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

This is exactly the type of discussion and feedback I was hoping for. Hilde45, Thanks for the process notes as well as thoughts from larryi and knotscot. All helpful. Brick and mortar showrooms are hard to find outside of larger metropolitan areas, so I’m trying to first gain insight through verbal discussion and feedback before setting off on my quest during a renovation of my future home and listening room.

History - my first foray into the audio hobby began in the 80’s with Vandersteen 2s, then 2Cs along with Stan Warren’s ugly little Superphon Revalation preamp (replaced by ARC SP9) and Adcom GFA-555 amplifier. My last system in 2005 was based on Thiel CS6es driven by a pair of VTL MB450s. Not sure of the other elements of that final system as I seemed to have been continually moving pieces in and out at the time.

I look forward to enjoying the music again now that I’ve retired with time to focus anew on a most pleasant pastime.

I like the idea of traveling to audio shows. I’ll need to keep an eye out for where and when can work for me. And yes, I’ll need to take my time. I was getting a bit antsy once I restarted my journey. Reading reviews and discussions herein along with the vast array of products gets me a bit worked up. I can be too impulsive. After all, the hunt is fun.

“HARBETH is very high on my list of top speaker choices, but - - - I consider HARBETH a musician's speaker. Classical and Jazz sound incredibly realistic.”

My music taste is all over the map. I do like classical, acoustic and human voice. I’ve mostly left the hard rock of my youth, however I did enjoy “Becoming Led-Zeppelin” at an iMax theater this weekend.

The $20k budget is to include speakers, integrated amp (or amp & preamp)

I am impressed and entirely grateful for the many personalized responses to my query. This information is very specifically useful. More than I’d bargained for. 

No decisions yet. My main house project is still ongoing so I have time before I finally furnish the new room. However, I do plan to concentrate on half the room - say 12’ across by 15’ deep for music (seating and equipment). So, the 15’ or so behind the listening position will be open space for mixed use. At the end of the day, It’s a man cave. Separate from my main home. There will be a bar involved (another “hobby”).

I have been considering Axpona. This is a great idea. I went to CES out west back 20 years ago and it was a learning and rewarding experience.

Given this opportunity I will likely open up to other options I’m sure. Reading comments on Joseph Audio and Contour speakers have me swerving off my original path. This experience can more clearly narrow down my preferences (or add to the confusion). It’s been a while since I’ve done comparative critical listening. I am looking forward to it.

I use Focal for HT and in-ceiling house speakers in my current home. They have been great in those applications. They may be too analytical for my dedicated long term listening. I suppose I can follow up on that thread too.

I do have a decent understanding of the amp matching opportunities with these very different speakers, but am eager to be enlightened.