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Finally gonna buy new speakers, ideas?

I've broken down and am going to get new speakers. It's been a long time, but I think I'm ready to part with my old faithful Matrix 804s. I have auditioned a few lines, and am fortunate to live in LA now (only for the reason of having a lot of audio choices) so I can hear about anything I want. I have liked the N802s, 803s, Eggleston Isabels (with a REL sub). Didn't like the Aerial model (around 7-8K don't remember it). Thought the REVEL salon was a little thin. (maybe bad room acoustics in the store). I don't have a big experience with different speaker lines. I was so happy with the 804s for so long, they stayed and a lot else moved through the system.
I tend to listen to female vocals, acoustic stuff, Dave Matthews, Fiona Apple, love piano and strings, a fair amount of modern rock, and a moderate amount of classical piano, not much full orchestra, little to no hard rock/metal. I have been known to throw on some vintage Public Enemy from time to time.
I'll be driving them with a pair of Aleph 2s, with a Muse source and preamp. I'll have a pretty good sized listening room and it will be a dedicated 2 channel setting. If anyone has any input as to lines to check out that excel at the type of music I like- or just general all around performers, I'd be greatly appreciative. I'm trying to narrow my search to a few stores. (Traffic and all here in LA). I'd like to spend <10k retail. Thanks to all and happy listening,

Todd
tsquared
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Check out Avalon Acoustic Eclipse, they have the smooooothest midrange that I have ever heard. They may not be the right speakers for you but worth checking out. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you make out, Tim.
tsquared OP
32 posts
 
Thanks so far everyone. A lot of options. Too bad its Sunday today and I can't get started yet. Psgary, thanks for the less expensive option. I have set a limit on price, but boy would I be happy to come in way under it. After many years in this hobby/obsession I have found that there usually is improvement as you go up the price scale, but it is not even close to being a direct or linear correlation. Thanks again to all,

Todd
jhunter
45 posts
 
Dunlavy speakers really ought to be on the audition short-list. For under $10k, you could get the awesome SC-IVa ($8k list?), or the Cantata at $5k (a better buy, IMO, and much easier to fit in the room).

The aforementioned Audio Physic speakers are also wonderful, as are the Dynaudios. Don't know that your amp would drive the Dynaudio, though, nor the Magnepan 3.6R (which cost ~$4k, so you could add another amp). Thiel is popular, and $10k would get you pretty high up in their line although these require lots o' watts as well.

Happy hunting!
justlisten's avatar
justlisten
489 posts
 
Todd,

since you are in LA, I gotta plug a great dealer in the San Diego area. Yesterday, I made a 14 hr driving marathon from Oakland to SanDiego and back to Jeffs Sound Values. He advertises her frequently and has a large selection of used gear and speakers plus some new lines. They are good people there and from my visit all their used gear is well cared for and in good condition. They are closed on Sunday. He takes trades and is very very fair in pricing and trade in offers.
landmarkbldrs206d
1 posts
 

Tsquared: Easy answer to your question. Listen to what you have said about your M.804's,you like them & they're faith-ful. Remember every body's ears are differant-ask 20 people,you will get all differant opinions {there taste,not yours} If I were your salesperson, true friend, or close relative the answer is finding what is best for YOU. If I had the money today, without hesitation I would own the NAUTILUS 802's and would listen to {all] kinds of music pastionatly. After your comments about your spkrs. you would LOVE these sooo much more. If you read the reviews on these beauties after listening to them you would be on your way to the audio/video store before you finished reading this. GOOD LUCK in your desion, it will be a very important one, your heart & soul. Your e-maiil caught my eye because of your question & owning B&W's if you can't tell I sorta have a huge passion this stuff. I am a builder, custom cabinet maker, and am presently building a home theater for my custumer- which is my favorite thing to do.I sell stereo video products on the side because it is my #1 HOBBY. If you need help purchasing & want to save $ call me on my cell # 1[616] 291 1372. I save you quite a bit of money, and I make some, we both win. If not still good luck in your purchase it will be very important.
Bill at Landmarkbldrs.
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