2. speakers
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I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.

Returning to a hobby I abandoned two decades ago as life interfered with my personal desires. I’d like to slip back in with a decent package for streaming the likes of Tidal and Qobuz. I’ve relieved myself of all software (vinyl and CDs).

I am currently drifting between horns or BBC sound. Two different worlds, but each intrigue me. Considering Volti Audio with Cary SLI80 Integrated while also Harbeth 40.2 with something like a VTL MB185 Series III. Schizophrenic I know.

Dedicated Room 12’W x 30’L x varied vaulted 11’H.

i’d appreciate any discussion or feedback on my personal dilemma. Opportunities to sample these pairings are not in my immediate grasp, but I can consider travel (SE USA) to educate myself in the process. Budget $20k on used market. TIA

toontrader

Showing 1 response by kennyc

kennyc
1,815 posts
 

@toontrader

Great idea to attend AXPONA 2025 - both Harbeth and Volti have demo rooms.

When I was searching for my first high-end audio speakers, demoing speakers at audio shows was very helpful. There were a lot of great sounding speakers, but few that deeply resonated with me. After I narrowed my speaker choices, I went to AXPONA 2022 to demo, and ended up purchasing the demo Vimberg Mino D for a great price.

The Volti and Harbeth are sonically very different. I own the 100db highly efficient Volti Rival to explore tube midrange sonics starting flea watt amps I choose this speaker for it’s high efficiency and sonic neutrality- I wanted to hear various tube amp differences. I also heard the excellent sounding Volti Razz at audio shows. They sounded quick and effortless like most horn speakers.

Harbeth is a more musical speaker that matches well with Hegel electronics. Maybe someday I’ll get this great combo for a 3rd system.

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