New speakers for a new start?


Hi all, this is my first thread on this forum. I am returning to audio after a 20-year hiatus, and I am planning a new-to-me, music-only, 2-channel system. I'm pretty excited!

Other than my Thorens TD-320 series I, I am (re-)starting from scratch. I plan to focus on speakers, then build the rest of my system around them.

I look forward to hearing folks' feedback and advice during this process.

How I listen: I have a pretty big room, 9' ceilings. I can set speakers in a 10' triangle with about 16' clear behind them and 3' to 6' to the sides. I normally listen around 75 - 85db at 10', but sometimes I like to crank things way up. Also, I can't sit still for extended periods of time so I tend to move around quite a bit.

What I listen to: 30 - 40% blues, 30 - 40% industrial, punk, post-punk, noise, and hip-hop, 10-15% ambient, 10 - 15% various pop styles, 5 to 10% jazz and classical. Nearly all are studio recordings. Source-wise, 75-80% digital streaming, 20% vinyl and (very occasionally) CDs.

Things I like in speakers: A generous amount of fast, tight, well-controlled bass with great extension. Little to no coloration - it can always be added in later through component selection. Fast transient response. Detail. Coherence. Transparency. Great dynamics. I'm OK with "analytical" or "dry" within reason.

Things I don't like: Boominess. Flabiness. Ear-piercing mids.

Here are a few speakers I'm interested to learn more about (in no particular order):
- Thiel CS5
- Dunlavy SC-4, SC-5
- Tyler Acoustics D1x, D10
- Nearfield Pipedreams 21
- Infinity IRS (probably not the Reference behemoths though... realistically)
- I am also intrigued by open baffle designs (Spatial, Jamo R909)

I prefer full-range speakers because I don't love subs with music listening. They're a must in a home theater though.

I love planar speakers for their speed and transparency, but the fact that I can't sit still in their minuscule sweet spot for very long, coupled with their general lack of bass probably makes them a less than ideal choice for me.

I will buy used gear unless something I want happens to be available new at a huge discount. I am more interested in value than in staying within a specific dollar limit and be able to resell at par or at a modest loss if, as time goes by, I find I'm no longer as enamored with them as I once was.

I am interested in your experiences, especially with the speakers I mentioned above, but any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 

devinplombier

Arendal has great sound and build quality for not a lot of money.  And there is no middleman markup.

...and I'm pleased that omnis', of whatever means, are 'still ah playyah...'

:)

Get into a Linkwitz LX521 multi-amplified system.  $100k sound for a price we mere mortals can afford.  Really.  You can build the kit from scratch, for as little as $6k,  or you can just buy a turn-key system for about $21k, which is actually a bargain.

The only other system Iʻd consider to be a comparable value is the Dutch & Dutch 8c ($15k).  Extraordinary technology, imaging, natural quality.  Especially good for low-level listening, great dynamic range and able to play at higher levels as well.

Speakers are the most subjective component in your system. Make an effort to audition speakers at brick and mortar stores, hi-fi shows, friends, etc. Reviews can lead you, but let your ears decide. Hopefully you can get a trial period for testing. My current speakers were under 5K, and punch way above their weight. It would be pointless (mostly braggadocio) to recommend (tell you what I think you should...). With a new, and return to system, I would suggest a reputable dealer that spells out their trade in and trade up policy (customer for life philosophy), and can help with compatibility and setup, which is surprisingly important. For most of the people pursuing quality sound reproduction, perfection in their first (second, third, forever) system is not expected, but an ability to advance is. The stand-mount segment (formerly "Book Shelf" has exploded with technology, innovation and truly amazing performance since you were hear last (btw).