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 have a couple of suggestions in your price range.  The first is the Linkwitz LX521 system, which you can readily afford as a DIY system.  You can buy it fully pre-built and delivered to your doorstep, with amplification, for about $21k or so, but thatʻs out of your price range.  This is the premier open baffle design there is, multi-amplified.  Cost to build the speaker, with active crossover, $3500 for drivers and crossover, plus another $1000 for the flat pak kit.  You could also build it yourself if you have wood working tools.  The big question in expense is amplification, but you could certainly get it all done for less than $10,000 total.  Easy.

The LX521 is extraordinary and matches up against the $50,000+ systems and more.  Just killer.

The other choice at the edge of your price range is the Dutch & Dutch 8c system.  It is a full system built-in amplification, DSP EQ and DAC.  I have never heard anything that imaged better.  Amazing.  

You owe it to  yourself to find a way to hear one or both of these systems.  They really will amaze you.  Leave Klipsch and the 20th century behind.  Check these systems out.

You might look at Fyne Audio speakers.  I have the F-702s (made in Scotland), and, while needing a sub to augment the 8” bass, sound superb.  The F-703s are in your price range and have a 10” woofer, and F-704s have a 12” woofer.  The imaging and tonal qualities Iare superb with a Rogue Audio tube preamp and Odyssey solid state monobloc amplifiers, the latter connected to the speakers with Silversmith Fidelium cables with bi-amp adapters.

Hi there - I was in the same position with my CW IV’s about a year ago and ended up finding a demo pair of Graham SL5/5s and pairing them with two REL s510’s and couldn’t be happier with the set up. The used price I paid with two new rels is right in your budget. The Spendor Classic 100s should sound pretty similar to my Grahams. Before the CW IVs, I was running Spatial Audio M3 sapphires, which are still one of my favorite speakers. They do vocals extremely well, but not as detailed or balanced as some others, but great bang for the buck and super easy to drive. Only other thing to note is that the Grahams are a little harder to drive than the CW IVs…happy listening and curious where you end up!