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Non-fatiguing speakers in $10K range?

Some years ago I downsized to headphones only. Now I have access to a dedicated room again, so getting my absorption panels and ASC Tube traps back from storage... :-) The amp is going to be Accuphase E-800. I like class A, and I owned fair share of Pass gear but Pass integrated (and lower preamps) no longer have tape loop. I also like my gear to look the way I enjoy and Pass went too industrial for me.

Anyway, long story short. Speakers. I prefer relaxed, non-fatiguing sound. My headphones are Meze Elites and I love them. I also own Focal Utopia, but rarely listen to them, too forward for me.

Now, music-wise I do not listen to jazz or classical or vocals, sorry. Classic rock, hard rock, 80s new wave, punk, pop (classic and modern) and African blues like Tinariwen. People tend to insta-suggest forward sounding speakers - you like metal, right???. But I don't like piercing sound and I rarely go to concerts exactly because of this. I listen to AC/DC but NOT at 'realistic' revels. I like rhythm, melody, but I don't care about 120 Db.

The budget is about $10K, give or take, most probably second hand, but I can buy new, if I really like it. Unfortunately, there are not that many high end shops around Seattle with gear I like. Some went selling vintage and some went up selling only $100K+ systems. So most probably will be getting something blind.

It seems I should be looking for ribbon tweeters, I spent hours at youtube - it is definitely not listening in person, but some recordings are pretty decent and many show differences between speaker models.

I also compare frequency response measurements - I can easily tell that I won't like the speaker by looking at the chart. Ex, bump around 2-6K is a no-no since this is what "bright" is. Dip is actually good since this is what makes sound less "in your face/ear".

So far I more-or-less narrowed my search down to Legacy (Signature or Focus), Dali 8, ProAc (D48 or K) and - maybe - Magico A3? Legacy is huge, I am not sure I really need 20Hz extension. Magico has beryllium tweeters which may be bright....

I purchased Tannoy D700 many years ago, still own them, they are part of my TV set up. They sound good, but not as good as I would like it. My desktop speakers are ribbons too - AirPulse, I like them quite a bit.

Anything else I am missing?

mikhailark

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,741 posts
 

I know this is going to be a strange post in the mix of the other recommendations. but from what your describe your looking for,  I suggest you try a vintage set of large A/D/S speakers like the L810, L910 or the larger 20xx series even.

I've had many speakers over the years, the last that I sold were a huge disappointment Spendor D9.2's (@ $16,000 Canadian$). I kept taking them out and putting my vintage L910s back in as they did so many things better then the overly bright and analytical Spendor's. 

The A/D/S sound is big, smooth, non fatiguing, detailed enough, excellent sound stage and great bass. I really like their larger three way's they just keep me coming back from so many others. bested Proac D28's, Spendor D9.2's, Klipsch LaScala and a few others.

After a minor restoration i.e. re-cap, these speakers still give some of the best sound for what you describe and can be had for a fraction of your budget. maybe a speaker that can hold you over until you find a more expensive speaker you like.  

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