ultimate best speakers ever- now under 15K

Hi Gaudio,

It may very well be true that the XRT-28s do not excel at classical just as you heard... I can't comment, because I did not listen to any on them (we stuck to female vocals, jazz instrumentals and rock).

As for the soundstage and midrange coloration issues you encountered, I confess I experienced none of them... Guess I just got lucky, or the music I listened to was maybe a better match with the speakers...?

I will have to bring some classical CDs (my music of choice BTW, go figure) with me in January when I seek them out again at CES, and see if my opinion changes any... For now though, I stand by my initial impressions as I was completely blown away with all that I *did* hear on them.

---Dave

I want to thank everyone for helping. Since I started this thread i discovered two more speakers that I am mad for, but first let me answer some questions posed from other members. My room is 12 x 16 x 9(high), I plan on doing all and then some room treatment without over kill. What speakers did I not like ? ok here goes please take no offense I just want to say these are not for me, as for those who disagree if you have found something you like that's all that matters. Here are speakers that I did not like: sonus faber (no air or maybe system was bad), martin logan (not convincing) i don't want to mention others as they were not in the same price range. the two new seakers I discovered are kharmas 3.1 and jm labs divas and I love them both and still have an eye on the piega c8 ltd.The dynaudio c4 are now a distance behind the top 3 -kharma jm labs and piega. thanks and please tell me more.

Kharma & Genesis are differently voiced, although with using the controls on the Genesis one can approach the Kharma/ Martens /Avalon sound.
I like the JM Lab, but find them very expensive...
Unfortunately, you'll really have to listen carefully and, IMO, a reasonable recording (not top notch) of Mahler 2 and Mahler 8 and some small ensembles (preferably with low tuning on the violins), will tell you all.
When listening, remember to gauge exactly where you are seated in the virtual auditorium/ concert hall (i.e. pls, don't place yourself inside the orchestra)! Cheers

Avantgarde Duos. I've bought mine - my best ever upgrade. Needs proper setup. I had mine setup by the UK importer GT Audio, who came to my home - great service.