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.

jdavis234

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.

 

+1 on the advice given by @hilde45

I own the Fritz Carbon 7se MKIIs. Fritz provides an extended trial period.

I  use them with amplification that is far pricer than the speakers.

Also I might recommend getting the book "The complete guide to high end audio" by Robert Harley.

There are so many speakers to choose from. Besides, budget, ohms, and power requirements. The most important thing is the room. My second system in my foyer is a Sonos Amp with Micca speaker cable and Best Buy Insignia book shelf speakers on stands. Because of the placement of this system it will smoke systems costing thousands more. If your system is going in a specific room then spend $5k on the room. First and second reflection points, diffusion in the front and back, and maybe the ceiling. I guarantee you will be able to put able to put a boombox in the treated room and have amazing results. Vicustics is a very popular brand. You can have a million dollar system in the wrong room setup or a $1k system in a $20k room that will sound amazing.