JBL S3900 or S4700 from Music Direct with 60 day free trial! Your last speakers await.
~$15K floorstanders: opinions sought
There a chance I'll be able to make a significant investment in my speakers within a few months, and jump from $4K/pr Focal 926 to something in the 10-15K range. I'm running krell gear and have no intention of changing electronics, they are perfectly suited to my ears - - but if new speakers expose weaknesses, then I'll tackle that later.
Here's the thing: aesthetics matter to me, a lot, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love my art and home and music is a huge part of my lifetime joy. These are some of the brands /models that I personally think are beautiful, and I'd love to hear from folks who could speak to a possible pairing with Krell. I like precision, speed, clarity, and firm bottom.
Room is approx 18x20x9. New or used is ok.
Von Schweikert Endeavor SE
Vienna Acoustics Klimt The Music
Magico S3
JBL Synthesis (4700, 9900, etc.)
Spatial (loved the demos I heard but not sure if OB would work in my space)
Appreciate any insight, despite the aesthetic emphasis.
Here's the thing: aesthetics matter to me, a lot, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love my art and home and music is a huge part of my lifetime joy. These are some of the brands /models that I personally think are beautiful, and I'd love to hear from folks who could speak to a possible pairing with Krell. I like precision, speed, clarity, and firm bottom.
Room is approx 18x20x9. New or used is ok.
Von Schweikert Endeavor SE
Vienna Acoustics Klimt The Music
Magico S3
JBL Synthesis (4700, 9900, etc.)
Spatial (loved the demos I heard but not sure if OB would work in my space)
Appreciate any insight, despite the aesthetic emphasis.
156 responses Add your response
There is one other at about $15k, but this may really ring the bell for you: https://www.salksound.com/model.php?model=Exotica%203 I just got a pair of bookshelves and the wood choices are incredible. Go play with the wood choosing tool https://www.salksound.com/gallery.php |
@wassaicwill -- You know, I think aesthetics are important. This is an object you'll live with and at your price point, you'll have many choices of things that will sound good. Why shouldn't it all come together -- the visual as well as the aural? It's your experience -- as the Burger King said, "Have it your way." ;-) Good luck! |
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KEF Blade 2 can be bought new for $17K or used at lower coin. I find it a beautiful looking and an incredible sounding speaker. The Yamaha NS5000 may not look beautiful in pictures but when you see it in person you see how gorgeous it is. It is also an incredible sounding speaker at $15K MSRP. All 3 drivers of this dynamic speaker are made from the same material that is supposed to be better than Beyilium. I concur based on my demos of Beryllium speakers, TAD (ME1, Evolution1) (Magico A3, S3MKII, S5MKII), Paradigm Persona (3F, 5F). I thought the NS5000 was at a higher level. The integration of the 3 drivers make it sound like 1 driver. The Viena Accoutics Kiss, I do not remember it being Beryllium, but I did not think it was in the same level as the others I mentioned above. Pretty good but a little expensive. |
jump from $4K/pr Focal 926 & aethectics Why isn't Sopra 2 in the lineup? Used, and stretching the budget" Stunning visually and amazing sonics https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa435i-sonus-faber-stradivari-homage-full-range You could probably negotiate that price in your favor. |
I just went through this EXACT SAME exercise the last 2 months as the quarantine lifted in and around the NYC Tri state area. I compiled almost 60 speaker recommendations from posters on this forum each one passionately backing their choice as the ultimate and demoed about a dozen or so before i lost my shit. Lol Overwhelmed Yes but I learned a lot. And finally made my choice. But will it be my last... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/seeking-advice-on-speakers-that-create-an-intimate-2-channel-... |
@wassaicwill-You might want to try auditioning Aerial Acoustics (Model 7T), very well designed by Michael Kelly & very musical, well within your budget. I have it in my two channel system and it keeps getting better as I keep upgrading my electronics. I was previously driving them with Parasound gear (Halo JC-2 & Halo A-21+) and the sound was very good. Recently I upgraded my electronics to move up to Bricasti DAC & Amplifier and the Aerials started performing at a much higher level. I had a chance to listen to Rockport Atria in a local dealer's showroom which is almost 2.5 times expensive than Aerials. It was good but not good enough for me to replace the Aerials.... Thanks. |
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From your list it seems that you might like a modern, clean, architectural look. So I would suggest you also consider the KEF Reference 3. https://eu.kef.com/products/reference-3-floorstanding-speaker?variant=23578581860416 I have just got some (in white) and they are built like a high end watch. The finish is lovely and the build quality very high (they appear made of granite or something similarly solid). |
Take a look at DeVore he make great speakers that are beautiful.https://devorefidelity.com/ |
wassaicwill, I am surprised no one mentioned that it is, IMO, foolish not to buy a used speaker. Especially at this time when large floorstanders are frequently going for 1/3 retail or less! Other than maybe living with a few small cosmetic flaws, there is no reason not to buy a good contemporary used speaker. And a well broken in speaker is an advantage. Speakers can take hundreds of hours to break in. And you are in a perfect position to get a world class speaker at a bargain price. Some would say go for a Wilson Sasha. There are many now for sale. I wonder why? My 1st choice is a Rockport Avior. The Rockports are the finest, most natural dynamic speaker I have heard. And with big Krells, you can rock the house! Especially since you currently have Focal, there is 1 pair of the big Utopias from TRM Audio on Audiogon. Talk about big scale, easy drive and great sound! And very hard to find used. They are listed at about $10k. Then my next choice would be Vandersteen 5A Carbon. You don’t see these used very often. There is one pair on Audiogon. Overall, my pick would be the Rockports. I don’t think you can find anything but a rave reviews. |