Need Guidance for Next/Last Pair of Speakers


I’ll try to be brief, although it’s not my strong suit..😁 I sold my pair of Altec 19 speakers a long time ago. I was the original owner, and their sheer size just didn’t work out at the time. I’ve been infatuated with audio equipment since I was a young lad, so after selling the Altec’s, I went on a long journey to replace them. Magnepan’s, Martin Logan’s, Thiel’s, Legacy Audio, Von Schweikert, Focal, and the list goes on and on. None of them have been able to recreate the magic of those 19’s.

I actually custom made a pair of speakers with a Great Plains 604 coax driver, but never could get the crossovers right, so I sold them. I now have a pair of Focal’s that are great, but they just don’t have that Altec 19 personality.

I’d love to have a pair of Avantgarde’s, but they’re well out of my current budget. I still don’t have the space for another pair of 19’s unfortunately. So the question is, what speakers should I be looking at that might have a similar character in a smaller package? I’ve not been actively engaged in the hobby for around 6 years, and I see what seem like hundred’s of new speakers/companies that have entered the market. I have to be overlooking quite a bit, so is there anything out there that I should consider? Would more of a professional type speaker be something to consider? 

Any input/guidance would be most appreciated. I was actually wondering if something like Zu Audio would fit the bill, but have read mixed reviews. As you can tell by my love of the Altec 19’s, extreme "accuracy" isn’t important. They just sounded like live music more than just about any speaker I’ve ever heard. That’s what I’m looking for. 

Thanks!

seadweller

Max budget would be under $10K, but preferably in or around the $5K range.  I would equally consider new or used.  The Altec's were dynamic, punchy and nearly unrestricted in their ability to create a live concert environment.  They imaged spectacularly for what they were, and the tone of instruments just sounded "real."  Everything I've owned since has had a veil over the music.   The Altec's were just incredible in the way they brought wide dynamics, well articulated bass and excitement to the presentation from all genre's of music.  From small jazz trio's to Rush, they were simply amazing.

Brothers and sisters here on AG are probably going to start hating me for this, but I vote Volti Audio. the Razz fits right in the budget. Also from what you desire, the Volti sound meets and will likely exceed your expectations. I am similar in some ways. I want that dynamic impactful, concert like sound. I got all of that and more when I brought my Razz home. 

If you could find somewhere to listen to Klipsch Heritage or JBL either of those might have the sound you're looking for. The Voltis (I've never heard them) are worth a look.I'm a Zu owner and in my opinion they definitely have "the sound",very much like live music.