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

I have a Mimas. I tried some NOS tubes I preferred the OE tubes for overall balance. I also had my Mimas built with Cardas Rhodium Binding posts. I also use a Shunyata Alpha NR v.2 power cord. My speakers are the Dynaudio Heritage Special. Oh and a pair of REL Classic 98’s . The very limited Dynaudio Contour Heritage would work great, ProAc D48R are great, and the Vandersteen would be excellent. 

Hi Larseand, 

I have no idea if you have purchased a new pair of monitors or not but I thought I would at least weigh in on my experience.  I wanted a pair of Focal 1028BE's. However, I had limited space as well.  I found a pair of brand new 1008BE stand mount speakers at Dedicated Audio for $2,999 (1/2 original asking price).  With the Beryllium tweeter I knew they would be on the bright side but by no means are they too bright (no listening fatigue whatsoever).  I did a ton of due diligence regarding matching them with a proper amplifier.  I had a limited budget as well so could not go crazy.  I "settled" on a Hegel H90.  It has been a match made in sonic heaven. I have the Focal sitting on a pair of Sound Anchor stands (look them up) so no need for a sub. I'm currently only streaming using Tidal to a Bluesound Node 2i. I connect the speakers to the amp using Cardas Parsec cables which helps keep the noise floor low as well.  Do I have a vision to upgrade? Of course. My current go to would be T+A 3100HV integrated and Rosso Fiorentino Arno40 floor standers but it changes all the time.  By the way, I did not demo the Hegel with the Focal, I trusted my research and took a risk but it paid off.  Considering your preferred type of music, here are a few suggested options in no particular order: Fyne Audio F1-8 ($10,400), TAD ME1 ($15,400), Fleetwood Seville ($15,600), Franco Serblin Accordo ($14,000) Good luck and all the best in your search.

+1 for Harbeths. I have the 30.1s (large 2-ways) and have heard the 40.1s (even larger 3-ways). Superb, musical sound in both cases.

Well, I've decided to buy a pair of JA Pulsar 2 graphene monitors. My rationale, it's RARE to find them available on the used market. I can't pass on a chance to own this speaker at 1/2 retail. They've always. been on my speaker bucket list. Also, there are always Harbeth 30's available if I change my mind.

Well when you can find a better speaker than the’ old’ Pioneer S1-ex’s with its S-7ex center let me know.  Maybe the TAD CR’s…maybe