Do I have to spend $4000 plus to get a better sounding speaker than GET model 7 ?


I have owned a pair of Golden Ear Technology 7's speaker for almost 3 years. I think they sound very good in my current set-up.  I bought them unheard based on the rave reviews they received at CES 2012. My concern is that if I was to invest in a speaker that is $3500-$4000, it may prove to be only marginally or fairly better. I am not saying that the GET's 7's are the best bargain in audio at $1395.  My experience with them is they are  very accurate with low distortion, but don't throw a particularly wide or deep soundstage. 

I have considered( not necessarily auditioned) Revel F-206;  Focal Aria 936;  Paradign F85;  PSB T-2';  Ryan 630;  B&W CM9S   Dynaudio X-34;  Duevel "Venus"  Audio Physic Sitara 25 and Tempo 25  All of the indicated speakers (except AP and Duevel) fall in the $3000-$4500 retail price range 

ProAc floor standers are off the scope in price, (often, even used)   Anything I buy will be used, because California sales tax is 8.5%,  and I can stretch my dollars buying used. 

Any recommendations are welcomed especially if based on you own experience with a particular speaker or brand.


Thank you, S.J     

sunnyjim

Showing 8 responses by 213runnin

Sunny, if you are sensitive to the edgy highs, I would add another to your short list.  Ascend Acoustics Tower could definitely be an upgrade.  They image superbly and with the Raal ribbon tweeter give pinpoint imaging but are not sharp or edgy, according to all of the owner reviews I've read.  I'm looking at a new speaker myself, and these are my leading contenders so far.

The downside to any other speaker besides Golden Ear is that almost none have powered subwoofers.  None will give you the bass response you are getting now.  You would also need to buy a sub or turn yours up somewhat if you already have one.

It would be helpful to know what amp you have, room dimensions and cables too.
The number one reason why speakers can start to sound edgy, barring system incompatibility, is over driving the receiver or amp.  The receiver or amp being used is CRUCIAL to the conversation, and could well be why rackon preferred the GET speakers while others haven't.


Sunny, yep, I’ll agree that with the excellent electronics that you have, you really are missing out with your present speakers. There are many good speakers to choose from with a $4000 budget that will put a pair of $1400 speakers to shame.

Kosst has mentioned Focal, and they would be worth an audition, along with some others if visiting brick and mortar stores is possible, bringing along your favorite music.

I would again suggest Ascend Acoustics. I’ve owned their Sierra 1 and Sierra-2 with the Raal Tweeter. They are amazing and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Raal is a leader in ribbon tweeters and makes them by hand. They have superior vertical dispersion and are so accurate, the imaging is off the charts.(I have no affiliation with Ascend, but have become a big fan) My Sierra 2 handled the Parasound Halo A21 just fine.

The Ascend Tower takes this to another level with a superior midrange driver and an upgraded Raal tweeter in comparison to the Sierra 2. I haven’t heard the Tower yet, but any owner/reviewer who’s compared them to the Sierra 2 has been wowed.   Plus, being internet direct, they are priced at around $2800, depending on finish options.

The only way to audition is to try them out in home on a 30 day trial. You would have to eat the shipping charges if you return them, but I guarantee they will trounce the GET 7. I would suggest starting by phoning Ascend Acoustics and explaining your situation. Their website has the contact information.
Sunny, in your smaller listening room, some speakers would not be suitable.  I had a pair of towers from the Paradigm Signature line, in a room that was about 11' x 17.  I had to move the system to a larger room altogether, it would quickly get congested as the room was overpowered.  

One drawback of the Sierra Towers I've read is that they do not excel in large rooms, but are best in medium sized ones instead.  I'm not sure if this helps you, perhaps it would be best to order 2 pairs of speakers, and send back the loser, it's what many do these days.  Just make sure that both sellers have some kind of trial policy.


In Sunny's defense, upgrading speakers can be a difficult task.  It looks like he's started several threads on his speaker search in the last few months alone.  I suppose one can be guilty of analysis paralysis, perhaps he'll make up his mind by the end of the year.
And the Tektons come in "Red" or "Grey" too!

Surely they could do more about the looks of their speakers? Boring boxes with primary color options, but at least they throw in some extra tweeters!
What you need to do at this point, sunny, is make a short list.  7 or 8 pairs of speakers that you would consider buying.  They would need to be suitable for the type of music you prefer.  They would need to work well with your present amplifier.  They would need to be suitable for the size of room you have. 

Simply asking people for suggestions could take years.  There are probably 30 or 40 different brands of speakers that would be amazing for you, you don't need to find the needle in the haystack.  Don't overthink this, it's just speakers.
Sunny, good to hear you are moving forward in your speaker goals, from all accounts the Revels are an outstanding option.  Pardon me if I came off as being brusk in my previous post, and best of luck in your search.