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Young audiophile metal head looking to level up speaker choice

Hello Audiogon,

I'm a pretty new to the world of audio and looking to make a signifiant upgrade from my first self purchased speaker, the Q Acoustics 3030i.  I was encouraged by an audiophile friend to join Audiogon and post a question regarding what speaker would be best.

I decided to pick up a much nicer amplifier last year, upgrading from a Cambridge AXR85 to a Rogue Sphinx V3. This 2024 I am wanting to make a similar upgrade to my speakers.  I wanted a more dynamic amplifier and found the Cambridge to smooth when combined with my Q Acoustics.

I have my own listening room but it's rather small 11ft x13ft.  I listen to mostly heavy metal/rock music at 70-85 decibels.   I have looked at been cross shopping the Buchart S400 mkII, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Zu DWX, Arendale 1723 - but have also heard good things about vintage Usher speakers..

Thanks for your consideration and advice here.

cheers

killingforcompany
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,602 posts
 

killingforcompany

 

Excellent suggestions as above. I will second, older Infinity or Polk Audio SDA models. Sonus Faber is a natural sonic match with Rogue Audio.  Keep me posted on your Audio journey.

 

Happy Listening!

loomisjohnson
1,943 posts
 

i'd look seriously at the goldenear w/powered subs (which have polk lineage)--they extend low, have a small footprint + you can get good deals on the triton models.

doyle3433's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
doyle3433
315 posts
 

Excellent suggestions on the Goldenear’s ! I’ve heard them more than a few times and always come away impressed with their open and airy feel, super musical too.

Ive only heard the paradigm founder 80’s and really liked them a lot. I understand further up the line the have powered low end too. May be worth a consideration.

helomech
1,673 posts
 

Klipsch Heresy IV

helomech
1,673 posts
 

Golden Ear speakers would be just about the worst choice one could make. They will make a meal of Spam out of any metal music. Their tweeters are low-rent distortion machines, both in measurements and sound. The whole product line is a big money grab and the audio mags praising them are on the take—the only plausible explanation for why anyone would give them a positive review. 

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