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.
If you can get them go for Wilson Benesch, British high end speakers. I had the ActOne for years but like you wanted looks AND performance in all depts, so bought 2nd hand pair of Chimera. All carbon fibre, beautiful curves, only 7 inches across the front. New £24k can be found for £6-12k. With your Krells they will be awesome. I have mine spiked on to steel cups on to black granite. One German review gave then 99%/100.
These are hybrid electrostatics. New ones are built to order, sold only from the company direct, with a 30 day return policy. Used may be very hard to find.
$15K - Too many to choose from. I prefer a used speaker (discounted of course). It all depends on your sound requirements as well as aesthetics. 2nd generation $30K speakers can be bought for nearly half price, 3rd generation $100K speakers can be bought for 1/4 price very often. Do you want a speaker which is geared toward a single listener or wide dispersion of a stable image? You state you prefer precision, speed, clarity, and firm bottom end. You don't want Magnapans unless you add a subwoofer. The first three speakers have deep bottom ends but for all your requirements, I doubt the JBLs fill the bill as to precision, speed and clarity, There are some superior high end speakers which have major discounts because they are 5 or 10 years old. Nothing wrong with buying used speakers. Good ones last many decades.
I have a visually and sonically beautiful set of Rockport Technologies Atria 1 I will be selling in a couple of weeks well within your price range, with enough left over for a worthy set of speaker cables. I am moving up the Rockport line. 😁
Given the importance of aesthetics - something that I share - you might consider a speaker that can be finished to you taste - whether in a wood veneer or in a paint finish. For example, Zu audio.
(((choice would be Vandersteen 5A Carbon. You don’t see these used very often. There is one pair on Audiogon.))) Smart Move! Yes, but that pair just got sold this weekend I may know when the next pre-owned pair is available. Make sure you also hear a New Pair of Vandersteen Quatro CTs with custom tuning, it's also hard to find these used.
((Tomic,((((even your big amp will benefit w powered bass and the mains high passed ... eleven bands of analog EQ to fix the room...))) So true, Time aligned drivers leged design and your finished asking questions enjoying the music.
Best, JohnnyR
Focal Kanta sound amazing, however I just got a pair and the build quality is atrocious. went with a pair of black lacquer fronts and backs, terrible finish. Spent $10k USD for the pair and I could have sprayed the lacquer better myself. Also glue left in the front port tube. For a company that prides itself on its finishing - I was very disappointed
Were I in your shoes I would run (not walk) to pick up the pair of Daedalus Audio Orpheus for sale right now here. They are simply gorgeous and I wish I could own them. Don't look back just buy them!
Given that you have Krell amplification which is brilliant but it is a hair forward of neutral, I find some of the suggestions hear fascinating. It sounds like you prefer a slightly forward sound profile, but some of these combos might end up being a bit fatiguing. If I were you, I would look at the Spendor D9s. I think they would be a brilliant match for your amplification and should meet your needs in terms of looks. It is a natural sounding speaker that I think would really come to life with your electronics. I don’t have them available for Demo but they should be easy enough to find. Another option that you will either love or hate is the Scansonic MB6 B. Sound is to die for but looks are not for everybody. I heard the side-by-side with the Magico S1s and they blew the Magicos out of the water. The MB5 B has broader appeal aesthetically.
I can’t speak to system synergy. Instead, here are speakers I have listened to, really enjoyed and that are attempting something aesthetically. Not all are to my visual taste but that is a highly subjective front. Some have been mentioned here. Pricing for some may imply a used purchase, which you noted you are open to. Kef Blade 2 Kef Reference 5 Aerial 7T Focal Kanta 3 Totem Element Metal v2 Totem Wind Design Piega Master Line Source 2
Have fun listening and I can’t wait to hear what you end up getting. I am in the for me slow period of saving for my next speakers.
@wassaicwill, the JBL K2 S9900 is well above your budget (new or used) if you have a hardstop at 15k. But, if you can get your hands on a pair of their S4700s for under 15k, it should truly madly deeply rock your world. My younger sibling has these hooked up to some Luxman gear. It is Jebeesus Christ good.
By now, you might have got 50 or 60 recs. Let me add my 2 cents. I was recently in similar situation: started at 10K and moved unto 15K. I might have auditioned at least 15 speakers. Ultimately you have to audition what you buy. You will thank everybody who have recomended Aerial acoustics 7T. This is one the "best speakers not many have heard". I have upgraded my source to > 25K but never felt like changing speakers: they are just amazing sounding. Others to consider, assuming you will get some deals: B/W 802 D3, Dynaudio confidence 30, audiosolutions Figaro XL (very biggg).. Good luck.
in that price I went with a newer pair of meridian dsp 8000 because I was getting frustrated with the component and room inconsistency messing with the sound. Not for everyone for sure and not much room for tweaking if thats your thing. Amazing presentation at the used prices they can be had for.
