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

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.

You should look at the monitor audio platinum series as well much better than the Wharfedale flagships, they are very three-dimensional airy and spacious and are very neutral sounding, The sound stage is very enveloping it will wrap around the whole room and make you feel like you're right in the middle of the performance.

Tannoy or Fyne can be a logical next step from Klipsch, especially if looking for more refinement in presentation.

I had the Cornwall IV for some months last year. They did some things very well and were always a fun listen. I had to have them pretty close to the walls to get what I’d call respectable bass out of them. 
 

I picked up a pair of Paradigm Founder 120H after that while I still had them. Went back and forth for a few weeks and the Paradigms were definite keepers. If you can find a place to check them out I think you might be very surprised. The 120H in particular does not need a lot of power because of the powered woofers from 300hz down. They are dynamic monsters and refined to boot. I’m running a Pass Labs xa 30.5 with them now and the needle doesn’t move no matter how hard I push them.