Thanks. I'll check those out.
Looking for a Speaker Recommnedation
Looking to upgrade from my current Rogers LS3/5a + AB1 REL 328 setup . While I love the smooth mids of these speakers (especially on voices/acoustic instruments), I tend to play harder music more frequently (alt/rock/punk/etc) which these do not excel at. I like to play music loud and have a real world living room my system is in (cathedral ceiling, open on one side, many windows. couch between my speakers) so setup is a challenge. I hate harsh sounding speakers.
My current playback system consists of a Oppo-BDP105 (or primarily Roon/JRiver via Ethernet) into a PS Audio DirectStream Jr DAC > Conrad Johnson Premier 14 Tube Pre > Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp. All run by a PS Audio P5 with a combination of Nordost/Shunyata cabling.
Looking to spend around $4,000-$7,000 but could be flexible. Used or new is fine.
Currently considering:
PSB Imagine T3
Vandersteen Trio CT
Spendor D7
Mangepan 3.7i (don't think this will work with high SPL)
Endeavor Audio E-3
Revel F208
Golden Ear Triton 1
Dynaudio Excite X44
Any other speakers I should be considering based on my equipment, volume preference and music? Anything I should eliminate?
Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions & thank you in advance
My current playback system consists of a Oppo-BDP105 (or primarily Roon/JRiver via Ethernet) into a PS Audio DirectStream Jr DAC > Conrad Johnson Premier 14 Tube Pre > Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp. All run by a PS Audio P5 with a combination of Nordost/Shunyata cabling.
Looking to spend around $4,000-$7,000 but could be flexible. Used or new is fine.
Currently considering:
PSB Imagine T3
Vandersteen Trio CT
Spendor D7
Mangepan 3.7i (don't think this will work with high SPL)
Endeavor Audio E-3
Revel F208
Golden Ear Triton 1
Dynaudio Excite X44
Any other speakers I should be considering based on my equipment, volume preference and music? Anything I should eliminate?
Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions & thank you in advance
Showing 46 responses by fdemello
Great info everyone. I am pretty sure the Maggie's won't work for me (size and loudness) so that one is out although their attributes intrigue me. The Triton Ones sound like they would work but I am a bit turned off by the fit/finish. Those sleeves/and the overall unit look cheap. What do you think as a owner? |
Will see if there is someplace I can demo the the Vandy CT's and do some research on the ProAc and Legacy. Would prefer if at all possible to stay closer to $5k. Wife coming around to the Maggie's. And can get them 5' from the back wall. My only real issue is there would be a couch in the soundstage (between but behind). Not sure what that will do to the sound. I can start with the 1 Rel 328/Maggie's. |
I would let you listen to my system if you ever made it to the Seattle area. Did you check out my system page? My 148s are about 12" away from the front wall, wish I could go farther out but it does not work for my room layout.I did. 148's look nice there. Thanks for the offer on the listen. Most of us have a room trade-off to deal with it seems PSB, Revel does interest me as well. Hearing the Dynaudio may be a tad bright Any opinions on the Focal 936/948's? |
Just a couple of follow up notes: This is strictly for 2 channel audio. No movies (I have a separate room/system for that) "I would also recommend that you read the Richard Hardesty Journals" Very Vandy focused but great info in those journals "You can find a pair of Thiel CS 2.7 for $5K" Only seeing the Thiel CS2.7 used. $5500-$6800 on HiFi Shark (overseas only). No way to demo. Most likely out of the running "The 148 ProAcs like a strong amp at 4 ohms (my Audio Refinement does 200 @ 4 ohms)" I believe the CJ MF2500 is around 450 into 4 Ohms. "I listened to the 148s with The Pixies, Stone Roses, Nick Cave & REM among others; I can attest they handle pop/rock really well. The difference between a good & bad recording was immediately obvious, but manifested as 2d vs 3d imaging rather than any sort of harshness. I also had some Aphex Twin and the bass is extended and articulate. They do have what I'd consider a British mid-range, but I think that's a good thing when complemented by their excellent treble & bass" This intrigue's me. I'll add these to the list. ProAc has a bad website. Not sure if there are any nearby US dealers at this point. "If you don't hear something you fall in love with locally, I'd think setting aside some funds for a trip to a show or dealer or even return shipping would be a better use of funds than buying something non-refundable based on hearsay" Good suggestion. This process is going to take a while. "But, I suspect if you like the Maggies, you will love the Vandy's" "If you can find a pair of 3a sigs or Treo's, I doubt you would be disappointed" "I've seen used non-CT version Treos for $3400." I'll focus on the 3A's & Treos (non CT) for now. "How far apart (inner edge to inner edge) could you have Magnepans? Imho you need them at least 5' apart" Min 5' apart is no problem. In my room they are more likely to be 9' to 11' apart "If you are looking in the $5K range, and still want to check out Legacy Audio, they also have the Classic HD" Will do |
