bit in shipping costs.

@Marakanetz: I also have a pair of Bella Extreme 100w mono's that are being tuned up right now and will be returned to me soon.

@Rleff: A little upgraditis but I would also like a more upfront soundstage, more midrange presence, more oomph in the upper bass and a little more treble sparkle (but not bright or harsh).