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A dilemma: Modern sound, Musical Bliss or both?

Hi,

I'm in a crossroad between different audiophile paths.
I have heard many speakers in the $10-$20K range.
So far, I was most impressed by the following:
- Brodmann/Bosendorfer VC7
- Devore Orangutan O/96
- Avalon Indra

They can be divided into 2 sound categories:
1) The Brodmann VC7 & the Devore O/96 are not "accurate" speakers - they both sound extremely musical and "lack" the properties of modern sounding speakers (transparency, quietness and extreme dynamic abilities).
2) The Avalon Indra is a modern sounding speaker but I enjoyed listening to it very much - but it can sometimes be non-forgiving to recordings, although not as much as other high-end modern sounding speakers I've auditioned.

My dilemma is - will I be able to enjoy both worlds with the Indra and the right setup?
When I listen to the VC7 or the O/96 - I enjoy them very much - but after auditioning the Indra I found out that I am missing many recording/musical insights that I have not experienced with the VC7 or the O/96.

What would you do?
iaxelrod
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,834 posts
 
The Indra should not be used with tubes, unlike the Eidelon. Its my opinion that you can get better sound with tubes, so I see this as a weakness in the Indra and also the Isis.

But if you are using transistors maybe you will like this speaker just fine.
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
Which speaker presents the best illusion of real acoustic instuments and voice? Pick that one. In the long run, it will be the most satisfying. You will not really miss hearing the tiny ping from the rear of the stage that some speakers might highlight.

I have two differnt setups (speakers, amps, room treatment) in my main system for summer or winter. Each has strengths and weaknesses. However, there is one I like the best overall.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Even though more choices might seem a recipe for madness, I think you have yet to here what you seem to desire. Therefore I say keep "looking."
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
If you want speakers with great dynamic range, low noise floor with very quiet
cabinets, apparently linear performance, and yet with a somewhat romantic,
voluptuous presentation, you need to include Sonus Faber in your search. Their
level of detail in proper musical perspective is absolutely captivating. And yet
they sound good on a very wide variety of material. It doesn't hurt that they're
drop-dead gorgeous as well.

Any of their floorstanding offerings with the staved cabinets (Cremona M on up)
will give you this and they definitely have such products in your price range.
mike60
275 posts
 
I went down the path of wanting rich warm 'musical' speakers rather than revealing transparent detailed type. In the end it always feel like something is lacking, but on the positive side, they will tolerate a wide range of recordings without fatigue. I found I was listening at higher volume to inject life into the music. I have changed my strategy 180 degrees. Now I want detail, transparency, dynamics and soundstage and find it adds excitement and ultimately emotional content to music, even at low volume. That sometimes comes at the price of fatigue in a small fraction of my recordings, but there is no way I could go back. Many speakers I hear lately sound pleasant but slightly lifeless.
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