My recent upgrade to Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S has been revealingVery intrigued by the M3 Turbo S's. Like what I've read/seen. Under $3k with a 60d trial. Flexible placement. Maggie like/lite with more bass. How is that open back going to handle years of dust though? Used Legacy's are tempting but they are beasts and might block my 2 windows. WAF would be low. I will also reiterate my recommendation for Zu as a low cost alternative. Have to do more work on the Zu Where are you located?In MA This list is getting very large (rough ranking): 1 Magnepan 1.7i 2 Golden Ear Triton One 3 Endeavor Audio E-3 4 Spatial M 3 Turbo S 5 Tekton Pendragon 6 PSB Imagine T3 Dynaudio Excite X44 Focal Aria 936 Legacy Audio Classic HD Legacy Audio Focus Legacy Audio Signature III ProAc Studio 148 Revel F206 Revel F208 Tekton Double Impact Vandersteen Model 3A Signature Vandersteen Trio Von Schweikert VR-33 I do have a dealer nearby that carries Magnepan, PSB, Focal & Revel which should help narrow it down Thanks all |
you left out the very best speaker...Legacy AudioIt is on my latest list. Very big though. Still in the running. Spent more time looking at the used until now. Not much avail. Will check out the new models The PSB T3 and Revel F208 have the most neutral on- and off-axis measurementsThat would be helpful in my room. I don't like speakers that require you to sit within a millimeter of the sweet spot to get good sound. Hearing mixed opinions on the T3 though. Kinda finicky to setup. I don't have the most flexible room. Why not Coincident Technology? I have a pair of Opera Secondas with a REL S2 sub, absolutely love the sound and with the combination you will get very accurate reproduction at any frequency and plenty of bass for your hard rock!Will check them all out. Never been a big JBL fan though Have you considered any of the Sonus Faber gear?Have kinda avoided. Feels like there are 250 models I will second that you look into the Spatial Hologram line, probably the M3 in your case.Sent Clayton an e-mail with my system specs. Concerned a bit about some feedback regarding them amplifying noise from equipment not dead quiet (CJ MF2500 notorious for a low hum). 60 day/reasonable price helps. How dusty do those speakers get over time? Can't be great with the backs exposed. Re ZU/Tekton They have a dynamic in-your-face live sound, which is great for loud alt/rock/punk. Not sure that is what I'm looking for but the Tekton's are still in the running. Really appreciate a speaker with smooth mid/highs, non harsh with a deep powerful bass that has a wide/deep soundstage and separation of instruments. Non fatiguing to listen to at any vol. But rocks when played loud. Not sure I can get there with my room, equipment and next speaker but... |
Might check out some Zu Audio speakers. It seems a lot of rockers love them. Doing some work on these now. Seems like all you hear about is the Soul Supreme. Anybody know the differences between that and the Omen Def MKII? They are very efficient though so it is possible some hum would come through certain components.Thanks for the info. Helpful I was looking over PSB's offerings and ran into Monitor Audio Golds.Have some work to do on these I demoed the new Revel Concerta F36 and almost needed a Tylenol after one songI have read some similar comments on forums. Luckily I can hear these locally and drop if need be ROOM: I left some images under my profile so everyone can see what kind of room I am dealing with. A couple of notes: I can close the curtains on the front wall when listening. Back wall curtains can be closed but leaves approx 1 window exposed. Couch can be moved a bit back & front/back but not much. The Rogers are currently 3' from the front wall and approx 1.5' from the side walls. With the couch back against the rack I can get the speakers to 5' and in front of it which is what I would/plan to do for critical listening. Thank you |
First off you can't ever say that one speaker blows the other out of the water. Many for YOUR ears, but not for other folksVery true Some folks seem to like speakers that are tipped up on top or brighter. I've seen names of those types mentioned in this thread also.I suppose you are referring to Zu Audio, Tekton. Definitely want a non-fatiguing system. My room trends towards the bright side to my ears I'll probably touch base with Johnny Rutan Lot's of choices and if there is any way you can possibly audition to at least get to know what type of sound you like, it will help you in figuring it all outTrue but unless you are doing the demo in your room/with your equipment I'm not sure you can guarantee anything. But I will get out there and hear/see what I can. Might be able to eliminate some for sure Thanks ctsooner Salk Bud Fried tribute speakers are ExcellentNot sure I'm willing to go this way. If I was a huge Fried fan maybe. Thanks for the suggestion though XTZ Divine AlphaDid a little research. Very limited info out there on these. Thanks though |
bradf https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-janszen-loudspeaker-za2-1-hybrid-electrostaic-2016-12-1... TAS: The zA2.1 is a fussy, listener-position-dependent, at first potentially frustrating loudspeaker Definitely not what I'm looking for in my situation |
