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5-10k budget... so many choices

So its that time of year where I get to combine my tax return and annual bonus.  I am looking at stepping into the world of hi-fi and the more I research the more questions I have.  I am mainly looking at creating a 3.2 soundstage for 50/50 home theater and music listening.  I originally started out with a budget of 5k but after listening to step ups I am open to increasing my budget to ~10k.  I have listened to the B&W 702's, 804's, 803's the GoldenEar Reference, the Focal Kanta 2's, and Martin Logan 60t's.  After listening I was quickly able to eliminate the ribbon style of the Martin Logan, as for the GoldenEar's and the lower B&W's I was impressed with the accuracy and composure of both speakers and could have otherwise been quite content but it all changed once I heard the Focal's and 803's. I truly felt them, they gave me that indescribable goosebump feeling and I dont know if I can go back.  So far if I had to pick one, I would hands down go with the Focals, but since I am starting from the ground up I want a speaker that can grow with my setup.  Initially I will be using a Marantz 7012 AVR but will eventually add either 2 channel or dual mono block amplification.  At any rate I was curious what other speakers in this range give that feeling of experience and presence, the goosebumps.  Ideally I would like to be able to incorporate a center channel and dual subs but at this point I put more priority on the quality and clarity of the towers as they are the stars of the show.  Anyway I appreciate and thank you for any feedback and ideas.

Cheers
lowspark

Showing 4 responses by mtrot

mtrot
804 posts
 
Lowspark,

I completely agree with your idea of prioritizing the front L/R speakers.  And if you are expanding your search into the ~$10K range, I wouldn't buy anything without auditioning a set of Legacy Audio Focus SE, which offers AMT tweeters, dual mid woofers, and two twelve inch woofers.  Focus SE is a true full range speaker, with bass extension to 18Hz.  With the Focus SE, you are certainly getting into your goosebumps inducing level of speaker.  And the Focus SE are equally good for both music and home theater.

It's obviously just personal preference, but I'd rather do a 2.0 setup with Focus SE than a 3.2 system with "smallish" front L/R speakers, especially with a 50/50 usage mix between music/movies.  Similarly, I'd rather do a 3.0 system with Focus SE for L/R and a Legacy Audio Marquis or Silver Screen center channel speaker than a 3.2 system with lesser speakers across the front.  Sure, subs are great if room rattling bass is a top priority, but that has lost some appeal for me, as I now value other aspects of audio more highly. 
mtrot
804 posts
 
lowspark and others,

You've got me interested in this Kanta no. 2, but Focal doesn't seem to have a lot of dealers in the US.  The early reports are highly positive, but I didn't find a lot of full reviews with measurements.
mtrot
804 posts
 
ddouin,

At $5K, the Revel F208 is highly regarded as excellent sounding and apparently measures about as well as a speaker can.  At $7K, it's hard to beat the Legacy Audio Signature SE.  At $10K, well....  the number of outstanding options is just dizzying.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Eh, the only thing that would give me pause about the Kantas is that they are a bit "smallish" for the price.  I wonder about the deep bass capabilities.  The 1038 BE ii are larger, heavier, with more bass drivers, and are rated deeper in the bass, and you still get the beryllium tweeter.  You also can get them for around $7K.  I'm afraid I wouldn't be satisfied with the deep bass on the Kantas.  I'm guessing that they live up to the reviews in all other areas.
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