Need Suggestions for speakers up to $15K new/used
These are what booted me off the equipment merry-go-round. Unfortunately, they lack the look of modern shiny automotive paint jobs or billet aluminum anodizing. On the other hand the thick veneer work is stunning. When my wife first saw them positioned well out into the first third of the room with less than a quarter inch of toe-in she asked, "is that really where they're going?" I asked her to have a listen and then tell me. It's been over five years and the subject has never come up. My inexperience with listening and their retail price kept me from taking the Eidolons seriously at shows and stores but in the first ten minutes with them at home, I was a goner. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-avalon-acoustics-eidolon-diamond-quilted-cherry-2016-07... |
@czarivey Thanks for mentioning Nola Viper Reference as I have mine which are the final version of them for sale due to financial issues, well within the budget mentioned. I was reluctant to hawk my ad but have to agree with those posting that a medium sized speaker like the Nola (potentially with sub if preferred) would yield better results in OP's moderately sized room. Most of my other faves suggested in the replies are really large and require a large room(e.g. Rockports). The Tidals are nice but over the budget even used. OP, see my ad or PM me if any interest or you'd like to demo @ 19803. Cheers, Spencer |
Although I agree with others that show conditions have tons of variables, the fact that you couldn't get the sound of the Raidhos out of your head I think carries a lot of weight. That said, in your price range there are lots of other great options, many of which have already been mentioned above. I'd add the Joseph Audio Perspectives to your list. Relatively small footprint towers that might work well in your room, and they'll certainly allow you to "feel" more of the music more than most monitors as they will dig deeper into the lower octaves. Best of luck. |
Don't under estimate Rockport Loudspeakers their new line is Exceptional. You owe it to yourself to at least listen to them. One thing yo mention why no vacuum tubes in Anything they give a realism th stolid state cannot duplicate in several areas. If you have the funds the Lampizator Vacuum tube days are better then turn tables in several areas . thst is another topic .Hear the Rockports !! |
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I agree with Erik that connecting a REL or other sub to outputs of the Constellation preamp should work fine. And despite what REL may have told you connecting a sub or subs that accept speaker-level inputs to the amp should also be possible. Since the amp has balanced outputs the sub's ground wire (the black wire in a REL speaker-level cable) should not be connected to any of the output terminals of the amp, and instead should be connected to a circuit ground point of the amp. With some designs connecting to a chassis screw will serve that purpose, although a loud hum might result in some cases. But what should almost certainly work well would be soldering the black wire from the sub to the ground sleeve of an RCA plug, leaving the plug's center pin unconnected, and inserting that plug into an unused RCA input connector of the amp. That would establish a suitable connection between the sub's circuit ground and the amp's circuit ground. If one sub is used the red wire from the sub would then be connected to the amp's positive output terminal for one channel, and the yellow wire to the positive output terminal for the other channel. If two subs are used the red and yellow wires of the left channel sub would both be connected to the left channel positive output terminal of the amp, and the red and yellow wires of the right channel sub would both be connected to the right channel positive output terminal of the amp. Good luck. Regards, -- Al |
Just read your owner’s manual. As mentioned in the manual, you can still hook up a sub via the Pre amp outputs, no problem. Some trade-offs would occur either way that in the end won’t matter. It’s speaker level subwoofer connections that should be avoided, and I dislike those anyway. Also, since this is a small room, you’d be surprised how much bass you can get from smaller when properly treated. You don’t have to try to shoe-horn in a large Wilson or Nola. Treat the room first. Get a very high quality two or two and a half way and THEN evaluate the need for a sub. No one ever takes my advice though. They try to get the largest speaker they can physically accommodate and then suffer muddy bass. When you go to your next show, pay attention to rooms that sound great while you are still in the hall. You'll notice they are the one's that have better room treatment. Best, Erik |
I am definitely planning on room treatments due to the low ceilings. I am open to monitors or full range. I cannot use a sub with my Constellation setup. I considered a REL but after looking through my manuals and calling REL they don’t recommend it with Constellation amps. I do like to listen to music at somewhat high levels, not crazy volume but sometimes it is fun to feel the music. I thought about horns, however, my research showed they do better in very large rooms??? Thank you for all the suggestions. I will put all of these on my list of manufacturers to visit at RMAF. |
Set aside some money for acoustic treatment! Contact GIK Acoustics for in depth advice and great panels. Great acoustics makes for a more flexible choice of speakers as well as better sounding and easier to manage bass. Are you thinking full range, or stand plus subs? The latter can produce some great results if integrated right. How about the smaller Avantgarde? Also, Magico, Legacy and Van DerSteen. |
I'm wondering how your room will interact with any of the speakers you have in mind. With your apparent availability of resources, I would have Rives Audio do a workup on your room, and follow their suggestions. That will ensure any speaker you decide on will be able to deliver its best in your particular situation. Regards, Dan |
I listened to the Raidho's three different days with different music playing and in different locations in the room. Denver sadly doesn't have too many choices for listening to the brands I am considering. I agree the brands I mentioned above are different sounding, however, each of the rooms for the above mentioned brands sounded really good to my ears over numerous visits for my 3 days in 2014 to RMAF. As I said in my initial post, I am definitely open to used equipment. Any brands or specific models you would suggest? |
RMAF is the best show in USA, but show conditions often aren't great. Do you live near many dealers and/or other audio enthusiasts where you can listen to some stuff in less stressful situations? IMHE, gear that impresses during short listening sessions often does so because of easy to quantify criteria (e.g. tons of detail, or large soundstage). Some other stuff such as purity of timbre and realistic dynamic shifts sometimes take longer auditions with a greater variety of music you know well to evaluate. It's funny, my impression of the 3 brands you mention is that they are more different than the same in "house sound", design preferences etc. Have you considered used speakers that would allow you to make a change down the road if you choose without a huge depreciation hit? It's a buyer's market right now, as I unfortunately know firsthand. There are bargains to be had. Cheers, Spencer |
