Sold speakers you really enjoyed?... But why?

Tan43

One amplifier designer I know sold his Rosinante speakers then bought them back from the guy a few years later.

Agree the Rosinante speakers (Gabrielle) are keepers. They have been the pillar for my system for many years. Can not beat 95db efficiency with response under 30 hz not to mention its transparent sound.

They do not make the silver wires used for the drivers in speakers today.

I sold a pair of 80's vintage Magnepan MG1c speakers I enjoyed for many years in that they were not a good fit in my current house/rooms compared to our prior home.

Also a pair of B&W P6 floorstanders for similar reasons, though I would like to be able to hear those now off my current setup, particularly with the CLass D BEl Canto amps and ARC tube pre-amp.

I had a pair of Acoustat 2+2s from new in the early 80s until around 2005. They were part of the system I had when I met my wife, so she just accepted them along with my other idiosyncrasies (they're 82 inches tall - very low WAF). They got stored when we moved over seas for a few years. By the time we moved back, I'd been using stand mount speakers and knew the 2+2s would never fly in our living room again. They're long gone and replaced by probably better speakers, but I'd still like to be able to hear them again.

Thanks to all who have responded so far. For some, it was probably painful to state you sold a favorite speaker especially if you never rebought, like some have confessed

I did not think the thread would become like a class reunion for "speakers I have know and loved" However, that only confirms to me the emotional investment many of us make in hi-end audio.

Unlike MoFImadness, I have not owned hundreds of speakers, but there was a time I proably heard almost everything that was available. Nevertheless, here is my list of speakers I have owned starting with the current ones:

Acoustic Zen Adagios( current and holding)

Silverline Prelude II's

Vandersteen 1C

Green Mountain: Europa

B&W Matrix 3 MK II

Kef 104's

Large Advents

JBL L-26

ESS model 7 ( prior to Dr Heil's take over)

Rectilinear 11's; 12; and XO's

Beginning with the Advents, the descending order is shrouded in ancient history

I will be moving back to SoCal in November, and I fear the AZ Adagio's may have to go. They weigh 95lbs each boxed and however they calculate price vs weight in container cargo, it will be at least 500.00 to ship. or $700 via FED Ex if I ship. to L.A. or San Diego. Also, my new neighbors may not appreciate or tolerate loud music. I have been lucky most neighbors 80+ in my building are taking their daily nap deep in REM sleep, or just sailing away to Elysium.

At 50 inches high, the Adagios are big speakers.

However, parting with a speaker you like, only let's out, the upgrade bug from the bottle, as if to say: "maybe there is something out there better sounding, possibly in a smaller box or tower that will rival or possibly exceed the speaker I sold. ( BTW, this also is the template for breaking up with your favorite ladyfriend......LOL)

Ever since Audiogon changed its format, and fees, it has become harder to sell a component or a pair of speakers, especially if you ask between $2000-$2500. The audio market across the board seems sluggish,and legitimate buyers less available.