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

@larseand I’m a Vandersteen guy through and through so please take what I say with a grain of salt. Get the Treos. Obviously, if you have a chance, go listen to them first but I think you’ll find an incredibly well balanced and detailed speaker that prioritizes the music. Yes, the carbon tweeter is much more detailed but it does so without being analytical. And you’ll get some of the benefits of time and phase alignment with the Aesthetix gear. The soundstage will be deep and wide with pinpoint accuracy. I can fall away into the music and forget the speakers are even there. Setup is important so if you have a local dealer willing to help with that it’s a valuable thing for them to come set them up but I set mine up on my own and with trial and error and some input from Richard himself, I got them in the correct position for my room.

Remember that the speakers are the single most important part of your setup. They define the greatest portion of what the sound will be. I’m not sure where you live or if it’s feasible for you to go hear the things you're speaking of but if not, take a trip somewhere to hear all of the options. It will be well worth the cost to make sure you get the right thing.

Consider auditing the DeVore 0/93’s. They are just slightly above your budget. I’ve heard the 0/baby and 0/96 but not the 0/93. It’s hard to find a local pair to audition. Devore has a nice sound but I’m not quite sure about the cabinet. Looks like a Baltic birch with veneer and a nice finish. Is it just lipstick on a pig that should cost far less? Again, just another brand to research. 

You might try Ascend  or Tyler acoustic ... I believe both offer trials and well-built offerings.  

I have Revel and will probably never part with ...