Speakers for string Quartets

Thanks for the perspective, suggestions. I understand the argument that speakers reproduce sound, not just specific types or instruments.

currently have modified Klipsch Cornwalls,(mods make them similar to Cornwall 4)

they sound great with most music, but give stringed instruments a steely, metallic timbre. Looking for a second set for strings only. Room is pretty well treated, I use REW to take measurements.

As some said I’m looking at British, and Magnepan, investigating electrostatics.
I’m just trying to get some perspectives from other stringed music lovers. Orchestras do very in well, but solo violin/ chamber doesn’t get the tone.

thanks for all the help.

Maggies or ML electrostatics but you might need a more powerful amp.

Well, I agree that I don’t think you buy a speaker for a genre of music, as a good speaker will play all well…..but….

Another vote for Vandersteen. I play a lot of classical both orchestral and quartets, and love the tone and timbre Vandersteen’s provide, especially with quartets….listening to a quartet as I type this.

I have Vandersteen Model 1’s, Model 2 Sigs, and now Treo. The Treo are a step above, especially for classical/quartets. I would highly recommend the Treo, Quatro or above.

Highly recommend Martin Logan ESL 15A’s. They are power hungry. I had mine paired with McIntosh Monoblocks (1.25kwh). Luxman is a better choice for an amp based on my experience. Good Luck and keep us posted!!

I have two friends who are professional classical musicians, playing in orchestras (one being the Philadelphia Orchestra), and both have

Vandersteens, and love them.

I also have an older series 2

Vandersteen. They have beautiful tonality fitting for violin and piano. My top priority in speakers choice is 1. violin, 2. piano, so this recommendation might be useful for you.

And Ann Akiko Myers has the model 7 (I believe) in SoCal.

 

Well, I agree that I don’t think you buy a speaker for a genre of music, as a good speaker will play all well…..but….

Another vote for Vandersteen. I play a lot of classical both orchestral and quartets, and love the tone and timbre Vandersteen’s provide, especially with quartets….listening to a quartet as I type this.

I have Vandersteen Model 1’s, Model 2 Sigs, and now Treo. The Treo are a step above, especially for classical/quartets. I would highly recommend the Treo, Quatro or above.

I play a bit if everything (rock, Punk, Folk, a smaller amount of classical and Jazz) and like piano and vocals… and especially woodwinds.

My 2C pair play everything pretty well. They are 35 years old, and I expect that the newer ones are no worse. 😀 (I have heard some and they do seem to be better… but even a used pair the really are hard to beat.)

If you are going to shove them against a wall, then the Treos are probably a better choice than the 2C.

You probably would be well advised to also consider their subwoofer for the cello “body”, as well as it frees up the Pass amps from servicing the lows..

But I have also heard Maggies that sounded good, and some others.
(The Devore and the Harbeth seem to have cabinets that possibly sing along with the music?? - to me some of those more boxy speakers loose something in piano and strings.)

What shops are near you?
Or what area of the country are you in?