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Which speakers do you like in the $5K price range?

I am considering upgrading my speakers and have $5K to spend on new or used. What are your recommendations. I am looking for a full range speaker that is placement friendly (not too far out into the room) and works with a SS amp. I listen from Ella to Hendrix, lots of guitar, jazz and vocals. I am looking for something that is dynamic, extended with good bass slam and extension, very natural sounding. I currently own B&W Matrix 803s and probably prefer something without a metal tweeter this time around since my only source is SACD/CD. The 803s sound prety good in my system but I know that the 802s and 803 matrix speakers sounded better when I compared them a while back so it is time to upgrade. My room has 7' ceilings, is 16' wide and 22' deep but I mostly listen 6-8 feet from the speakers which are 24" from the back wall and 6-7' apart. I have thought about the Aerial 10Ts, Talon Khorus with the X-XO so far.

Thanks for your suggestions.
bigkidz
foreverhifi
229 posts
 
Used Dynaudio's Confidence(I think this is right) use the world class Dynaudio Esotar 330 tweeter(same as Confidence, Sonus Faber Extrema's, etc). I'm not sure if those Dyn's are ported or what not. You might do best with acoustic suspension(sealed) designs that might do better closer to the boundaries. OTherwise you could consider smaller sealed monitors with a sub(s). Often small sealed monitors do better closer to walls. Still, that might be tough ultimately.
Used What Puppies will need to be out in the room. There are lots of high end speakers you might find that you like in that price however. Avantgard Uno's can be had at the $5k used range, and you can adjust the powered woofers somewhat to try to balance out your sound if you've got to get em closer to the walls and such. Infact, you'll probably not be able to beat these speakers for your applications(although off axis isn't possible with these speakers).
Another suggestion would be for you to biamp a pair of high end speakers you like, and put a parametric EQ on the woofers!!!! You'll otherwise be asking for lumpy, boomy, uneven bass next to the walls usually(depending of course).
Active speakers where you can get some more bass flexibility options will work for you, if you can find the right speakers.
If I can think of anything else pressently, I'll let you know
hassel
248 posts
 
Take a look at two often overlooked speakers: Shahinian Obelisk (www.shahinianacoustics.com), which costs $ 4000 new, but is on offer here used as well, and VMPS 40 (www.vmpsaudio.com) for $ 5000
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
I would suggest resisting generalizing about metal-dome tweeters when you audition and listen with an open mind, regardless of what sources you run - speaker choice should have more to do with your room and the kinds of music you listen to, and the way you listen to them, than with driver or source type IMO.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
If you and your room can deal with set up I don't think you can loose with magnepan 3.6/R. Some love there sound some hate the sound so I suggest you listen first, but when I was faced with the same question its what I did. You may also want to consider a used pair of Piega P-10's they may be had in your price range and they are a great speaker as well.
lafish
151 posts
 
get Natilus 803 could be much better than Matrix. I have ever experienced both. N803 surely better and thats within your price range.

Reasons:
1) more pretty
2) better in staging and clarification
3) easy to drive, even small power amp can handle.

Cheers.
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