Started with $1k speakers … what now?
I got into this hobby during Covid, browsing YouTube reviews my first speakers were Polk L100s and Sonus Faber Lumina 1s. Not bad as an entry point, but wondering what would be the next level is where a speaker is built with fewer compromises in the drivers and crossover design. My hope was that in the $5k range truer “hifi” entry points may be found in a small room system with a REL t5x. My source and amplification is already in the $5k range.
I visited a hifi store recently but was overwhelmed by the amount of choice and unsure what would be an upgrade based on first listening impressions alone.
Thanks in advance for any insights.
Having owned a Audio store and modding Loudspeaker Xovers for over 20 years sadly even at $10k Xovers are average at best , why because of $$ less then 50% of the cost goes into the speaker ,R&D overhead and markup including all packaging on a $5k speaker maybe $2300 actuall6 goes into a completed speaker ,this is correct . |
@hilde45 I just watched your youtube review of the Carbon 7's outstanding job detailed and honest. It's nice when you see/experince an actual human that posts on these forums. What I appreciated most is you've actually had the gear in your home and than one example of the Fritz line. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience in depth. I must say truthfully I have a new found respect. Please continue to share video content it is very authentic and informative keep up the good work! |
@balooo2 Thank you so much for your nice comments. There are many elements of a proper review that I'm unable to do, as a hobbyist, but I can do a few things which make the commentary useful. Those include keeping key variables stable, using language transparently and consistently, trying different combinations of gear and music, and not making claims for which I lack evidence or proper controls. Because I am doing these for myself, I think of them as journal entries about my experience. I'm trying to be honest to my future self and for anyone else who watches, listens, or reads. Cheers! |
Upgrading is a slippery slope/rabbit hole, whatever you choose to call it. I would recommend getting the 6th edition of Robert Harley’s book ‘The Complete Guide to High-End Audio’ as well as a calibrated microphone. Download REW and learn a bit about YOUR room acoustics. Changes to your room/environment can make significant changes/improvements to your sound. I have been slowly upgrading my system with primarily vintage gear, it’s a journey not a destination; enjoy the ride. |
Hi, @hilde45, is this your review? (if not, please share the link) Based on this review, the Carbon 7 easily outperforms the Burchardt S400 mk II, Dynaudio S40, and SF Sonata2, which are three terrific bookshelf speakers I owned or have auditioned. With that, as an owner of the great S400 mk II, I must say that the Carbon 7 is a set of speakers one should definitely give a listen, despite its slightly lower bass quantity.
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