Speakers - Your "Safest" Choice


Hello All: Many of us have limited access/ability to audition multiple speakers brands. That got me to thinking- If one had a budget of $20K max, a solid state amp rated at 125WPC, and listened to all varieties of music (primarily rock, pop, folk), what speaker(s) would you be most willing to recommend to that person and feel confident they would be happy with the purchase?

gnoworyta
@wester17 You can go wrong with Wilson's.  They've greatly improved from being super detailed and unlistenable to mellower (slightly).  I've heard them since their first speaker (5 boxes - incoherent sound) to the prior Sabrina.  It turns out their lesser cost speakers sound more musically involving then their hyper detailed pricey speakers.  Listening to the Alex and Alexandrias several times had me wanting to vacate the premises after 15 or 20 minutes (very different listening rooms/home setups).  Accurate to the recording but just not musically relaxed such as live music, especially acoustic music which I record at major orchestral venues, religious institutions and large homes.  

I know some people enjoy their music listening to high feedback solid state amps and electrostat speakers.  I just don't share the space with them.  

lol

wilsons would be among the last speakers i would consider to be in the category of ’likely to please in most circumstances’ -- they can be truly abrasive and unlistenable despite their owners spending gobs of $$$$

While I like Wilson, Magico, and Revel a little less, based on my experience with friends, others, and at dealers, they would not seem to belong on any "safe" to like list...and it sure seems every $20,000 speaker has now been mentioned...curious what the OP has learned...

Why $20K? Maybe you will find one for less that you can't beat for that number. Are you trying to impress someone saying you spent $20K on speakers? Maybe you'll find $50K used ones for $20K.

You will most likely be happy with many different models and just find a local dealer who will support you and let you try a few pair in your listening room with your equipment. I would think $20K would necessitate a total look at your system to get the maximum improvement possible.