Speaker polyamory -- or, stories about getting a second set to alternate with your primary

Could not afford new equipment, so began to explore vintage.

I have five pair and a lengthy list of others I’d like to own and spend time with; IMF RSPM MkIV and IMF SACM are my grails.

Walsh Ohm 2s and 4s, Infinity, Dahlquist, Magnepan, backed by a pair of RELs.

Every so often I move the current pair out and set up another.

It fascinates me the way speakers present a soundstage, and all of the imaginative attempts through the years to get it right.

I learned to dislike two-way speakers because of mid-range suck out: those I would sell, they never satisfy, but the others are like musical instruments to me - they become part of you after you spend time with them, like a guitar - and I’ve learned a lesson by the dozens of comments I’ve read that all say the same thing: I had a pair of those, I wish I never sold them.

So I have ‘too many’ speakers, but that’s OK.

Great responses so far. @bobpyle mentions that he's hit audio nirvana and doesn't see why he'd have a second pair. Posters have mentioned a bit about why they like the variation which comes with a second speaker -- seems like tonality, dynamics, and soundstage can vary enough that there is a refreshing difference which can be introduced by a second set of speakers.

I'm pretty sure that there is a second set of speakers out there that would do greater justice to the symphonic music I listen to -- so that's another reason for swapping in a second pair -- to make another genre of music come to a fuller potential.

@hilde45 

[Well, it seems like you & I could agree with a post on Sunday, by kenjit about speaker design (linked in a box below the end of this message). I found it very disappointing that so many negative posts were received on that thread. It appears to me that this forum is plagued by inexperienced posters, who take issue with subjects that they have not fully understood.] 

I don't need a second pair of speakers, because I have found that I get the sound change I (very occasionally) need, by implementing a very simple, but effective change. I bypass my pre-amp and pug the XLR DAC cables direct into my power amp and control the volume on my DAC. Providing the DAC volume control is of very high quality, this change provides a slightly more detailed and dynamic sound (depending on how wet my grounding system is and how clean the main power supply is) with a slight loss of musicality and emotion.

I also find this change is sufficient to stimulate my perception of hearing and, effectively "wake up' my brain to figure out the new sound. I know this factor is playing the largest part in changing the entertainment value of my music. 

Thank you,

BP

Worked my infinity way up to a pair of RS111b’s liked them so much I bought another pair 4 column style. Years later added the necessary space, amplification and set up an IRS Beta system. So Knocking out a few walls adding a chunk gave me entertainment and dedicated music rooms. 80’s 90’s modded, tweaked vintage with parts in storage, all are happy !

Great topic. Currently own a pair of Magnepans and Klipsch heritage horn speakers. For me, there's no point to having multiple "lovers" if they're a lot alike. 😉👍🎸🤘✌️