2. speakers
  3. 193224-181070

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
vthokie83
1,031 posts
 

Here's another thought. Buy a ticket to Chicago, and go to Axpona 2025 on April 11th to 13th. Tickets to the show and hotels are very reasonable, and you'll be able to do months of research in a couple of days. That show in particular has helped me greatly in my education over the last 5 or 6 years.....huge exhibitor list and tons of gear to review.

toontrader OP
8 posts
 

I have been considering Axpona. This is a great idea. I went to CES out west back 20 years ago and it was a learning and rewarding experience.

ghdprentice
7,819 posts
 

@vthokie83 


Great recommendation.

vthokie83
1,031 posts
 

toontrader

Axpona really is a great experience, it's audio focused only, and the exhibitor list is a who's who of the speaker world (and integrated amps). You will get months if not years research done in a couple of days.....make sure to be there at least 2 days. I live 30 minutes away, so easy for me to say. Another thing of note, is that many manufacturers and dealers will offer discounts on equipment bought at the show.

Alta Audio, ATC, Linkwitz, B&W, DeVore, Dutch & Dutch, Magico, Martin Logan, Vandersteen, Magnapan, Dynaudio, Estelon, Focal, Fyne Audio, Franco Serblin, Joseph Audio, Legacy, MBL, Rockport, Revel, Pure Audio Project, ProAc, Perlisten, Monitor, TAD, Volti, Yamaha, Wilson Benesch, Vivid......whew. There is not a single speaker manufacturer that I am looking at that will not be there, except maybe Sonus Faber; and they may very well be in a dealer booth

I personally will be spending my time with Volti, Joseph Audio, Yamaha, Pure Audio Project, Fyne, Vivid, Linkwitz, Revel, Franco Serblin, and maybe others if I have time......I'll be there Saturday and Sunday this year.

Best of luck, and hope you can make it

kennyc
1,902 posts
 

@toontrader

Great idea to attend AXPONA 2025 - both Harbeth and Volti have demo rooms.

When I was searching for my first high-end audio speakers, demoing speakers at audio shows was very helpful. There were a lot of great sounding speakers, but few that deeply resonated with me. After I narrowed my speaker choices, I went to AXPONA 2022 to demo, and ended up purchasing the demo Vimberg Mino D for a great price.

The Volti and Harbeth are sonically very different. I own the 100db highly efficient Volti Rival to explore tube midrange sonics starting flea watt amps I choose this speaker for it’s high efficiency and sonic neutrality- I wanted to hear various tube amp differences. I also heard the excellent sounding Volti Razz at audio shows. They sounded quick and effortless like most horn speakers.

Harbeth is a more musical speaker that matches well with Hegel electronics. Maybe someday I’ll get this great combo for a 3rd system.

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