I'm going to get a couple old metal garbage can lids, remember those? and march down the street banging them together shouting persona 7f next time paradigm runs the 20% sale.
The Kef and Revel reference speakers I had were really tricky to power with end result me reselling because my amp didn't allow them to reach their potential. a couple brands I've been pleasantly surprised with because they actually sounded good when I brought them home were the Usher be20 dmd, very nice, but large and heavy, and now the persona 7f speakers that if you can find them used have gotten down to the $15k price. My wife thinks they're pretty and for all the people that say paradigms burn their ears off, haven't listened to the persona line yet.
Reading the reviews of the Kef Blade if you have the room and right components sound like world beaters, the part that keeps me away is after spending all that coin on speakers they need to play nice with my existing components.
It would help to know about other considerations, such as room placement (in the corner, out in the middle of the room?), room size, etc.
For corner placement, I like the Audio Note line (the specific model will depend on room size). I don't know what you would think about the looks of a plain box, but, they come with very nice wood veneers. Again for corner placement, the Gradient Revolution is another great sounding speaker.
Out of the corners of the room, the best bargain in speakers in your price range come from Charney Audio. The look is a bit funky, but, you might like them. They are very efficient, so they might not be the best match for high-powered Krell amps, but, they are simply amazing.
Given your preference for the sound of Spatial speakers, I think you might also like the sound of something from SoundKaos. I heard their Model 42 (narrow oval shape) and it was quite good, although it might be a little bit above your price range).
Of models mentioned above, I like the ProAc D48R and Vandersteen Quattro.
The Legacy speakers look great in person, not so much in photos. So I do suggest checking them out in person. I own the Signature SE. The Endeavor MK2 was my second choice when I was speaker shopping, I'm sure the Endeavor SE is very good.
Other aesthetically pleasing speakers in that range: Proac D48R Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 MK2 Dali Epicon 8 Audio Physic Codex
However, if aesthetics is the main thing, whatever Sonus Fabre fits the budget. They just look beautiful IMO. And they sound good enough.
Thanks nitewulf, I have a huge crush on the SF Olympica Nova series, which--weird grill aside - - are stupendously beautiful imo. Thanks for the ideas!
You’ve been given a lot of options. To the point of being overwhelmed, I imagine.
I’ll throw out two suggestions to add to the fray.
1. Coincident Total Victory V, $15,000 new - these rarely come on the used market; owners just do not part with them
2. Martin Logan ESL 13A ~$15,000 new - very revealing speakers; require a lot of space around them. Not for everyone. If you have to position your speakers in a corner, these aren’t for you. - ML’s are demanding - they can draw down to 1Ω so they require an amp that can drive them (you are OK here)
I have the Martin Logan Spires ($10,000 when new) so I obviously like the sound of the hybrid electrostatic. I play in an orchestra and I find the ML’s most closely resemble what I hear when I’m performing.
Hi dramatictenor, I'm leaning toward SF Olympica, Focal Sopra 2, Rockport or Von Schweikert. The SF and Rockport weren't really on my radar before I put out this call for help but I'm impressed by what I'm learning about both. I've heard the Sopra so I'm hoping to audition a few more brands in the days and weeks ahead. I typically move very slowly and then very quickly once I hear "It" that I'm looking for. I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the folks here and so very grateful.
I listened to a speaker with as plasma tweeter and walked away thinking, just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done. That was a few years ago and they might be improved now. Again VA 'the musik' Kef 'blade' meridian 'dsp 8000' Dutch&Dutch Kii 3 paradigm 'persona 7f' usher 'be20 dmd' In no specific order and obviously at this price component matching with the passive models will determine results
You do not mention anything about the type of sound you are looking for. Like filed coil speaker sound, open baffle, horns, etc. it comes down to preference not ours. If you are more specific on your experiences and what you like then there is a starting point. DynamiKKs are German made speakers that to me have a horn sound, details/clarity, deep bass, very open and airy, easy to drive, the company makes their own drivers.
Look at T+A Talis S300. They look great and sound incredible. They only come in silver or black brushed aluminum. Huge, open sound like I've rarely heard. Vandersteen Quad or Treo would be my other suggestions for speakers that fit into a multi-use room well.
I like both the looks and sound of Boenicke speakers. I think it W8 is below $15k, even the W8SE. If you can find a used speaker you might get a W11 or W11SE. The W11SE+ is said to be even better but more expensive and newer which means it is probably hard to find used.
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