Concert Experience for $5k?


I have a budget of $5k for new/used stereo speakers.
I have a VPI turntable, PrimaLuna Dialogue preamp and a Cary Audio V12 tube amp. (yeah, the one with 12 EL34’s sticking out of it) I’ve got quality gear and plenty of horsepower.

I am chasing the rock concert experience. When you’re at a live show drums have a sharp attack and crack. Bass/kick drums have a punch you can feel. ....that’s what I want to feel when I play a live album.

Which speakers - new or used - would you recommend to recreate that rock concert feeling?
t-bon3

Showing 1 response by onhwy61

Amplified rock concert sound is generated by thousands of watts of amplifiers feeding dozens of large diameter drivers (12" to 18" woofers).  Concert sound systems are capable of sustained 115dB sound levels with peaks up to 125dB.  Practically speaking you will not be able to reproduce this in a home environment.

If you're willing to scale down the concert hall sound such that it works in a domestic environment you could probably get by with 300-500 watts and  loudspeakers that can sustain 105dB.  The above suggestions of ATC, Zu or Klipsch are good, but whatever you pick will be by necessity a physically large loudspeaker.  Good luck!