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

Volti is getting some good traction around here and for good reason. I've heard them a couple of times at shows and they've always sounded good.

If your model 19s sound anything like my Valencias with GPA Model 19 crossovers, which I stupidly sold a few months back, then what you need to replace them is a pair of model 19s.

#makethemfit

 

+1 Volti. The Razz sounded great at two different audio shows. So I purchased the larger Rival.

Volti also has a new model Lucera sells for $11,750/pair which is above the Razz but below the Rival.  The Lucera also has a 15” woofer like the Rival. 

Volti is a good call but seadweller why don't you just give in and find a pair of Altec 19s? 😉

Sonus Faber.  You pick the model that fits your budget, equipment, room and listening preferences.   

There is a pair of Avantgarde Duos for sale here right now. $10800 and the dealer claims they are like new.