Help me pick a new pair of speakers


Help me pick a new pair of speakers

My equipment list is listed below. 

I like my Revel M105 speakers but feel there is something better available. So, if anyone can recommend a starting point or a set of speakers, please feel free. My budget is around 4K. I would really like to stay with bookshelf's but will consider others. My listing room is my living room is 13x21 ft.

Current setup:
Rogue Audio RP-5
Rogue Audio Hydra
Gold Note PH-10 w/PS-10
Rega planar P8 W/Ania Pro
Revel m105
SVS SB1000

I'm really looking for:
-better sound quality
-better sound stage and image
-more refinement

Just something that sounds better than what I have. I don't want a new set of speakers just to have a new set.
I rally want something better then what I have. So far I have been reading about the following speakers:
-Dynaudio Special 40
-B&W 705 Signature
-Revel M126Be
-ProAC Response D2/R/D
-Monitor Audio Gold 100

At this point the only speakers I have auditioned are the Monitor Gold 200 (out of my budget). I my be able to audition the Revel at Crutchfield soon. I listen to jazz 85% of the time. The other 15% is a mix of everything.


Thanks
Herbert
 

nic919

Vandersteen VLR CT plus 2 REL subs. Should sound fantastic with your Rogue gear. I'm a big jazz fan and I heard this setup at John Rutan's place, Audioconnection, in Verona, NJ last week. Sublime.....

Although he was using the ARC i/50 which I am now pining for.

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Given what you’re looking for I’d put the ProAc at the top of your current list. I’d also add the Joseph Audio Prism that offers a lot of the acclaimed Pulsar’s sonic properties at about half the price. Another outstanding monitor that flies under the radar is the Usher Dancer Mini-X Diamond that in addition to offering incredible performance levels/$ are drop-dead gorgeous. And, as the name implies, you get their top diamond tweeter at this price level unlike the B&Ws where you need to move up to the considerably more expensive 805s to get their diamond tweet. Personally, and from my listening and given what you’re looking for, I’d easily take any of these three over the others on your list for their top-of-class imaging/soundstage abilities and very high levels of refinement and musicality. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck in your search.

If I was in your shoes, I would simply upgrade the components with better parts.  That would be more on an impact than a new pair of speakers, etc.

 

Happy Listening.  

I'd stick to either Fritz or Monitor Audio platinum series. Stick with the satellite/sub situation.

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Triangle Signature Theta. Efficient, and tube friendly. Great for jazz. 

I just went through the process of buying new speakers with a similar budget. My short list came down to Fritz Speakers and Spatial Audio. I was able to demo Spatials but not the Fritz. I went with a pair of Spatial M4s because of the open baffle design. They have incredible sound stage and detail. I doubt I’ll ever go back to a box speaker, but if I had to, I’d start with Fritz.

So…a few years ago, long before Verdant, I had a very similar system I chose to upgrade.  My speakers were Performa3 M105s.  I had a Rogue Hydra power amp with an Ayre preamp.  Rega table.  I actually auditioned the RP5 and really liked it.

My experience was that for a modest increase in price, I was unable to find a speaker I thought was “better.”  I could find ones that were different.  Something like MA gold is definitely different but I am not sure if it is better.  I waited for the BEs and was not in love with them when I heard them.  
 

Basically, you have a REALLY good sounding system that is well balanced tonally. Each of the speakers above is going to change the sound.  Special 40 warmer, B&W will be brighter, etc….  You may or may not like this.  
 

Given that I really loved the Revels, I struggled to find anything I liked better under avoid $6k at the time.  This was 5 years ago.  With inflation….

I ultimately bought Raidho’s which were a huge departure and a mistake for my room as I lacked the space I needed for them.  I ultimately restarted the search.  Failed and built my own speakers as they were what I ultimately liked better.  
 

I am 100% sure I can introduce you to speakers you will like better than the Revels but not on an ~$4k budget.  By all means search, but hold out till you find what you love.  

I’m sure you hear this too much on this site..

Tekton Moab is going to be my recommendation..

Just under $5,000 delivered, in any color you desire, with grilles and custom made plynths (you have to ask)..

If too much almost any TEKTON speakers in the $2,000 and above range will be an eye opener..

 

You can send them back if you don’t like them.. A 10% loss (return shipping)..

Expect the grilles to take awhile (my only complaint)..

 

Other than Tektons, I have been recommending VOLTI AUDIO..

Volti audio is more expensive, but I would consider them an upgrade/different to the Tektons..

If it's a pair of stand-mounted speakers I'd head straight to Joseph Audio used speakers and tie in the SVS-1000, passed very low. I'd consider Scansonic MB2.5 floorstanders too. Good luck-lots of quality stuff in that range, especially used!

@verdantaudio: idle curiousity, how large/what model Raidho's and how large or small was the room for the mismatch? I'm loving older D2 small floorstanders in a 17 x 20 x 10 space (and don't expect to upgrade again). Thx.

I had a pair of D2's and really enjoyed them. Great speaker. If you don't mind something a little older keep your eyes open for a pair of Verity Parsifal monitors too. 

Herbert,

Do yourself a favor and listen to a pair of Kef LS50 Metas. I auditioned with a friend who is just getting the audio bug. It was a smaller room, but these speakers are incredible! I owned a pair of B&W 802D3s, and I have to say that the LS50s in that room were more fun and engaging than the B&W's I had in my large room. In my audio journey, this was indeed a humbling experience. The Kefs will compete with anything up to $5K.

Hi All,
 I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of Revel M126Be's (Gloss Black). I really like this speaker. It checks all the boxes for me and sounds great in my listening room. To top everything off, I really got a very nice price on the set. So, I think my search is over.

 I would like to thank everyone for replying to my post, it way a big help, thanks.

Herbert

Congrats on the new speakers. Be patient and let them break in. I have no doubt you will enjoy them quite a bit. Have fun! Dialing in the right sub will finish it off.

Thanks. What do you think would be the right sub? Using a SVS SB1000 at this time.

Thanks again

Herbert 

Congrats!  Add another SB1000 and you’ll be much better off than upgrading to one better sub.  Not sure, but if you add an SB1000 Pro you might be able to use their integration app to dial both subs in.  Maybe worth a call to SVS that has great customer service.  Best of luck. 

Congratulations! Those look like a great speakers. I have always had a sweet spot for stand mounted.

 

As far as a subs… either a matching Revel or REL. REL have a stellar reputation for their integration methodology… but buying a sub from the same company you bought your speakers should assure perfect voicing and integration.