Getting a Divorce and can now buy floor standing speakers
So, I am getting rid of the wife (divorce, I am not burying her in the backyard!) and can now get big floor standing speakers. I currently have a Luxman integrated and model 30 Harbeth speakers, and a very good sub. Very neutral/natural sound, can listen for long sessions. But I don't get a very good image, and it seems a little too laid back. I listen mainly to singer-song writers, both male and female. Lots of acoustic/piano.
There are so many floor standers now, I'd like to shorten the list. Any suggestions to start my search? I am located in southern CA, so I can listen to almost any brand. Price should be under $100K.
I may lose a wife, but so far the freedom/cash is worth it.
Thanks all!
Borresen are known to image extremely well. Look at their X6 model ehich seems to be a very good value for miney or look at their better series. The M3 seems to be amazing but also cost at least 15x the price of the X6.
https://audiogroupdenmark.com/product/boerresen-x6/ https://www.stereophile.com/content/b%C3%B8rresen-acoustics-m6-and-x6-axxess-aavik-and-ansuz |
I agree that there should not be imaging issues with the Harbeth speakers. I've heard several iterations of the 30s and they are all capable of good imaging. Proper placement of the speaker and the listener and proper treatment of the room should be a priority. Given the OP's high budget, it might still make sense to replace the Harbeths, but the first thing is diagnosing whether the speaker placement and room acoustics are the major concern. I've heard the 30s run off some crazy expensive amps and they are certainly capable of sounding very good when driven by such amps. My local dealer loves to shock customers with how good some small and more modestly priced speakers can sound when driven by really good amps. He typically uses an LS3/5A variant (Falcon, ProAc, Harbeth, and the original Rogers) for such a demonstration. This dealer only sells tube electronics, so the choice is typically a tube amp from Synthesis Audio. He does not recommend such extrem price difference between the amp and speaker; this is just to show buyers that they cannot skimp on the amp and expect to get the most out of their system. Among my favorite real world combinations with the Harbeth 30.2s that I have heard involved the use of Synthesis A40 (40wpc) and A100 (100wwpc) amplifiers. The sound is propulsive and lively and full with these amps. |
I am a new Sonus Farber convert. So of course I am going to tell you to check out Sonus Farber. I bought the Amati G5’s and really like their sound. Nothing shouts at me and the bass is good even at low levels to the point that I am using the subwoofer less and less. I’m sure you’ll be able to find something in your price range.
All the best. |
