2. speakers
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Where Do I Go from Here?

As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system. Thus, for the past 2-1/2 years, I have slowly and carefully upgraded my sources, my amplification, and my cabling – with very pleasing results. At this time, I have:

Digital – Bricasti M19 SACD transport and M21 DAC; Shunyata Sigma V2 Ethernet and DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo analog interconnect cables.

Analog – Technics SL-1200G turntable w/Ortofon headshell; Hana SL cartridge; Cardas Clear Cygnus phono cable; PS Audio Stellar phono amplifier; Wireworld Eclipse 8 interconnect cables.

Amplification – Theta Digital Casablanca V preamplifier; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (L, C, & R); Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables and Eclipse 8 analog interconnects.

Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers. I purchased all three Revel speakers in 2004, and they have served me well for the past 20 years. Except when listening to multi-channel SACD for watching Blu-ray concerts, I only use my main left and right speakers. My media room has four walls and a door; its size is around 6,000 cubic feet.

What I have been wrestling with is whether, given my other equipment (which I have no intent on replacing), I should buy new speakers and, if so, which should I consider. Recently, for example, I listened to a pair of Rockport’s Avior IIs, albeit using source components and amplifiers different than mine. They seemed perhaps better in some regards, but not so much so as to make a compelling case to purchase them as an upgrade. Another friend, who just acquired his PS Audio FR30 speakers, is urging me to consider buying a pair of the FR30s.

There certainly are numerous speaker lines out there. Consequently, I decided to post my “dilemma” here and invite others to provide their suggestions (ideally with their reasoning). My absolute top budget is $50K. However, this purchase would be funded by my retirement savings, and I certainly would prefer spending less. Also, maybe the better course is to keep my Revels and be happy and content with what I already have.

Many thanks for your reading this entire posting.

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grislybutter
3,086 posts
 

At your advanced age of 75, you should probably give more money to your grandson for a house down payment, his audio rig, etc and not spend all your cash on yourself

yes, that sounds sensible even though getting into his circumstances that's not our business. But I am constantly amazed by money being no object here.

acman3
4,256 posts
 

I love my kids too much to leave them any money.  Also, at 75 you have a good chance of hitting 90. 

I'm becoming a bigger fan of the chameleon like TAD. 

grislybutter
3,086 posts
 

I love my kids too much to leave them any money

there are 1000s of good causes if you don't want to give it to your kids

 

 

Also, at 75 you have a good chance of hitting 90. 

That makes zero sense to me, mathematically, biologically, medically, etc. I would say you have a good chance of hitting 90 at 89.

8th-note
411 posts
 

I'm not quite as old (69) but I have had similar thoughts. I'm running a pair of Thiel CS6 speakers with Krell amplification. I have been to 3 audio shows and I have thus far concluded that to significantly better my system I'm going to have to spend in the neighborhood of six figures. A few speakers have stood out (MBL 101E, Von Schweikert Ultra 11, Sonus Faber Aida plus a few others) but for the most part my Thiels sound about as good as anything I've heard. I've only heard the Revel Ultima Studios once but I would put them in the same league.

My point is that I don't think you are going to do significantly better than your Revels without spending big bucks. The stress of hunting down a new pair of speakers that you realistically can't demo in your home and taking the chance that they are not a significant improvement (or maybe they would be worse) is not worth it. If you had $10 million in Invidia stock then what the heck? Live a little. But with the situation you have described this sounds like an endeavor that will have a lot of consternation and could easily end badly.

acman3
4,256 posts
 

https://cdn.jpmorganfunds.com/content/dam/jpm-am-aem/global/en/images/insights/2024-gtr/widescreen/Slide4.PNG?v=1718120702953

 

This graph is for a 65-year-olds chances, so not exactly the 75 I quoted. Now, you can say that its not that big a chance, to which I would say, I like the odds.

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