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New Speakers for $2000

Hello, new to the forums and wanted to ask your guys' advice for my next step up. My system right now is Lossless Files -> Benchmark DAC1 USB -> Cambridge Audio 650A -> Jamo 707 (Speakers from the early 90s I think).

I have about $2000 maybe up to $2200 MAX to spend on speakers. My sound preferences as you can tell from my set up is fairly neutral.

I went to the local hi-fi shop recent and listened to MartinLogan Electromotion. I found that they both lack bass extension which wouldn't really be a problem but also that they have a really lax midrange (too lazy for metal).

My wants in order of preference are:
-Resolution
-Neurality
-Imaging
-Sound stage width
-Good highs
-Not so slow mids that it'd make listening to heavier music unenjoyable
-A decent amount of bass or even slightly weak on punch is fine

Any recommendations are welcome and thanks in advance.
ninjasquirt
loftarasa
171 posts
 
Hey Ninjasquirt. You described your sonic tastes pretty well - the first thought that came into my head was something with a ribbon tweeter and Scanspeak drivers. Not many of those around from the traditional commercial manufacturers, but there are some smaller speaker makers out there that do them.

Otherwise, I think you might like the Focal 826W or 836W - these really hit all your requirements and would be worth an audition.

Do consider used items, too, to save some money and open up your options.
glenfihi
525 posts
 
Daber Audio Monitor 3's. May need stands. Really nice.
ninjasquirt OP
4 posts
 
Again, thank you for all the suggestions. Unfortunately, as a student, I can't afford the time and the distance I'd have to travel to audition all your suggestions. The brands that are really available to me are: B&W, Rega, Dynaudio, Revel, Goldenear, ML, Harbeth, and maybe Thiel. Sorry, I seriously should've mentioned this earlier.

I did audition some Dynaudio DM 3/7 and like them a lot for good recordings. They're $2000 on the dot and I can do a trade in to take them to $1600. As far as laid back hifi vs. forward and dynamic. Right now, my Jamoes are forward and dynamic but the Dynaudio I listened to are definitely laid back. I loved their everything on them with the exception of them lacking some bite if you will, on the mids. Maybe a little too bassy for my taste.

I'm going to go back and try out the Revels if I can later.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Don't buy until you hear the GoldenEars. And don't let them demo them with some mass produced receiver. They shine with quality amplification. You won't find a better combination of refined midrange/treble, bass extension, imaging, and dynamic range at that price.
morganc
255 posts
 
Tekton Pendragons are as good as I've ever heard. $2500 Internet direct with trial period. No way a Brick and Mortar store with distributors, and their overhead can compete. And maybe you can find a local audition? That's what I did and loved them immediately. Just my $.02.
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