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Looking for new speakers

Hey everyone, I'm located in the South and do not have many speaker choices locally. From what I've read, my interest leans toward Spendor and Joseph Audio, along with a few others. The nearest Spendor dealer is 500 miles away, Joseph Audio, 600 miles in a different direction. My musical tastes; I could listen to Ry Cooder and nothing else, but I also like JJ Cale, Clapton, Jerry Douglas, Tony Furtado, John Hiatt, etc. I'm currently using an all PS Audio system; PerfectWave DAC & Transport, and a Trio 100 Power Amp. Here's a list of my primary suspects...

Spendor A5
Spendor A6
Joseph Audio RM22XL
Joseph Audio RM25XL (probably out of my price range)
Epos M22i
Totem Forest
Dynaudio Focus 220 II

The deepest base is not as important as an uncolored midrange and smooth highs, but if it goes low and remains true thats great. I will probably go to one dealer when I have my choices narrowed down and have a listen. Please help point me in the right direction.
allenjohns
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knownothing
1,579 posts
 
I like the Ushers, but I prefer the Epos. The M16i's are more balanced and integrated across the entire spectrum they reproduce, they just sound right while providing ample detail and space. They have a great tweeter, closer to Usher's more expensive Be-718 than the X-718 in my opinion. According to Stereophile's Robert Reina "High-frequency transients were incredibly fast, but never sounded etched or sharp." I agree completely. The specifications say the Usher's go lower and I seem to recall they have very good bass response for a stand mount, but they both crap out in the 40's and would benefit from a good subwoofer.

Your amp should be able to drive both to happy places, but it is going to have an easier time and go louder with the Epos. If the price difference is a critical factor, then the Ushers may be the ticket. Just remember you will have to buy some good stands to get the most out of them, negating much of the price difference.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,794 posts
 
The High Emotion Audio Bella Pyra 7 would also be a good candidate- it is very neutral, revealing, has one of the very best soundstaging abilities I have seen and is easy to drive.

http://www.highemotionaudio.com

I would also check out Audiokinesis- Duke's speakers are not only extremely competent and musical, but offer excellent drivability and low frequency bandwidth for the dollar spent.

http://www.audiokinesis.com
allenjohns OP
22 posts
 
Thanks for the input Knownothing. I think you are right and the Epos will be my speaker. Atmasphere, my price range is about $2000.00 for the pair. The speakers you are suggestion are 6-10 grand per pair. A bit too much for my pocketbook.
rbstehno
1,432 posts
 
before you buy your speakers, you should go out and listen to the usher's. i have multiple usher pairs of speakers from the x-719 to the larger floor standers. the smaller x-719's don't crap out in the 40's, far from it. the x-719's weigh 10 lbs more than the epos, and this is a bookshelf speaker. usher quality is better than the epos.
the x-719's go for around $800 used. if you want to move up to a floorstanding speaker, you can buy the usher cp-6311 2 way for around $900-$1000. this will blow away the epos. the speaker weighs close to 100 lbs and pretty efficient. i have the larger cp-6381's 3-way speakers.
if you want a bookshelf, check out the x-719's, if you want a floor standing speaker, check out the cp-6311. for 1/2 the price, you are getting 5 times the speaker. IMO. you be the judge.
jfz
570 posts
 
I "third" the Merlins.
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