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!

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I own ATC SCM 40’s. I recommend them above all the speakers listed in this discussion, especially if you get the powered versions. I have them in a similar sized room. They are easy to place in the room and provide excellent imaging and simulation of depth. They are very easy to drive. They have a bigger sweet spot than your speakers and most especially, the Voltis, which also can sound congested in the high frequencies at higher volumes. 

From your system photos it looks like your speakers are very close to the wall with your equipment rack placed between them. These factors alone could be contributing to the lack of depth you described. I have never owned Klipsch speakers, so I have no knowledge of how placement affects their sound. Still, have you tried pulling them out into the room? You may have to do so with the new speakers you choose to get the best out of them, so you might as well give it a try with what you have. Best of luck!

I would consider adding Sonus Faber to your list. You can find used Serafinos in your price range. I have never heard more lifelike spatial speakers. 

You should check out the monitor audio platinum series they are very three-dimensional Airy and spacious and have a very enveloping sound stage, they make you feel like you're right in the middle of the performance. I have the monitor audio platinum 200 ll and I absolutely love them, I have not heard another speaker at any price that throws as huge as sound stage, it just envelops the whole room.