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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
zuesman
130 posts
 

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.

zuesman
130 posts
 

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.

dr-boop
85 posts
 

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

mofojo
2,300 posts
 

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. 

jonwolfpell
387 posts
 

I have owned & thoroughly enjoyed my Volti Rivals for almost 3 years. I heard them at the Capitol Audiofest & bought the show pair after a few different listening sessions & comparing them to what I heard at a few other speaker companies including Klipsch. They strike a good balance of big, open, very dynamic & effortless sound yet still quite detailed, image well height & width wise ( ok on depth) & sound more like live music that most speakers out there. They’re also fairly easy to set up & get sounding very good. As they’re very sensitive, they don’t require heroic amplification to sound excellent although if you enjoy music up loud in a big room such as yours, a good quality 20- 40 watts / side would  probably be advisable for big peaks. 
 

There are many speakers in their price range that are a bit more detailed & bat range extended on the high end, can plumb the depths of sub 30hz bass ( although most likely no where near as tight & dynamic from 30 - 60 hz where it mostly counts anyway) & can pinpoint image better than the Rivals. If those are essential, then another speaker is probably a better choice. If you’re like myself where a good amount of those features are important but also want to be able to easily kick ass w/ big, live sound at realistic volume levels, the Volti’s should be given serious consideration. 

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