There is a pair of Legacy Aeris for sale here now that you could have in your home for less than $15k.
~$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.
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Canton, not well known in the american market but great speakers. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantventoref1.2dcwhta/canton-vento-reference-1.2-12-3.5-way-speaker-white-each/1.html https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantventoref2.2dcblka/canton-vento-reference-2.2-10-3-way-speaker-black-each/1.html |
Dynaudio Contour 60 or the forthcoming next generation Contour 60i at $11,000 (I have a set on order). With that next gen model on the way there are a number of Dynaudio dealers selling their floor models of the Contour 60 at a bargain price. Smooth sounding speakers with a particular naturalness on vocals. It's a soft dome design so not as piercing as some of the BE or AMT tweeters. Of course, it's only my opinion those tweeters are piercing. Excellent dynamic range with solid impact on bass. Pictures don't do justice to the gray oak, gloss finish that is just one of several finish options. It's stunning in person. Not a lot of Dynaudio speakers for sale on Audiogon or US Audiomart. Many are sold new, so that says a lot about people wanting to keep them, and for good reason. Best to you. I hope that you end up with a wonderful sounding speaker that lasts a very long time for you. If you have the opportunity to audition a set of Dynaudio Contour series speakers I believe you will find them to sound as I described and, I believe, fits what you had asked for. Also, they work very well with, and even prefer, high powered SS amps. |
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. |
Take a look at DeVore he make great speakers that are beautiful.https://devorefidelity.com/ |
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). |
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@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. |
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-... |
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. |
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. |
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@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! |