That images great and resolves without etched treble. I love the british sound, but want something a little more modern sounding. The big Harbeths sound good to me, but the price is just out of my reach. Any American brands that you could suggest? In this day and age it’s getting harder to find brick and mortar dealers or even by appointment dealers that stock the type of speakers I am looking for it seems.
Warmest line of speakers I have heard are the Opera line from Italy. Also, the Silverline speakers are pretty sweet sounding. I hate in-your-face etched sounding speakers as well. In general, you might wish to avoid metal dome tweeters, and instead look for cloth domes or ribbon tweeters. I am quite happy with my Ohm Walsh 2000s, which use a soft dome tweeter. Overall, they might work for you and save you some money, depending on your room size (Ohm scales its speakers to fit your room volume).
All that said, steakster has a point. Ample, clean power will help a lot. But everything matters, from the cablling to the source components to the amp, power source and the speakers. It took me a long time to vanquish the hard, brittle, etchy sound of my system. In the process, I replaced almost all of it. But it is possible to get to what you seek without breaking the bank. Just make well-considered improvements all through your system, one at a time, and make sure nothing you do is irreversable or permanent. Insist on trying everything in your system before you commit to buy, or make sure you have a good return option with little or no restocking fee.
All the hi-fi speakers I have ever listened to sound good to me. There are certainly differences, and I prefer some over others.
So much depends upon listening habits, room acoustics, and system synergy. System synergy is the easiest to tackle, as most modern equipment is designed to work within standard parameters. It is fun and rewarding to learn the electronics required to make informed component decisions based on specifications and actual performance.
Listening habits will help you determine whether you want a warm sound for cozy vocals and a lush musical presentation, or if you prefer a more analytical and accurate reproduction of music (It's really a spectrum, with anything in-between possible). This is where the value of good dealers comes in. You really need to listen to different systems.
In addition to sonic preferences, listening volume will also help determine speaker choice. I use Harbeth P3esr speakers in my 13' x 22' office/sitting room (some help from an REL sub). Works fine for me, but I do not blast my music. The Compact 7s probably fit my room better, but I found that the exquisite sound of the P3s (and their sealed box design, which is very forgiving when it comes to placement) is simply delightful for my application.
Room acoustics is probably the most difficult undertaking. There is a lot to consider here, from reflections and resonances to aesthetics and practical considerations. If you start with speakers you like, you will have an easier time figuring out where they should go and how you should treat your room.
You stated up front you like the Harbeths. Take a look at the line and figure out which ones will work best for your application. You will be happy!
Someone else recommended the Magnapans. On the warm side; the highs are smooth and articulate without being "etched". If you can get them to work for you in your room, I would consider them.
I sent you a message as I think you may be local to me. We seem to have very similar tastes and I'd love to have you over for some tunes. I have a strong variety of speakers that you could sample, and best of all, they're all powered by tubes.
Dynaudio... i've only had the focus line but both pairs very warm and listenable for hours on end - especially when properly paired with the right amp.
When I read "warm sweet speaker" I think about hearing Julie Andrews at my daughter's college commencement. I doubt she's for sale, but hey...who knows?
Sorry about the off topic question, but found in some of your posts that you liked the Gold Lions KT88 (reissue) even more than the KT120s or KT150s in your Jolida amp. Interesting, I also have a Jolida amp (Fusion 3502S) and want to try something different from the stock EL34s, more linear and accurate. I do not need more power, but everybody is saying that the big 120s and 150s are not only more powerful, but superior sonically to the KT88s...I am not convinced....
I'm probably Jaded because they fit my musical tastes, Jazz, Rock and Classical: IMHO VanL Speakerworks Quartetrs with all mods, exactly fit your request.
Consider Daedalus. I owned Harbeth's for many years (C7s) and loved them but when I wanted to move to a larger speaker that had the same tonal purity and coherence but with better dynamics and resolution I chose Daedalus. I just ordered what will be my third (and final?) pair (Apollo's) and would never consider another brand. Lou just gets it right in all the ways that are important to me--and maybe you too.
I decided to pick up a pair of Spendor D7's for right now. I found a really nice pair for less than $4K so I will give these modern boxes a chance. If I like them I may go for the D9's after the new year. I almost bought a pair of the Harbeth 40.1, but always like Spendors. I foresee myself upgrading a couple times to get what I really want, but the D7's should do well and into the new year.I ordered a Hana DL to use on my VPI Classic 3. Thanks for the suggestions.
Congrats Mike! Spendor is a brand I haven't had a chance to get my ears on. If at any point you are 'accepting' visitors, please let me know. I've heard great things about the brand.
Since last time we spoke, I have gotten the house in order from the water heater leak and have also brought in some different speakers like the Tekton Double Impact and Wilson Watt Puppy 5.1. If at any point you want to come over and have some sessions, my door is now open again.
Jpsound...missed this question...sorry...I like 120s better than 150s, and the Gold Lion KT88s were also great in my Jolida. If you're using EL34s you might want to try the Gold Lion KT77s as they're my new fave in my Dennis Had SEP amp. A surprise since I'd tried JJ KT77s and they didn't sound good at all, but the GL KT77s are great sounding.
Congratulations. I have about 200 hours on a new pair of Spendor D9s and am loving the presentation. These replaced a pair of Thiel CS2.4 that had amazing detail but never the enveloping midrange balance that the D9s display in abundance. Detail is just as present but in a top to bottom balance that in my system is exactly what I had hoped for. Enjoy! Rick
@mckinneymike I recently had an opportunity to audition the D7's and the Classic 100's in the same room with same equipment. To my ears and for my tastes, the Classic 100's were significantly superior. Perhaps a warmer, more "old-fashioned" sound, but I like that, tremendous bass, tremendous, deep sound-stage, a real winner. I burnt a CD a while ago with 7 "test" tracks. When I audition speakers, I usually find myself skipping on to the next track after 2 or 3 minutes, as I've heard enough to make an initial judgement. With the Classic's, I listened all the way through, without even realizing it.
Not USA made but a pair of Usher 6371's are sweet sounding. You can find for around $1000.00 leaving $6000.00 for other fun things...now that is sweet.
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