Proac D30R or D48R usedThat would work heinrichmilw If you are in Mass. then it would behoove you to try to come down for an afternoon.Good suggestion gdnrbob. Possible. Thanks for the Zu feedback as well. They are in the running If you are in our neck of the woods New York/New Jersey we have quite a large number of speakers that are fantasticThanks Dave - If I go to audio connection I can probably piggyback this Get those 148s. Very tempting sbrownnw. Talking to him. It could be the end or a step towards where I end up. Should be able to sell them if need be. I think I have a buyer for my Rogers so I'll be without speakers soon. Also tempted on some of the direct sales companies with return policies (Tekton, Spatial, Zu). I did hear back from Clayton at Spatial and this was his comments regarding my situation/noise: The MF2500a is rated at 100dB signal to noise ratio, so it is very quiet. Should be no issues with noise through the speakers. The system you describe would seem to be a very good setup for the M3. I don’t see any red flags at all. Your placement plans are ideal as well.Thanks all |
It's starting to look like I may have to bring this budget down. Would prefer to be $5k or < now. New or used is ok. Resale will also be a factor since I'll want to have the option to sell and not lose too much if I don't like the speakers in my environment. Out of the speakers being discussed which are the top 5 in holding their value? I would assume the Maggie's would be there. Anyone have resale thoughts on some of the comapnies that sell direct (Zu, Tekton, Spatial)? |
twoleftears - agree looking used on some of these is the way to go. Starting to do that more gdnrbob - thanks for the info. Good general rule. I am starting to lean toward new with trial period (Spatial/Magnepan/Zu) or used. New Triton 1's if I'm blown away and don't despise the looks. Or some of the Vandy's used. I think the Tekton's & Legacy's are just too monolithic for my space so I'm starting to move away from them as options |
I think you’re doing a mistake here Instead making a list of short options and start to eliminate some choices ,you are expanding it more and moreHi itzhak. Part of the process maybe but agree the list became too large. I had already started eliminating many options based on my research/looks/size/pricing (used & new). Thanks |
IMO you are reading too much....I sometimes do the sameI do tend to research things to death tomic601. Usually leads to a good decision though - although a sometimes painful journey :-) Ultimately I have 17 years with the Rogers and while they are good speakers, it's time for a change. Thanks for the feedback & advice I saw those Quatro's at Audioconnection last week. I would contact Johnny Rutan and see if he is negotiable.Thanks for the offer Bob. Probably won't be able to get down there until Feb sometime. Will check out AC's demo section |
devilboy704 posts07-12-2016 7:18pm@jond, yes I did sell it. It still is a giant killer IMO. The only reason I sold it is "because my speakers are a bit bright" and the INT, as wonderful and "warm" as it is, in the end was still too much of a good thing. Rather than open a whole new can of worms with shopping for new speakers, worrying about selling mine, etc, I chose to keep the speakers and get a new amp. ----------------------- Those wouldn't work for me devilboy. Thanks for the offer though. Focusing in on the brands I listed |
Understood Pete and great advice. Normally. However in my situation this is how this shook out for me (which led me to make a purchase without hearing every speaker). Below was the list I had narrowed down my choices down to in my price range (5K <): Rank Brand Model 1 Vandersteen Quatro Wood (Used) 2 Vandersteen Model 3A Signature 3 ProAc D48R (Used) 4 Golden Ear Triton One 5 Magnepan 1.7i 6 ProAc D30RS (Used) 7 Revel F208 8 Spatial M3 Turbo S 9 ProAc D20R I narrowed that down further based on the below factors which were most important to me: 1 respected, longstanding company and/or designer 2 ability to be located near front/side walls 3 integrated sub 4 great a low levels Which left me here: Rank Brand Model 1 Vandersteen Quatro Wood (Used) 2 Golden Ear Triton One Narrowed down again based on which company is more likely to provide outstanding support and speaker appearance/WAF (really do not like the look of the GE sock): Rank Brand Model 1 Vandersteen Quatro Wood (Used) I had sent an e-mail to Golden Ear with no response. In contrast I have had 3 different issues sent to Vandersteen with a direct response from RV (the designer) himself (even on an issue as innocuous as importing into the US). I have entered into a private party deal for a 4 yr old QW. I am sure if for some reason it does not meet my needs I will be able to sell it based on the outstanding reputation and quality of this company/designer. I know this is a bit anti-climactic but I think I ultimately made a good decision that will work for me. Thank you everyone for your help. I certainly think I ended up in a better place due to the opinions from the members on this site than I would have alone |
Thanks Pete. Working with John at AC who is great and a wealth of information. I have a list of the setup tasks from him and I'm sure there will be a few questions as I move along. Have a few things done (crossover impedance, potentiometers/controls set to defaults, approximate placement based on room dimensions). Purchased a laser level and SPL meter. Still waiting for my cables (should be early next week). I bet you are excited to see your speakers! |