do yourself a favor and audition Von Schweikert VR-1's
Larry |
I recently heard Robert Reina of Stereophile say that he specializes in reviewing low cost speakers and that there are many very good ones out there. I suggest you look up his reviews for Stereophile. |
I'll second the VonSchweikert VR-1s. They are truly amazing speakers once they're broken in - about 300 hours. Mine image even better than my VS VR4JRs at 4x the price. |
I wonder if Triangle loudspeakers would be of interest to you. There is certainly high frequency detail in spades here. As a matter of fact, I would say that for the money, Triangle speakers in general have one of the most detailed presentations available. Mating them with synergistic components is the key though. The comete model retails for well under $1k... |
psb and paradigm models(such as the oversized bookshelf studio 40) are fine speakers.....under 2k i could recommend dozens used and new. i would however recommend a floorstander on the slim side, unless that is impossible. |
Hi Craig,
Given your taste for the higher frequencies, you owe it to your self to check out the Focus Audio 68se's - they run around 2K new. Taught Bass down to about 50Hz and imaging that's among the best around.
Good hunting,
Garry |
Thanks for all the response, folks. What brought me to the upgraditis was that I just happened to listen to the JMLabs Focal Chorus 807V. I was utterly surprised how open and articulate they were for so little money...especially compared to my sapphires. I heard details in the music that I hadn't heard before. Has anyone heard these? Am I missing something here? The 807's sounded a lot more detailed than the profile 908s that list for about a grand more.
Most of my music I listen to is acoustic, jazz, and a little rock thrown in. |
On the vr-1 front, I may be in the minority, but I was incredibly bored with these using both class D and tube amps. Sounded fine, with decent detail, just bland. Would certainly take the rare Alon mini that popped up here a few days ago over the vr. Had a pair of silverline sr-16's for a while and they were head and shoulders better/more refined in every aspect the the vr1's. The sr17's go for under 1500 here if you can catch some |
Angaria, you and I think a like. I did not like the VR-1's in the time that I owned them. I was just plain bored as well.
I also did not like the PSB Stratus Minis that I had. I paid 550 bucks for them and I didn't think they were even worth that. I have not heard the rest of the PSB line, though.
My recommendation is the Revel M20. Have not heard the M22, so I can't comment on that. But I did own the Revel M20 twice and thought it was incredible both times.
For what it's worth, I've owned many paradigms and liked every one that I've had. I listened to the S2 at the dealer and is was so harsh and annoying that I couldn't stand it. I was bummed when I heard that.
I have not heard the Focal you speak of, but if it is like most other JM labs, I'm sure it sounds fantastic. |
I , too , will have to agree with Angaria on the VS sound . I don't think that you will get the highs you are seeking .
Depending on your amp , the Reference 3a DeCapo i will provide those type of highs . They do favor tube amps and you would need one that does not roll off the highs . I would take these over the Paradigms that I have heard .
Used @ $1500 .
Good luck . |
If I were you, *and* if you're not actually going to put these speakers on bookshelves, I would at least consider a used pair of Merlin TSMs. I'm not selling a used pair, by the way. Good luck. |
Thanks everybody for their recommendations. You've all suggested some great speakers. Some of I've heard of and read about...and some I haven't.
After doing a lot of research and talking to folks, I've settled on a pair of Salks HT1's. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to demo these, but reading customer reviews and comparisons, talking to Jim Salks, and of course being seduced by how gosh darned pretty they looked, I made the plunge. I'll let you know all know my experience with them when I get them in. |
Craig,
Sounds like you made a great choice. Having the Aurum Cantus V3M's, whose ribbon tweeter is from the same family as the G2, my bet is that you will love the quick and lifelike sound that, at the same time, is not "in your face".
BTW, your spot on - the HT1's are sure one beeeyoooootiiiifulll set of speakers.
Cheers,
Garry |
I would have to say the ACI Sapphire XL's would be my hands down favorite at this price,with the Tyler Taylo Monitor 2nd and the Selah Audio SSR,and on the cheap end the Onix Reference 1's are on sale for $599 right now area steal. |
I own (or did own) the ACI Sapphire III LE's and agree that the sapphire series are a great speaker. For MY tastes, however, they were a tad polite at the high-end....something that they've had a reputation for. I've heard that the Salk speakers are anything but...so I got the HT1's. They should be here next week. I'll give ya'll my impression. |
My new Veracity HT1's have a arrived! During my lunch break, I hooked em up, and fired up some jazz. Holy cow! Their sound is amazing. Crystal clear in the highs... No noticeable coloration in the base or mid-bass. No strain at louder volumes...they just get..well...louder. Oh...and they are really really pretty. Bubinga wood . You can really see the level of detail and attention that went into these. If any of you are looking for monitors in the 2k (or so) price range, I highly recommend you give these a try....especially if you appreciate the nutral and detailed sound.
-craig |
Craig I have to be honest with you its a nite and day difference between the Sapphire XL and the Sapphire III,the XL's are much better,in any area that you can think of.The XL's are on a totally different level than the III's or the 25th aniversary edition,Mike says that they are the finest speaker he has ever made,thats a huge statement for a guy who's been building speakers for over 30 years.Congrats on the HT-1's,I will be going to hear the HT-3's myself in a few weeks,enjoy! |
Yeah, that's what I've been told. ACI makes a great speaker, no doubt, and I thought about moving to the xl's, but the Veracity's were really calling to me....and it was time for something different. After spedning a little time with the HT1's so far, I can say that I don't regret my decision |
