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Non-fatiguing speakers in $10K range?

Some years ago I downsized to headphones only. Now I have access to a dedicated room again, so getting my absorption panels and ASC Tube traps back from storage... :-) The amp is going to be Accuphase E-800. I like class A, and I owned fair share of Pass gear but Pass integrated (and lower preamps) no longer have tape loop. I also like my gear to look the way I enjoy and Pass went too industrial for me.

Anyway, long story short. Speakers. I prefer relaxed, non-fatiguing sound. My headphones are Meze Elites and I love them. I also own Focal Utopia, but rarely listen to them, too forward for me.

Now, music-wise I do not listen to jazz or classical or vocals, sorry. Classic rock, hard rock, 80s new wave, punk, pop (classic and modern) and African blues like Tinariwen. People tend to insta-suggest forward sounding speakers - you like metal, right???. But I don't like piercing sound and I rarely go to concerts exactly because of this. I listen to AC/DC but NOT at 'realistic' revels. I like rhythm, melody, but I don't care about 120 Db.

The budget is about $10K, give or take, most probably second hand, but I can buy new, if I really like it. Unfortunately, there are not that many high end shops around Seattle with gear I like. Some went selling vintage and some went up selling only $100K+ systems. So most probably will be getting something blind.

It seems I should be looking for ribbon tweeters, I spent hours at youtube - it is definitely not listening in person, but some recordings are pretty decent and many show differences between speaker models.

I also compare frequency response measurements - I can easily tell that I won't like the speaker by looking at the chart. Ex, bump around 2-6K is a no-no since this is what "bright" is. Dip is actually good since this is what makes sound less "in your face/ear".

So far I more-or-less narrowed my search down to Legacy (Signature or Focus), Dali 8, ProAc (D48 or K) and - maybe - Magico A3? Legacy is huge, I am not sure I really need 20Hz extension. Magico has beryllium tweeters which may be bright....

I purchased Tannoy D700 many years ago, still own them, they are part of my TV set up. They sound good, but not as good as I would like it. My desktop speakers are ribbons too - AirPulse, I like them quite a bit.

Anything else I am missing?

mikhailark
gimmer
22 posts
 

I listen to 95% rock and classic rock (other 5% is HT).  My speaker journey over the last 25 years in my primary system is as follows:

B&W DM605, Martin Logan Montis, Golden Ear Triton Reference, Wilson Yvette, and Tekton Encore (tweeter upgrade)

The Tekton so far have been the best with rock music.  I do have Volti Razz in a secondary system, and when I move them to the main system they are below the Tektons in my opinion.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
572 posts
 

Cabinetry is terrible...finish is the worst....But for Rock and Metal....dollar for dollar, Nobody but Nobody beats ....................................................TEKTON.....They Rock!

mark200mph
213 posts
 

I have the tekton ulfberht read the review they call them giant killers and they are.i also have the legacy and saloon 2 all in your price range.but dollar for dollar tektons sound the best and are the best for rock.visit thier site.there are safe movers that will put your speakers up and down your stairs you might call a shop that sells safes they could put you in contact with them.hand trucks with the roller belt on back are great as well .have hand trucks with motorized wheels that rotate as well.a rental agency may have some.enjoy the music.stay healthy

megabyte
96 posts
 

The giant killers in this range seem to be the perlisten r7t and the Borresen x3’s. 

mjmcubfn
37 posts
 

Many speakers into my journey (ask my wife) and the best I’ve had in my room are the old school Magico V3 with a small Dyn sub.  In my opinion the sourced Scanspeak tweeter is better than the new beryllium one.  Less fatiguing to my ears. 

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