Need advice about upgrading speakers ( it might be the last one i own).


Need some friendly advice or recommendations about a major upgrade in speakers. I am looking to buy used to stretch my dollar

I currently own a pair of Golden Ear Technology model 7's speaker. They are 3 years old and retail for $1395.. They can sound very  good in my set-up and are accurate, but also are a bit edgy on top, and also  don't convey the feeling or emotion of real music. Without getting into the definition of "real music",or the ambiguous  terms euphonic vs real, or warm versus  analytical,  just  say I would like to acquire a better sounding speaker. I play a fair amount of classic rock, and rock/jazz fusion and classical symphonic is getting a lot of play time recently.


So far, I have considered:

Revel Concerta F-206 ( retail $3500) 

Choral 826W ( $3500);

PBS Imagine T-2 ( $3500 )

Tannoy XT-8F  ( $2600 retail).

Vienna Acoustics Baby Beethoven ( $4500 retail ?) 

Audio Physic Tempo 25 ( $6995?) ( not the later 'plus" version) 

Audio Physic Scorpio  retail $6500 )  

Audio Physic Sitara 25  ($4995 retail);  

 ProAC D-25 (retail ??)

Audio Physic Virgo II  ( $5495 retail )    


I have heard the Tannoy and Revel and AP Virgo II.  The Revel and Tannoy sounded very good , but the Revel has the  lead.   I have heard other Vienna Acoustic speakers and was not overly impressed  The AP Tempo Plus is also in serious consideration.  For the record, I am looking a smoother, and more musical speaker than the GET 7's

Magneplanars are too problematic in placemen;, therefore, I have almost eliminated them from consideration. 


Thank you,  S.J.

 

sunnyjim
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 The way to tell the SE version from the regular Elipsa speakers at a glance is the finish. The SE version has a high gloss finish were the original Elipsa had more of a mat type finish. There is a pair listed here as just Elipsa but they are the SE version in the gorgeous violin red. With the Elipsa SE you will feel no need to upgrade in the future.  


Sunnyjim:  I don't have enough experience with the speakers you listed to give an opinion.  But I will suggest a home audition of whichever Ohm Walsh model is appropriate for your room size (room size chart is on the Ohm web site).  They should certainly be in your price range.  I purchased the Ohm Walsh 2000s in late 2009, and I really doubt I will ever replace them (unless I hit the lottery).  Sounding like "real music" is, IME, what they do best, and better than most speakers at or near their price that I have heard.  Ohm offers a 120 day in home trial.  If you don't like them, you lose the round-trip shipping, but in my opinion, in-home demos are the only way to buy speakers (and most electronics, too).
I second the Sonus Faber recommendation. Some Elipsas are used on audiogon and audiomart (including an SE version). The olympicas are also nice. I’d also maybe consider Harbeth, but all these speakers and manufacturers have different unique sounds. The Sonus Fabers are the most musical that I’ve heard, and the Elipsa SEs were the easiest to fit in any room. They don’t need as much space from side and back walls. Though a lot depends on your max budget.   I do think the Elipsa SEs have a lot more "life" top to bottom than the Olympicas while maintaining the same musicality and euphoric sound that Sonus Fabers are known for.
I think you should hear the Proac D-30r as well. The ribbon tweeter and its integration into the overall sound is outstanding.
Take a look at this thread
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/harbeth-c7-vs-proac-d25-review

It would appear the C7's might be more along the lines of the sound you are looking for. Or perhaps the Pro Ac D38

Regards...


 Have you considered Sonus Faber, maybe a used pair of Cremona M or the Olympica 2 or 3? I own the Elipsa SE and they are extremely musical speakers with very tight well defined base. They have that "in the room" quality in spades. I remember reading a Sonus Faber review that said. Some speakers sound one way and others sound another. But Sonus Faber just sound like music. I have found this to be very true. I am continually amazed by my Elipsa SE