Good speakers for Gaincard under $1500?

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.

Just wanted to clarify that the differences I was talking about with the Konus was in comparison with the plans at the Jordan website, not specfically the Carolina's. I am going to look into the Carolina's further as I am quite interested in them myself ...any owners out there ?

Hey Chellingworth,

I read on 6moon that Ted Jordan and Sead Lejilic co-designed the Konus. And, Ronnie told me he took the plans for the JTM speaker off of Ted Jordan's website. Yet, the production Konus is radically different than the plans on Jordan's website? I guess it's too good to be true that Jorday would put the production plans for the Konus as public domain property...

But, Ronnie did say he didn't follow the plans to a "T". He tapers the transmission line, buffered some stuff, and the bottom horn section is different.

I will look into the Kestrels, but I like the idea of having a "Konus" although its sorta like having a fake Rolex haha. My roommate actually told me to get the thin model instead of the Konus-esque flat model. But, I told her if I am going to get a fake Rolex, might as well get one that looks like the real thing.

There are some Carolina owners in Audioasylum. Ron sold a total of about 60 speakers...

OH, I've had my eye on Symposium Svelte shelves for a long time, but I am using a "Target" made cheap copy version: two chopping boards sandwiched together with rubber nubs in between. It is very solid and improves the clarity of the sound with my transport and Gaincard sitting on them.

I am also getting a Parasound CDP-2000, which uses the CEC belt-drive transport that is also used in 47 Labs transports. I think my system can be described as superPOORman's 47 Lab wannabe system if I get the Carolinas. Only the Gaincard is genuine.

Your post led me to a conversation with Ronnie. I was very impressed with his knowledge and experience.

Based on what I've heard about both the Konus and Ronnie's Carolina's. I would in know way call the Carolina's a poor mans version by any stretch. In fact I would say that they are just two variations on a similar design using the same great driver. The price difference I think has a lot more to do with the fact the Carolina's are built stateside and sold factory direct whereas the Konus are a dealer sold product built very far away.

Both products make refinements on the original design providing better bass and dynamics... wouldn't it be great to here them side by side....

I may have a chance to here the Konus at a dealer in the near future and I am seriously considering giving the Carolina's an audition at home, they are the ones in my budget anyway. and also give them a comparison to the Kestrel 2's that I'll have at home. Fun stuff....

Hey Chellingworth,

You are right. I am not giving the Carolina's justice by calling it the poorman's Konus. I meant it in a tongue and cheek way. Like you said, they do use the same drivers. I am not sure if the Konus is really different from the design on Ted Jordan's website since Sead co-designed it, and Sead is the maker/exporter of Konus speakers in Bosnia. So, if anything, the Carolinas are an improvement over the Konus if you believe Ronnie is capable of improving on the Konus. And, I do believe he is.

Yah, the Konus are hand built using "Bosnian pine wood" and finished with a rather stylish 6-layer lacquer. The Carolinas use MDF with black satin paint. So, there are some of your cost differences there too. None of which I believe would have an effect on the sound.

You can also order the Carolinas without any finish and do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. I am contemplating on the latter since I like the Konus look on this thread. But, most my friends like the black better. Art students don't like the wood look I guess.

Oh, and please update us on your experience with the Konus after you hear them.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1202/konusessence.htm