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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
kennyc
1,423 posts
 

Volti Razz

Pure Audio Project Trio

Goldenear Triton

KEF R Series

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 

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.

puptent's avatar
puptent
181 posts
 

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).

rkochies
44 posts
 

I know they are out of business, but designs are still being made by new company.. I am referring to Consensus Audio. If you ever get a chance to see/hear them, do it. The sound is clear, clean and magical… Bob

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
517 posts
 

You have a big room. You need a big room speaker. Most of the recommendations here are for medium sized rooms at best, or way over your #5K limit.  I would definitely check out the new SVS Ultra evolution Pinnacles. With 4-8" woofers (2 high front and rear 2 low, front and rear) per cabinet, bass extension, dynamic range, 'speed' and control are assured. The d'Appolito mid-tweet-mid helps control vertical dispersion, a big help in large, high-ceiling rooms that helps soundstage and imaging. And nobody does value better than SVS - at $5000 per pair new, they are one of the great deals in audio.

I would also check around and see if you can find a pair of JBL 4349. These are not your father's shrieking, boomy JBLs. These are superbly executed, very high performance loudspeakers of exceptional sound and build quality. New, at $8250/pr, they are beyond you budget, but if you can locate a good used pair, you might be able to pull them into your range.  At 91+dB sensitivity, the also need about half the power of most of their competition, but can handle just about any amp you're likely to try. The single 12" woofer has slam. Kick drum and bass are easily among the most accurately rendered I've heard in pitch definition and dynamics. The unique 2-way horn/tweeter has a nominal 90X40 degree pattern, again, helping control unwanted room reflections, and it simply doesn't ever honk or shriek. It's just there - clear and dynamic.

 

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