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Deciding on the right huge speaker

Say you had decided that it was time to buy the speakers of your dreams, that you were willing to spend $30K for a pair and that you were going to utilize the full services of a dealer if necessary (ie, you're willing to pay list, more or less).

We all say it's essential to listen to your potential purchases before committing, preferably in your own setting. If you were choosing between, say, the Dynaudio Temptations, the Dunlavy SC-VI, the new Snell XA (in this months Stereophile), the Krell LAT-1 and a pair of Wisdom Audio's, how would go about getting an evaluation of this field? All of these speakers are huge, both in terms of dimensions and in terms of weight. How do you go through the process with some sense that you're going to make the "right" choice? -Kirk

kthomas
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Already some great responses here. I agree with Kirk on the JM Lab and Soundlab, and with Chazzbo on the Maggie MG 20's. I would add (used) Audio Artistry Beethoven, I think they are no longer made, but were EXCELLENT.

Last CES I heard a Dutch speaker called the Kharma, don't know if they have a $30K model, but the $75K one at The Show was superb. Avalon is another choice in this price range and even the newly improved Quad speakers.

I am forgetting some great ones, but if Kirk (our post master) can listen to as many of these choices as possible before investing, the education process will make his choice self evident.
flex
292 posts
 
I would first and foremost research the dealerships in the U.S. that handle the speakers I wanted (Avalon, Kharma, Pipedreams...can't resist throwing in my favs) and have them available with the electronics you know and like, and in good sound rooms. Then make some appointments, buy airline tickets, and go and do the comparisons yourself. You are likely to find yourself at some of the larger Eastern shops that have several of your speakers available, with your electronics, and you will get good treatment this way.
Also, at this price level, many dealers will not only ship to you but will also come to your home (even on the other coast!) to help setup. The majority of dealers who handle dream-level speakers have customers all over the country and are used to this process.
Good luck.
flex
292 posts
 
Agree completely with AlbertPorter on the Audio Artistry Beethoven's. Its sad that this wonderful speaker is no longer made. You might just consider a diy product with a similar design, available from the designer's website (www.linkwitzlab.com).
eehoward
2 posts
 
TELL ME ABOUT THE ATC 100's
beowulf
29 posts
 
There's no alternative to going out to the dealers where the equipment is located as well as the shows. My wife and I looked for speakers for close to a year. We went to CES and drove to a number of dealers (some long distances). Fortunately, the speakers that made the short list I either got an extended audition at CES or a dealer was within range. We bought the Wisdoms.
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