2. speakers
  3. 1412183505

Tube Friendly High End "Big" speakers

I've been upgrading my system from good to great. I addressed the analog front end first and now have something respectable (Brinkmann Oasis w/ Graham Phantom II Supreme, Lyra Delos, SimAudio Moon 310LP, and Acrolink 8N Reference Phono Cable.

The system is being driven by a PrimaLuna Premium Dialogue Integrated and the speakers are Opera Seconda's in a smallish dedicated listening room. I'm moving into a much larger house, but will no longer have a dedicated listening room.

The room is 21.5' x 14.5' with lots of big windows and a high v-shaped vaulted ceiling which I'll treat with GIK acoustic panels. Not looking on advice on the room. It is what it is. Just giving a bit of info since I suspect it will be on the lively side. Here's a video. The room starts around the 2:10 mark: http://youtu.be/wrDpTsBDD_M

I'm looking to upgrade the Opera's. I really want a "big" speaker, something that will move some air and pressurize a room like this. My preference is for something tube friendly and I'll likely need to use my PrimaLuna for at least a few months. Not really interested in horns though.

I'm looking for a very 3D soundstage that's velvety smooth. Detail is great, but definitely nothing fatiguing as I tend to listen at higher volumes for extended periods. While I do listen to a lot of Classic Rock and Jazz, I also listen to a lot of more modern music. I want something that isn't going to make this stuff sound terrible.

I'm planning to buy used, so anything that retails up to $55-60K might be doable. TAD and Focal are on my radar right now, but it's difficult to read between the lines from reviewers to understand what will work.

Which speakers should I be considering?
128x128bgupton
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
"It seems that the guys who are really into SET speakers tend to also be really into jazz and vocalists, so it makes their reviews harder for me to know if this speaker will be good for my other tastes. HmmmÂ…"
Bgupton. I couldn't agree more. It made my amp/speaker search more difficult because my system had to sound good for all types of music. Speakers can be especially frustrating in this regard. Don't settle until you love the speakers your are listening to. Happy searching!

You listened to devore O/96, but have you listened to the Silverbacks? Serious speaker.
Jet
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I would go with Tannoy Prestige or alternatively JBL Synthesis.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Tannoy: Canterburys or bigger.

JBL Synthesis: Everest DD67000 or DD66000
bgupton's avatar
bgupton OP
15 posts
 
@Gsm18439 - The Dominance looks interesting. I found a review on 6moons, but these speakers aren't listed on Zu's site.

That said, at $40K they're gonna be out of my budget new. I'm not sure if this is a popular enough speaker that I'd find one for sale used even if I'm patient for 3 or 4 months.

I do dig Zu's approach though.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Jet,
The Devore Silverback is a very good suggestion when you consider what Bgupton seems to be searching for. Excellent tube amplifier compatibility, easy speaker load, full range and reportedly handles all music genres well. There have been many good recommendations on this thread.
Charles,
More to discover