Add these Harbeths to your list of candidates!
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/harbeth-monitor-402-loudspeaker/
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/harbeth-monitor-402-loudspeaker/
My speaker quest
Last time I posted I was considering used Wilson Sasha 2 speakers. I decided to pass on them and am still looking to replace my 25 year old Proac Response 3.5s with floor standing speakers in the 10-15000 range My electronics are all Audio Research (older models--VT130 amp, LS22 preamp, PH3 phono stage-- but I just replaced all the tubes). My short list so far: KEF Reference 3 and Monitor Audio PL300ii. The Proac D48R is on my list too and I'm planning to hear it around Thanksgiving. Also planning to hear Vanderstein and Revel speakers although the only local dealer for these doesn't carry anything over $10,000 so I won't be able to hear more expensive models. I've also heard Audio Physics Codex, Dynaudio C60, B and W, and Triangle Cello and ruled them out. Wanted to hear Paradaigm and Magico but they aren't available locally for listening. Salesman said I probably wouldn't like Dali speakers based on my personal taste. Not sure about Wilson Sabrina's but probably not. Since I like my current Proacs, I'm hoping to be blown away by the newer model. I thought the KEFs were very musical with a great soundstage. I only listened briefly to the Monitor Audios but was pleasantly surprised and plan to spend more time with them. Perhaps it's no coincidence that my short list is all British. I'm not expecting anyone to make the decision for me but would appreciate any thoughts/advice from people who have experience with these speakers. Thanks in advance!
22 responses Add your response
brownsf, Could you give a bit of detail on what you heard with the Audio Physic Codex? I think the new Audio Physic speaker designs - e.g. Avanti/Codex - are their most attractive ever and among the most beautiful current speakers. I liked what I heard on the Avantis and wondered about the bigger Codex. Haven't got around to auditioning them though. |
Perhaps it's no coincidence that my short list is all British. You can also add the Spendor D9; it is a very nice all around speaker. I just purchased a pair. It's too early yet for me to really describe these in detail with my system as I'm still tuning their location in my room, but from my listening of British speakers (Harbeth HL5+, 40.2, KEF REF 1, B&W 804d3) at local dealers these for me were a sweet spot of performance, price, and size. They do have very nice mid-range but also have some bass punch. |
@stringreen +1 @brownsf After just re-reading your OP you mentioned that your local Vandersteen dealer only carries models up to the $10,000 point. If you are interested in the Quatros which exceed that, you could listen at the dealer's to the $8500 Treo CT. If you like the Treos then you would know if the Quatro CTs are something worth pursuing. The Quatros are Treos with powered subs. with adjustable EQ. |
Performance Audio in San Francisco is the only local dealer and does not have the Quattro. In fact, I just called Vandersteen and they said the nearest dealer with the Quattro is in Santa Monica--about 400 miles from me. I also realized that the Quattro requires an electrical outlet which is an issue. I don't have any outlets near the speaker location, my wife would not be happy about running a cord across the room and it would be difficult to have outlets installed because of construction issues. |
Well let me tell you my thoughts. If you like speakers that are very fast with minuscule cabinet resonance so they disappear totally, speakers that have a full midrange so male baritone voices have fullness and richness to them, speakers that have extended and sparkling highs, soft dome tweeters but reenforced with carbon fiber to create greater extension, speakers that will speak to you, not PA systems, speakers that are so high tech they put other manufactures to same then you might want to listen to the Wilson Beseech. Did I mention they are manufactured in Sheffield England. http://wilson-benesch.com I am a dealer for them but you should look at the distributors website to find a dealer near you. Best Jim |
