Picking speakers 3000-5000 budget


Hello,

I'am new to the site and enjoying it very much so far.

I posted in the amplifier section looking to upgrade my modest 25 year old system.

I now have a  Auralic Vega g1 into a MacIntosh mx110 tuner/preamp into a Adcom gfa545 (100 per chnl) power amp,then out to a pair of Polk monitor 10 speakers.I also have a Rega p6 on the way for my turntable needs.I think it has a exact cartridge.

I 'am trying to decide which speakers and amplifier I want to get to finish this portion of my upgrade.

To start my room is 20x13 and currently have my system on the right 20ft wall ,and move the speakers out from the wall when listening.

I can put them at the end of the long wall facing me if I want,and do sometimes.

I have a 6,000-10,000 budget for the amp and speakers,but would like to spend less if possible.

I do not have any personal experience with most of the brands of speakers I hear talked about here,but I have bought many guitar amplifiers by listening to YouTube videos and I will probably do the same for my home speakers.

The speakers I have in person experience with that I like are Klipsch chorus 2,JBl Jubal's and L100'sand Thiel's(not sure what model).and some old DCM Time Windows.

The one's that I really like from watching YouTube are Sonus Faber,Wharfedale,Tannoy,some of the B&W's.

I listen to about 40%classic rock,and about 40% pop,soul,blues,with the last 20% jazz classical and misc.

I really need my speakers to be able to rock at a pretty good volume,I know the Klipsch's would probably do that,but also would like them to sound great for pop,soul,and acoustic stuff.I really like bluegrass and Celtic acoustic music.

I need some help to narrow down my choices in the 3-5000 range for those genres.

I'am not opposed to speakers on stands or tower speakers,or needing a subwoofer to achieve the goal.

It seems to me a lot of the high end speakers have a over accentuated treble,but this just could be my background of blues rock music.I just want cymbals to sound like cymbals not a sizzle sound.

I think if I can find a amplifier I like for less I could spend more on the speakers.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

 

 

twangy57

Have not heard them all but I’d lean towards the Mofis were it me in your shoes.  

mapman's avatar

mapman

Yes ,I must say they sound really good.

I haven't been able to find any demo's with the type of music I listen to though.

The demo's are all modern tight synth sounding stuff to show off their bass

That is one thing ,they seem to be tight,and almost to modern for me.

I think I might like their smaller stand speakers more.

Will have to some more listening.

Thanks

@twangy57 I don’t go out on limbs very often but I will predict you would love them for pop/rock music.  They have a lot going for them that I look for:

  1. Concentric design for phase coherency
  2. A well known designer
  3. On the more massive  side for speakers in their class these days
  4. 8” driver.  Size matters when it comes to speakers as long as done well. 

I heard them at a show. They should excel with all music and be near top of the heap in their class for pop/rock, which I listen to a lot.

 

 

 

mapman's avatar

mapman

I don't doubt it.

I will try to find some more demo's.

Just to be clear,you are referring to the 888's?

Thanks

@twangy57 
I'm curious. Did you think about Magnepan?
I know they're not for everyone, but I can see them being great for most of your music genres.

Personally, I'm done with box speakers. Planar magnetic speakers are very transparent, detailed, affordable, and the soundstage is phenomenonal! Once you hear music without box resonance you'll be amazed!

I may be interfering with you conceived plans, but couldn't resist suggesting Maggies. The 2.7 or 1.7 would work in your room, and buying used is a good option. Audiogon has a nice pair of used 1.7i for $1,795. Just get an amp (class AB) with high current that doubles it's watts from 8 to 4 ohms. 150 Watts would work, but get more (500 watts) if you can. Audiogon has a nice used Pass Labs x250.8 for sale for $6,500. This amp gives you 500 watts into 4 ohms. So, if you bought these two suggestions the total would be around $9,000 including shipping. 😃

The 1.7i could even be placed on your long 20' wall.
...Just thinking, and maybe I want everyone to appreciate planar magnetic speakers like I do. 😊