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Hunt for new floor standers

Having sold my speakers, I’m in the hunt for a new pair of floor standers. I’m stepping up my game from the PSB Silver i’s that I had for years. I’d be interested in hearing from fellow Audiogoners about their suggestions for 2 channel, audio only towers. I’d like good bass response and prefer not to invest in a sub. Having said that, high end clarity is a must as well. Currently I’m using a tubed Rogue Super Magnum 99 preamp and a SS Belles 150A Hot Rod amp. In short time I may opt out of the Belles amp but for now it’s stays. I’ve auditioned the KEF R700 and the Sonus Faber Chameleons and liked them both but I’m not sure how either would play with my rig. My budget allows for mid $2K max and I’m OK with used equipment that’s been well taken care of. Insightful input is appreciated.
axspike
60 responses Add your response
grahamsphillips's avatar
grahamsphillips
13 posts
 
I recently bought a second hand but immaculate pair of Martin Logan Vantage. They would fit your price range and for me they have it all. Bass aplenty, incredible dynamics but best of all the three dimensional soundstage..its the closest thing I've heard to live music. If you haven't auditioned electrostatics then you really should 
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
check out the wharfdale evo 4.4  $2k
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
My dad has a pair of ML 60XT towers and they are great sounding speakers. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. At the current $900/each clearance price they are a great value.

That being said, I have a pair of Revel Performa F208 towers I picked up used and they are superior. The Revels certainly have more low end and image better (at least in my mind). The Revels will probably be closer to $3000 used for a pair but it would be money well spent (imo). Good luck with whatever you decide. 
pulseav's avatar
pulseav
7 posts
 
Might check out Fyne Audio if any dealers in your area have them.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 
Check out the Revel F36. Has the punch and clarity that you are looking for. 
blainer55
47 posts
 
I recently bought a used pair of Synchrony One's (towers) that I really like. They fit the price target used, I was able to listen to mine locally. Low frequency response is good, rated at 30Hz +/- 3db with some nice low distortion specs. Best of all, they sound great.
But, the ML 60XT's may a compelling case for a new full range at a similar price - and I liked them in the showroom too.
jackd
1,068 posts
 
Vandersteen 2CE Sig II's.  Great match with Belles amps and still one of the great speaker bargains in Audio.
hickamore
659 posts
 
In your spot if buying new I would also go for the ML 60XT. A bargain with good low end you are looking for. Used market is great if you have time to shop.
theo's avatar
theo
2,684 posts
 
I have heard the Monitor Silver series and was really impressed they didn't cost more. Good luck on your search, I am doing the same and have been for a while. My psychiatrist says to buy headphones and call it a day, but she streams MUZAK so I didn't buy into her suggestion:)
helomech
1,673 posts
 
In that price range I'd be tempted by the Martin Logan Motion 60XTs which are being closed out at $2K/pair, originally $3K/pair. That is, if you want new speakers with well-rounded capability.
I compared them to KEF R11s and they certainly kept up. High end clarity from these MLs is class-leading without being harsh. 

There are countless options in the pre-owned market. You'd need to provide more details regarding your listening needs/preferences if you want useful suggestions -- what type of music you listen to, how loud, and what traits you prefer over others, i.e. do you value dynamics over insight, or bass depth over transparency? Also, how large is the space and do you have placement flexibility?
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