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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
neway317
28 posts
 
Great recommendations on this list so far, especially the Harbeths, Dunlavys, and the Thiels.

You could probably get an old school pair of B&W 801 Series 3 within that price range which'll sound very fantastic.

But my personal bias (disclaimer: I own a pair of 1.6QRs), I'm going to say a pair of Maggie 3.6Rs will definitely fill up that room in no time. Although again, quite the amp guzzler but you might luck out with how that matches.

ProAcs definitely add some magic to music, but it's always my opinion that it's always lacked a lil on the bass end. but YMMV.

Good luck with your choice!
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
If your willing to change amplifiers, the big Thiels, in a big room are hard to beat.
bozsiujj
14 posts
 
I have those Acuhorn running them w First Watt 3 and Modwright 9SE. I love the sound even though love to have more bass - my room is smaller though! You need a planar like MG or ML, but then IMHO your amp will need an upgrade!
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?
tweak1
3,658 posts
 
Domes are a nightmare. Sound actually travels the curve and comes out the opposite side. You will need to hang room treatments
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