Good speakers for Gaincard under $1500?

Though they should be quite detailed within their range check out the single driver speakers @ (carolinaaudio.com).

They use Jordan drivers and are similar in design the the Euro speakers which are popular with 47 Labs gear (forget their name).

I have listened to these drivers in similar DIY cabs and liked their sound. The ones that I heard used the wide front baffle design (not the narrow one).

If the amp will handle a 4 ohm load then maybe check out the new Reynaud Twins. I have not listened to the new model but have used the original version for more than two years now. My only reservation is that I have found the Twins to sound quite a bit different (better) with tube amplification (they have a planer like quality with a good SET amp that is not there @ all with the SS amps that I have tried).

There is also a new speaker (forget the name, but it's something like "VPMS) that uses a ribbon tweeter. It has been receiving positive feedback and if you mainly listen while seated (due the directionality of the tweeter) it might be something to look into.

The Carolina speakers are $1500 and the VPMS (whatever it's called) is $1600, or so. The Twins are $850, but do require high quality stands to perform their best (figure another $250-$400).

Hey Dekay,

The Carolina stuff looks intrugueing. Just hopped on their website per your suggestion and found the JTM with Jordan drivers. These look like exact replicas of the 47 Lab designed and European hand made Konus Essence speakers that list for $3500. The JTM are list at $1500 but has a "March Sale" listed on their website. I will email them.

The VMPS and Reynaud speakers are not pretty. I like odd looking speakers. A fashion statement?

Thanks,

Ed

Hi Ed:

Yes, that's it Konus. They treat the wood in some manner and most likely use different internal wiring, but the basic cabinet is a Jordan design, I think. The Jordan drivers themselves retail for approx. $250/pr.

I was pretty close VMPS Vs VPMS.

I almost purchased the Carolina speakers approx. one year ago (@ an introductory price), but did not have enough watts to properly power them (too much change for me @ one time - speakers plus the amps).

The owner/builder's name is Ronnie (enjoyed talking with him on the phone a few times). He will probably install the hookup wire of your choice if you mail it to him.

I will be using my vintage full range 8" drivers (Stephens 80FR's) as main speakers soon, due to downgrading my system. Not really a downgrade sound wise (just a different type of sound), but as I will probably end up selling my big amp (12 watt push/pull 6bq5) I will then have nothing to power the Twins (3 watts is not enough for full-scale music in our living room).

As you are looking for art as well as sound you might also consider locating a pair of the Gallo Solo's (one big ball with a top mounted tweeter on Gallo Barcelona stands). If your room is not too large they might work with the Gaincard and they are great/unusual looking speakers (only available used and $1200-$1500 would be a fair price for this model, I think).

I do find the Twins to be attractive with the right stands (they look/balance well with my Target HR70 and the Reynaud Magic stands), but I have to admit that they did look kind of stupid on some frail (single post) stands. I'm tired of having speaker stands in the living room anyway, so will make taller floor standing cabinets for the Stephens drivers when I an able budget high quality materials for the project (they are currently in vintage cabinets).

Hey Dekay,

Your response seems almost God send to me. I've talked to Ronnie on the phone and asked him like a billion questions. He's got a bit of that Southern/Ahmish accent and seems like a very nice guy.

Yes, I've asked him if I can send him cables to use internally. He said he needs 32" per speaker. So, I am thinking about sending him 10' per speaker and have the drivers connected directly to the Gaincard via Bogdan speaker cables. But, he told me he uses some type of magnet cables that are really similar to the Gaincard's OTA. It is some 24 gauge magnet cable if I remember correctly. So, I might ask him to run a length long enough to connect straight to the amp with those cables instead.

I also am thinking of taking the speaker to some autobody shop to get it painted there. Ron also offered to send me the speakers with 200 discount sans any finish. And, I can get some guy to do the finishing. But, his handy work looks quite good. I like the Shaker/Ahmish/Provincial finish on his speakers.

The Gallo, I think, look like how speakers would look like to me if I was on LSD "HEY the speakers are starring at me!!" I don't need eye balls in my living room. Although I did read they sound fanstastic.

Anyhow, I am 90% settled on getting the Carolinas. I don't get the introductory price *dammit* but he does have a sale running through march for $1200. But, actually, the more I look at them the less attractive they look... but I do like the finish on this particular Konus
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1202/konusessence.htm

Also, I grew up worshipping BnW Matrix speakers and did not know of Reynaulds until the last few years. So, to me, they look like mutated 805 speakers. Hey, that's how phenomenology works haha.

Thanks again DK!

Ed

The gaincard is really an amazing amplifier. The Carolina's look like a good product but are internally nothing like the Konus. The Konus has a radically different transmission line which really refines the sound... they sound amazing but $2000 more ?!?! arrg. But alas they are $3500 which is why I don't own a pair. You should really consider a pair of meadowlark kestrel hotrods..you wouldn't believe the sound with this combination. I would strongly suggest stay awaying from the speakers on your original list. I have had the sparks and they really only sound good loud. The Yaras are very dissapointing. I just sold a pair of Kestrel hotrods... but there are some deals to be had as the new Kestrel 2 is out. I would also strongly recommend using Symposium platforms/rollerblocks 47 Labs always use these at the Shows and it is well worth every penny.