2. speakers
  3. 1213046599

I've $4k to spend on used speakers for big room

I'm looking for a pair of speakers for a relatively large room wtih vaulted ceilings. The room has a very unusual dome shape, and seems to be a nice venue for a good pair of speakers (you can see the room in my virtual system). I had great success with Audio Physic Virgo II, moved to Focal JM Lab Diva Utopia Be, and then downsized am currently using my roommate's Definitive Audio Mythos. Just to mentin, I've tried horns (Acuhorn Biancore 155) and hated them.

My current amp is Red Wine Audio 30.2, which is a 30wpc battery powered class T amp. It's quite nice, and may be nicer still if I can match it to the right speakers, but I'm not married to it. That said, I'm open to an eventual amp change if necessary (up to $4k by the end of the year). I use the system mostly for music but also for watching DVDs. I may add a sub later if required too, but no time soon. Music taste is very broad - mostly rock, but some classical and pop. I like a system that is dynamic, subtle with great imaging (loved the virgos for this) and one that presents a great degree of air and delicacy. I like visceral power and impact, but not if it's colored or imposing. I like good bass, but only if it's controlled, integrated well and in it's place.

I know these speakers are quite different and I haven't heard most of them, but i've considered:
Harbeth
Tyler Linbrook (some available used nearby - I live in SF Bay Area)
Audio Physic Virgo II or III (haven't heard III and not sure if they would be better than the II)
Emerald Physics
Living Voice
Sonics
WLM

Any insights or opinions greatly appreciated, especially from those who have similar rooms and/or have heard some fo the above speakers, but any opinions on best used speakers for my $4k would be apprecaited.

Thanks!
128x128outlier

Showing 4 responses by outlier

outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far. Actually, Thiel 7.2 have been on my mental list too. Agreed about the power though - would involve another amp investment too..

The same with ATC - have been on my list. Am wondering which models though, to do the room justice. I assume I woudl need to be at least SCM50. The monitors + sub available on A'gon just now look tempting too.
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Thanks for all the input guys - some great ideas there. Bozsiujj - that's so interesting that you like the Acuhorns. I love the look of them, but I could never get good sound out of them, and I tried everything, and I used them with KR amps, which Acuhorn usually uses for their demos. I loved the KR amps on other speakers.

So, getting back to my speaker question, I have a strange inclination - to get some MBL 121 speaker. They are the omni monitors. Any thoughts on that choice? I can get a good price on them, I've heard and loved the 101e (I know - compltely different speaker and pricepoint, but I liked the midrange and treble on them, which would be similar to the 121), and I could add a sub or two later like the JL Audio. Thoughts?
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Thanks guys. Well, I ended up pulling the trigger on the MBL 121s. I figure I can add a sub (or two) later,as the upgrade bug bites me - maybe the JL Audios 112 or 113, and maybe a crossover like Bryston 10b to take some of the strain off bass for the 121. I guess I'll need to investigate amp matching, as my 30wpc may not be enough for this speaker.
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Shadorne - I appreciate your thinking, and you may be right. I've just loved the MBL sound and why it wasn't on my shortlist because of my room scenario, I did get a very good unexpected deal on the pair, so it's a good way for me to sample the MBL sound, at least for a while. I have fun swapping out equipment every once in a while. Were I to add a good sub or two later, it may make more optimized use of the room acoustics.
More to discover