The question of bespoke speakers is an interesting once, actually.
Numerous good small companies do, or would probably, "build to suit" : GR, Salk, Selah, Vapor, Fritz. I've listed to all of these, and owned a pair of GR's, and all are excellent (different presentations for different tastes, noted).
But all of them build to way lower pricepoint. Even Rick Craig's dramatic line arrays at Selah probably don't tickle a quarter of the pricepoint in the OP.
Interesting question what these guys would do with a blank check, or whether one could approach a luxury maker with a custom request.
"Err do you think you could make those Wilson's sound a bit less etched?" 😉
When I heard the big Ventures, the designer, "Didi" as he is apparently called, was in the room. I must have been staring, thinking, "That guy is a friggin' genius!" He looked over, and caught me. Very slight smile, very slight nod. Classy. Nice moment.
Another suggestion. Taste is personal but I like the looks of Bayz Audio speakers. I've seen and heard the smaller ones and they were great. Reminded me of MBL.
Reading your post I immediately imagined all the BS and sick jokes you will get in response. I do not understand too how this attitude supports the audiophile community, that this forum supposedly represents.
Now to your question - I don’t think there are lots of (any?) options that can beat Magico in this price segment. Used Q7 will be even below your price tag and with your gear they should sound terrific.
Based on your pre and amp, as well as you feeling Wilson is too forward, Kharma Exquisite Classique or Midi would be perfect for you. They are probably one of the best speakers I've ever heard, and go absolutely fantastic with Boulder electronics.
Obviously any recommendation for any audio product is just you ought to audition it. I don't believe anyone has recommended Rockport speakers yet and they are a no brainer to include in your search. The Lyra is a bit above your quoted price but may be in your area and it's one of the most impressive designs I've seen. Plus the designer seems to have his own reflex alignment which appears to give a reflex speaker many of the good qualities of a closed box. This is not just a claim; it showed up in a Stereophile graph of an older model.
I'm in Stitches reading this .. the Original 130K question and the replies too.. MJBISHOP said he was serious and really looking.. /asking.. MJ should have articulated his Question Better.. IF He Wanted a Real True Opinion.. Sorta like me asking I'd like to buy a really good socket to change my oil and plugs for my Bugatti La Voiture Noire.
Just looking for ideas, folks. Rail me if you want, but I’m not sure how that makes for “community”. As for power and pre-, I am currently running Boulder 2060 and 2110.
I really appreciate the productive comments so far. Helping with me research.
On the Alexxs (or any Wilson), I appreciate them. In the end, they are a little too forward for my tastes and the look is not for me.
I never will understand why people get so upset about questions such as these. Either he has the money and is looking for ideas, or he doesn’t and we can all dream :)
I’m personally a huge Wilson Audio fan. The Alexx can be had at this price point
Sonus Faber Aida are right at this price.
Edit: I feel as though I need to post my system, to keep up :D. MC601 C2600 Mcintosh, Watt/Puppy 6 MB50 Mcintosh Streamer. Customer room with GIK acoustics treatment.
I think the important thing with such criteria is to make sure price tags are indelible and discretely attached where they will be noticeable but not so obvious that one might think you were bragging.
So I did not intend to turn this into a discussion about class or means or who has the biggest wallet. I recently had the privilege to have an extended listening session with a pair of Alexx Vs (~$135K) and SF Aidas (~same). I am mostly curious about what is their competition at that price point. They are two very different speakers, with different sounds, looks, and focus. What compares in that price range? I don't own a yacht, retain no servants, and have never booked a politician for a party. FYI.
@jdoris You're right. Deleted my post! Super-7's by GR with magnetic planar ribbons and open baffle bass came to about $20k in parts and if someone else built it, I guess that could be a bit more, but nowhere near $130k. My bad.
@jdoris The Venture Grand Ultimate is now up to MKIV. I listened to a previous iteration at a show; the best speakers I have ever heard. Amazing. (Their entry level model, in the high 30’s when I heard it, was lovely too.)
Of course, Venture is far too refined to list MSRP in their website, but I imagine it is well into 6 figures.
They are tremendous and quite delicious. I do note that they are 4 ohm. I have been known to regret noting such things, but so be it.
Edit - and now I checked out Ultimate Reference. Why not.
The Venture Grand Ultimate is now up to MKIV. I listened to a previous iteration at a show; the best speakers I have ever heard. Amazing. (Their entry level model, in the high 30's when I heard it, was lovely too.)
Of course, Venture is far too refined to list MSRP in their website, but I imagine it is well into 6 figures.
noske's amusing remark about the stuff of nightmares is well taken.
While the Ventures would not be the malevolent visual presence of the big Wilson's in your listening room, they are, while attractive (actually pretty tasteful by super speaker standards), imposing, and would be best suited to a dedicated listening space approximately the size of modest aircraft hanger.
Acapella Audio Arts have speakers over $100K, and they look *wonderful*. Sonar Faber are splendid and are of a more traditional design.
There are others, like some Wilsons , but I reckon that they look like something out of the movie Aliens. I'd have bad dreams if they were in my house.
At this price point you are actually looking at quite a wide price range.
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