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speaker upgrade fever

I'm considering a speaker upgrade to compliment my Aesthetix Mimas integrated. Currently, I've got KEF Ref 1 monitors paired with (2) REL S/3 subs. Must stay away from bright, analytical and clinical presentation. Room size 12'x19'. Music is jazz, acoustic Americana, Chamber, symphonic etc. 

Looking at the ProAc K1, Triangle Duetto and the DeVore o/baby. Also, a huge departure, Vandersteen Treo CT, floor standers. I understand Vandersteen pairs well with the Mimas.

Always open to suggestions, happy to buy quality used and demo.

Budget, ~$8-$11K

larseand
freediver
1,236 posts
 

Dump the beer cans & subs & get some gently used Harbeth M40.2's...

soix
9,791 posts
 

Joseph Audio Pulsars should definitely be on your list.  Best of luck. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,842 posts
 

No speaker recommendations that I think you would like, but I think "bright, analytical and clinical presentation" comes from your electronics, not your speakers.  get the speakers with the best and  flattest mids and treble to bring your jazz alive.  

larseand OP
68 posts
 

Carlsbad2,

I don't have the opportunity to compare amps, I have to go with opinions and reviews... Do you think the Mimas is on the bright side? It is a hybrid and I've rolled in some nice tubes...

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,842 posts
 

@larseand I'm sorry but I don't have experience with any of the speakers or amps you list.  

In the best scenario, you can demo the speakers you are considering with your amp.  

Also, in rolling tubes, I've sometimes stopped with a tube that I thought sounded great in the midrange, then realized it was lacking bass so I was turning it up higher, which gave the good midrange.  After listening a while it sounded bright so you might look for tubes with more bass to combat brightness.

Best of luck, Jerry

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