2. speakers
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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

toontrader
carl292
15 posts
 

Here is my system :

Wiim Pro Streamer $149

Schiit Yggdrasil+ GS2 DAC $1699

Schiit Freya+ Pre-Amp with 6SN7 Tubes $1049

PS Audio S300 Amp $1999

Harbeth 30.2 XD Speakers $5990

REL T/5X Subwoofer $699

Tom Trager Speaker Stands $1600

Cables $800

About $14k

Similar room to yours. I listen to jazz and rock. Everything in this system is recommended by The Absolute Sound and Stereophile magazines. The WIIM isn't but it's a great product. The DAC is as good or better than their current versions imo but still available from Schiit. This is a soft tube sounding system. I spent a lot of time picking what I believe are the best components available in their price range. TMR has a used pair of Harbeth 40.3 XD with Trager stands for $11,500 right now which would keep you around $20k.

 

fastfreight
932 posts
 

Hello @toontrader , So many ideas and options!  I am  not into BBC or horns or panels, but will nonetheless add my thoughts.  I have a big room similar to yours, with high and vaulted ceilings.  After several old pairs, I found the Revel Studio and Salon 2 speakers.  I first bought the Studio 2's, but needed more pressure for the big room.  I traded up to the bigger and taller Salon 2's and they fill the room wonderfully.  Great bass and smooth treble.  They can still be found used for around 9-12k, and have held their price for years.  For amps I would buy the best Audionet amps you can afford, if not perhaps the Coda S5.5.  The Audionet amps bring speakers to life, with resolution and sparkle without fatigue.  The Max amps are the sweet value spot, with a used pair maybe for around 16k, but well worth it.  If you can find a pair of the Salon 2's, you can likely use them forever or a year or two and sell them for near what you paid.  Come for a visit in Mayland if you like!

vthokie83
1,030 posts
 

Since you asked about speakers, all used: Volti Razz $4,500ish, Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 Graphene $7,000ish, Revel Salon 2 $9,500ish, Fyne Audio Vintage Classic X $5,000ish - Classic XII $6,500 - Whatever F700 series you can afford, Sonus Faber ??? model, Yamaha NS5000 $9,500, Pure Audio Project 15 Trio $5,000 if you can find them.

That should be a good start in my estimation, several are on my list for a purchase later this year......tarrif allowance

vthokie83
1,030 posts
 

OP

The Volti, Fyne, Pure Audio Project, are all over 95db efficient and very easy to drive....this will keep your costs down since you don't need a really powerful amp to drive them. The Yamaha NS5000 is not bad at 88db either, and most Sonus Fabers will be around 88db

The Revel Ultima Salon 2s are tougher at 86db, and the Joseph Audio are surprisingly easy despite 84db....but at 8 ohms

celtic66
1,750 posts
 

Sure, I’ll play.  ATC SCM20ASLT.  These are passive sealed towers with their best ‘S’ Spec tweeter.  Sugden IA 4 integrated amp.  33 WPC Class A throughout.  Retail well under 20K.  This combo is shockingly good.  Or, you can move up the two lines. You can figure out the rest.  Have fun torturing and confusing yourself.  Cheers

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