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Speaker Suggestions for Next Move

I'm considering moving on from my Klipsch Cornwall IVs.  I'm looking for suggestions on new loudspeakers in the $8-$15k range. Used is fine too.

Here's what you need to know (or what I think you should know):

  • Modifications:  I upgraded the crossovers and binding posts similar to the modifications made by Don Sachs (VCap ODAMs, Rike resistors, better wire/posts, and some internal damping).  I have them sitting on acoustically near inert 1.5" studio subwoofer platforms.  I feel I've juiced just about all I can out of them. 
  • Reasons for Changing.  They do not sound harsh or bright. I'm not thinking of moving on because of that. I'd like to get a bit more depth to the soundstage and more finesse in the overall presentation. 
  • Things I Have to Keep. 
  1. I need to have sizable scale in the presentation.  I have a good group of audiophile buddies and a friend who is a dealer.  I've heard so many high end offerings that don't really scale that well to me. I really like how you feel like you listened to live music or a studio--not a laboratory.  Sound doesn't shoot at you with laser focus, but rather it blooms, bathes and surrounds you. 
  2. Amp Friendly.  I have found the CWIVs to be very friendly with both SS and tube topologies.  Surprisingly, they can sound amazing with great quality SS. I have both types of pre/power amps to service speakers, but I'm not looking for speakers in this price range that need gobs and gobs of wattage.  I'd be happy to commit more so to SS if needed, but I'd like to stay way from very difficult loads.
  3. Placement.  I have a dedicated space and have leeway on placement. That said, I don't want to wrestle with a fickle speaker either. 

Side Note/Stuff I Don't Really Want to Discuss Here.  You can note this stuff all you want and chat with others about it in the thread (won't bother me at all), but I'm not going to engage on (a) Klipsch Heritage is garbage and awful sounding; Trust me though, I do see how Klipsch builds to a pricepoint and could easily better its offerings with better parts, bracing/dampening, etc.;  (b) modifications are dumb, wasteful, hurt resale, etc. I could care less about any of that. I'd prefer not to modify stuff--fyi;  (c) detailed discussions about amplification and sources. I have and have access to various topologies, manufacturers/brands, etc.  

Room:  A bit large for me, historically.  15.5' wide, 23' long, with 10' ceiling. Speakers will be placed along the short wall. 

Music Format:  Vinyl 50%, Digital 40%, CD 10%.

Genres: Pretty much you name it.  Jazz ~30%, Rock/Pop ~30%, Blues/Folk 30%; Classical ~10%. 

I'm curious to trying Fyne, Spatial Audio, Spendor (classic line in particular), Tannoy, Volti, Harbeth, PSB's flagship, Wharfedale's flagship, ATC, Vandersteen, Devore. Open to others. 

Thank you in advance!

128x128jbhiller
soix
9,456 posts
 

Reasons for Changing.  They do not sound harsh or bright. I'm not thinking of moving on because of that. I'd like to get a bit more depth to the soundstage and more finesse in the overall presentation. 
 

Depending on the tube amp I’d highly recommend the Joseph Audio Perspective 2.  Not overly sensitive but a relatively benign impedance curve and low phase angles and in your room should work very well with many tube amps.  They throw a deep 3D soundstage like few others and pull off a disappearing act surpassed by none IME.  BTW I’d cross ATC off your list given your amp requirements.  ProAc, QLN, Vandersteen, and DeVore also worth a good look I’d think, but if you can audition the Perspective 2s I think they may really change your, um, perspective.  Best of luck. 

mazian's avatar
mazian
396 posts
 

If you really want musical go with the best Sonus Fabers you can afford, used or new. Personally I would recommend Serafinos if you can find a used pair in your price range.

deep_333
1,370 posts
 

Here are some high value speakers that fit in your budget.... They can serve as end game speakers for many guys.

 

Mofi Sourcepoint 888.      $5000

GR Research Bully.            $6000 (factory finished)

Technics SB-G90M2.        $6000

Tekton Encore.                   $7500

Yamaha NS-2000A.           $8000

Magnepan 3.7i.                  $9000

Wharfedale Elysian 4.       $10,000

Borresen X3.                      $11,000

Yamaha NS5000.              $15,000

KEF Reference 3 Meta.     $15,000

 

 

 

allenf1963
335 posts
 

@mijostyn -- Sir, I like the way you think. To the vast, VAST, majority of music lovers, the Klipsch Cornwall IV’s are an endgame, end of the search, speaker. I know the deal with Klipsch -- they are either revered or despised by members of this Forum. I love them.  I have Forte II's, Heresy II's, and (soon) La Scalla's.  But be honest. The community on this Forum are a mere fraction of 1% of the listening public and consumers of audio gear. I’m a "To Each His Own" and "Live And Let Live" kind of guy, always have been. Spend your money how you and your conscious want to spend it. But I still shake my head at times at the threads on this site and the debates they create: "No don’t buy XYZ integrated amp (at $60,000), buy LMNOP separates (at $80,000)" or "I’m looking for new speakers. My Magico S7’s just don’t have the soundstage I’m looking for."

 

Your suggestion is the most reasonable idea I’ve seen. Again, you’ve got Cornwall IV’s and you’ve done some awesome modifications on an already awesome speaker. Maybe, just maybe, some modifications (Room Correction, EQ Processors) to the signal and you will find the Nirvana (not the band) you are looking for. Sounds a lot more sane and less expensive than chasing an entire new speaker system that you may or may not like. Try your suggestion first, and if the desired sound can’t be achieved by the signal modifications, then start looking at new speakers. Just adding my nickel to your 2 cents worth.

sgordoxyz's avatar
sgordoxyz
35 posts
 

No mention of the recent release of one of the PS Audio Aspen speakers. Worth considering. FR10 or FR20 

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