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Speaker recommendations, budget $10-15K

I am looking to upgrade my speakers. In particular, I am looking for better low-end extension than my current speakers, Sehring 703s, which the specs say go to 38Hz but seem to roll off above that. I primarily listen to rock. I have to say, I prefer a bit of warmth over ultimate transparency.

Ancillary equipment is a Pass Labs X150.5 power amp, Mystere ca21 preamp, Perfect Wave Mk2 DAC & Transport. Room size is 13x25. Speakers are facing out from the long wall. The speakers will be in my living room, so they cannot be too enormous or push the envelope aesthetically. I would prefer to buy new. While open to buying used, I am wary of shipping damage.

The speakers I plan to audition are:
Marten Django
DALI Epicon 8
Acoustic Zen Crescendo
Aerial 7T
Tannoy Kensington

I have also read good things about Vapor Audio Joule Black, but would have a real hard time auditioning them before hand.

I would appreciate any other recommendations of speakers to audition, as well as any thoughts about the speakers on my current list. Thanks.
mcondon
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
One review of the Ulysses (in Dagogo) said they are not "full-range" and are somewhat lacking in terms of low end extension. Is that at all true?
They are not "full-range" in the sense that they don't go down to 20 Hz or less. As I indicated earlier, though, their 28 Hz specification seems about right in my experience, based both on listening and on measurements I've done using test tones and an SPL meter. My strong impression is that most (but not quite all) owners of the Ulysses use them without a subwoofer.

As you've probably already seen, though, the smaller Daedalus models don't go down quite as far, with the Athena specified to 34 Hz, and the DA-RMa specified to 36 Hz.

Keep in mind, also, that all of Lou's frequency response numbers are +/-2 db. If he had based them on a looser tolerance, as a lot of manufacturers do, the 28, 34, and 36 Hz numbers would all have been at least a little bit lower.

Regards,
-- Al
james63
534 posts
 
Used Revel Salon Ultima 2, best speakers I have heard at any price (never heard Magico and some others). I can't say anything bad about them, find a demo. Great bass, I mean really great and everything else is good too. They are 22k new and around 12 used.

Wilson Sophia 3 should also be on a rockers list. Not as transparent as the revel but they are hifi with a little fun "beauty" as wilson calls it tuned in.
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rja
2,380 posts
 
Coincident Total Victory V might be worth checking out.
keithr
1,306 posts
 
Zu Definition 4- competes with up to 30k level speaks imo
taki944
4 posts
 
If you like the speakers you have now have you tried running a good sub with them for that lower end your missing?? I started adding subs to both of my listening systems and fell in love with my maggies all over again. Just a thought
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