Your thoughts on my quest for new speakers


I know this has been asked many times on this forum, but I would really like some input on my quest for new speakers.  I am currently running a Hegel 160 with Linn Majik 140 floor standing speakers and a Rythmik sub to fill out the bottom end.  I use the Hegel's built-in Airplay to stream Tidal (Hi-Fi only) to the Hegel.  I tried the Bluesound Node recently and found it actually decreased the sound quality, so I removed it from the system.  It seems the consensus is that Tidal Hi-Fi Plus is not worth the extra $10/month.  I listen to all types of music - with a focus on well produced recordings.

My listening room is a 30' x 13' rectangle with 9' ceilings and pretty good acoustics (I think).  The speakers are on a 13' wall.

Overall I am happy with my system and get a lot of pleasure out of listening to it.  But like many of us, I get the itch every now and then and wonder if I could improve the sound in some way. I think the Hegel is a solid contributor to good sound, so I plan to keep that and replace the speakers (although the Hegel 390 certainly is tempting).

Regarding price, I am willing to pay for good sound, but I subscribe to the theory of diminishing marginal improvement, i.e. $20k speakers are not twice as good as $10k speakers.  My sense is they are maybe 10% better (if that).  But let's not make this discussion about that.  My sense is $10k should get me speakers that are a solid upgrade from the Linns, but that is just a guess.

I am fortunate to leave near John Rutan's shop (Audio Connection) in NJ and spent a few hours with him last week.  He (as many of you know) is high on Vandersteens.  We listened to the Quattros for a while and they are great, but probably more than I want to spend and they would require I replace the Hegel as well.  We also listened to the Magnepan 3.7s and I was very intrigued with them - they really envelope you in the sound.  I am going back to listen to the Vandersteen Treos next week.

I listened to the 8 series B&Ws yesterday and really liked the 805s and 804s (I like the 801-803 as well, but too expensive).   They are also aesthetically pleasing, but that is not as important as the sound (of course).  I also listened to the Majico A3s, but I didn't find the $ worth it for the sound.

I also will listen to QLN, Boenicke, Focal and Harbeth at Park Avenue Audio next week.  The Boenickes really intrigue me.  The Buchardt S400 MKIIs also interest me, but wonder whether they are enough for my large room (even with the sub)?  I like that I can listen to them in my home for a period to be sure I like them.  They would be a nice low cost option.

So I would love to hear your thoughts on a good choice for me.  As I said, I think $10k is enough, but if there are some $15k speakers that would be a quantum leap forward, I would consider them.  I am open to used as well.

Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

 

 

 

jcs01

I have been an audiophile 40+ years and owned a Audio store System synergy is most important the #1 most important part of the Audio system and starting point is your sourse Quality first and foremost ,the Blusound, and dac in the Hegal are both 

good for a starting point only ,my friend has the much higherAhegal 390 and that too is severely lacking even vs a sub $1k dac like the very good Denafrips Aries-2 dac for a good example , I would without question recommend that dac ,or ifyou can absorb $2k the Denafrips pontus-2 they are exceptional products and being a R2R dac very good sounding not bright , Thst being said buy a decent Ethernet hub Like the Uptone audio Ether regen many great reviews ,and under $650

the Ethernet cable going into your server or streamer makes the largest improvement ,Thst being said at least spend $200+ from the modem to router ,if along run then buy Beldens Best from blue jeans cable ,quality on both end points is most important ,myself and many in our multi state audio club have proven this many times . Usb cables there are many ,If you like a very detailed analog cable the Final Touch Audio. Callisto usb cable has won many nin digital fans over for under $900 exceptional.   There are many examples and choices I am just stating my vast experience and view points from myself and others. Once you get your digital upgraded then you can move on with your speakers .for everything starts at your source if you have a lower grade audio signal it cannot be made up downstream that is my point.

Check out the Salon2’s.  They’ve been around a while, and for good reason.  Can also be had at a good price given how long they’ve been in the market.

Fyne 702.  Price has gone up like almost all audio but. Still sun 10k.   Don’t need much power and concentric tweeter midrange and down firing bass make them room friendly.  In love with mine for acoustic, singer songwriter, blues and jazz

If you want to keep the Hegel I’d go for a pair of Harbeth Monitor 40s in that room. One of the best speakers out there and I think John is (or was) a dealer. Or, ditch the Hegel and ask John to hook you up with a pair of Vandy 5s which are excellent (far superior to those down the line). Either are speakers for life and would come in under $15k.