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Speakers to consider around 5k used?

I'm a newbie to the high quality world of audio. I'm interested in getting a decent system together. I'm looking for the highest quality speaker in the 4-6k range used. My listening habits are eclectic. Primarily Electronic, Rock/Pop, Classical/Soundtrack, and Traditional/Folk. My room size is an average sized USA house living room. I don't want a speaker that is overly detailed or bright that leads to harshness or fatigue, neither one that is too warm or veiled. I want a neutral speaker that is realistic and true to source without being difficult to listen to, especially in the highs. I am starting with the speakers, and have no other hi-fi equipment. However, I'm considering a network DAC player for my source.

What speakers should I be looking at and which are the best in this range available?

Thanks
Aqua
aquablu8
jdoris
972 posts
 
From your original post, my impression is that you are sensitive to edgy highs. I am too, and for the past year or so I've been happily using PBN Montana EPS2s, which often show up here in your price range. Presently, there is a pair of lovely Montana EPXs here for 4800, which probably go deeper than the EPS2s, which might be useful for some of your listening tastes. Both are big speakers, but play well close to walls so the functional space requirements are less than many smaller speakers.

Of those on your list, you could find the SF Cremona (or Cremona M), for around your PP used, and the Gallo Ref 3.5 for considerably less new. I think you'd find the highs on both tolerable. I prefer the Montanas to the Cremona, which is pretty pricey for a small tower. The 3.5s do a lot of things incredibly well; I had a pair in my house this summer, but ended up staying with my Montanas.

Good luck!

John
early's avatar
early
63 posts
 
Check out Zu. Great speakers, several in your price range. The just released DruidV is amazing. 60 day guarantee. Incomparable customer service.
oldcar63
145 posts
 
I have compared all of the speakers mentioned minus audiokinesis and revels. Although not side by side. I ended with Kef r900. Based on your likes I would demo these if you can. List 5k and for me it was easy to decide. I will say the speakers mentioned are rather fine, my second choice were the Joseph audio perspective then new Dynaudio's. I also believe you will not like the Sonus Faber's
tobb
131 posts
 
You should be able to pickup a demo pair of the Legacy Signatures around five and they are awesome.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The lease expensive and most trouble free way for you to do this is to go out and listen to some speakers and then make a decision based on what you thought was best. If you choose a different path, the chance of making a mistake is very high. I would say at least 75% to 80%.

Another thing, and just as important, is to not use 5K as a target price. Find something you like first, and then look at the price. You may very well find something you like for a lot less. And if that's not the case and you end up wanting something for more money, better to just save up and get that instead of wasting 5k on something you won't like.
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