Getting a Divorce and can now buy floor standing speakers


So, I am getting rid of the wife (divorce, I am not burying her in the backyard!) and can now get big floor standing speakers. I currently have a Luxman integrated and model 30 Harbeth speakers, and a very good sub. Very neutral/natural sound, can listen for long sessions. But I don't get a very good image, and it seems a little too laid back. I listen mainly to singer-song writers, both male and female. Lots of acoustic/piano.

There are so many floor standers now, I'd like to shorten the list. Any suggestions to start my search? I am located in southern CA, so I can listen to almost any brand. Price should be under $100K. 

I may lose a wife, but so far the freedom/cash is worth it.

Thanks all!

128x128deadhead1000

I own Dynaudio Confidence speakers, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. And I know Harbeth. I’ve had monitor 40.2’s, Compact 7 ES3’s, and P3ESR’s. I loved the Monitor 30’s, but they just didn’t move enough air (that’s why I got the 40.2”s). Harbeth makes FANTASTIC speakers, but I think they work best in more intimate listening areas. It seems that your budget allows for just about anything in the Dynaudio lineup, so I strongly recommend you go to a top-tier Dynaudio dealer that has the full range of Confidence speakers so you can judge for yourself. As I always say, you can pay more money if you want, but expensive and flashy are not always better. Dynaudio is a speaker you can listen to and enjoy for a long time. Cheers. 

I know even the most expensive would be WAY under your max budget, but I would HIGHLY recommend Pure Audio Project.

 

Of all the speakers I've had or heard over the years (and those are MANY), they're most natural, engaging speakers ever.

I am sorry to hear that you are getting divorced. It sounds like it was a long time in the making and that you are enjoying your freedom. Outside of AV publishing, I work with a high net worth divorce attorney in CT. It is amazing what goes down in big dollar divorces. 

Although I am exiled from my audiophile system because of the fire in Pacific Palisades - I would suggest to you that you likely can be happy with speakers that are under $100,000. Like really happy.

Here is my recommendation to you... 
1. Look in to Bowers & Wilkins 802s for $28,000. I use them. Skywalker Ranch, Abbey Road Studio. Easy to power. 102 engineers. 3000 grit robot sanders on a better than a McLaren paint job. NOT BRIGHT like in the past. 
2. I loved the Stenheim Alumine Two.Five although you could go up in their product line with your budget and still have plenty left over. These were like $23,000 but they make bigger ones for more money. Least boxy sounding "box" (made of aluminum) speaker EVER - sorry Magico (I like those too)
3. The Estelon Aura speakers from Estonia are a HOT TICKET. Great form factor. Great imaging. Better bass than you might expect even from the $20,000 pair that I reviewed. 

There are MANY MANY MORE than you could consider. Email me at FutureAudiophile.com OR DM me here (email would be better) if I can help you more. 

Last bit of advice (I gave this to Kobe and he loved the place via our travel agent) is to take your NEW GIRLFRIEND to Las Ventanas in Cabo. Four days. During the winter. Best resort that I've ever been too worldwide. Very few rooms. Very private. Incredible food. A ceviche and tequila bar (I stopped drinking but this is such a great little spot). 

Best of luck to you. If I can help you more (make some introductions or more advice) please feel free to find me. 

Sincerely, 

Jerry Del Colliano
Publisher
FutureAudiophile.com