I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.
Returning to a hobby I abandoned two decades ago as life interfered with my personal desires. I’d like to slip back in with a decent package for streaming the likes of Tidal and Qobuz. I’ve relieved myself of all software (vinyl and CDs).
I am currently drifting between horns or BBC sound. Two different worlds, but each intrigue me. Considering Volti Audio with Cary SLI80 Integrated while also Harbeth 40.2 with something like a VTL MB185 Series III. Schizophrenic I know.
Dedicated Room 12’W x 30’L x varied vaulted 11’H.
i’d appreciate any discussion or feedback on my personal dilemma. Opportunities to sample these pairings are not in my immediate grasp, but I can consider travel (SE USA) to educate myself in the process. Budget $20k on used market. TIA
“HARBETH is very high on my list of top speaker choices, but - - - I consider HARBETH a musician's speaker. Classical and Jazz sound incredibly realistic.” My music taste is all over the map. I do like classical, acoustic and human voice. I’ve mostly left the hard rock of my youth, however I did enjoy “Becoming Led-Zeppelin” at an iMax theater this weekend. |
Huh, What?? Harbeth is not a musician’s speaker. This is a musician’s speaker, made by the guys who made all the musical instruments.
Harbeth knows something these guys didn’t? or what?
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That's great to know. I don't know how the OP feels, but in my view, $18k or so on speakers almost depletes his $20k limit. If I had speakers as good as the Blades, I'd probably want a bit more in reserve for a power amp and other aspects of the system to fully optimize those speakers. $18k leaves him $2k, which doesn't leave enough budget, IMHO. |
@hilde45 I thought the $20k budget was for speakers. The NS5000 speaker that is posted above is a killer speaker and what I got for about $11k new. I tried it with the Wotan and the #16. I think all my gear was under $20k, new and used. I listen to a lot of Zep on the NS5000. BTW - for Blades you need a nice long wall. A lot of people place them in a confined space. |
@yyzsantabarbara Good point. I wasn’t sure if he was planning to spend beyond that on other stuff. When you suggested he could get the Wotan for $2k, it made me think that it was $20k overall, not just for speakers. Otherwise, you could choose a more expensive amp option rather than just ensuring your suggestion (for Kef + Wotan) come out to a neat $20k. I may be in error. |
