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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 

Without any hesitation and a Best Buy the Borresen X3 they will play down into low to mid 30 hz in Bass and well over 50khz in that wave guide Ribbon tweeter

exceptional detail and Big soundstage and 90db efficient a no brainer 

I have heard a lot of the Borresen line show around for under $11k delivered.

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
741 posts
 

@OP. Wilson Maxx IIs are now down around €10K. Unlike many older Wilson speakers, they are not forward sounding and will give you the scale that you need for rock music - but sound good on everything when properly set up.

ProAc are also a good choice, though personally I prefer the soft dome versions of their loudspeakers. You should try to listen to both those and the ribbon tweeter versions to decide for yourself.

dave777tx's avatar
dave777tx
32 posts
 

Borresen x3 hands down 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

Franco Serblin Ketema. Not only the best sounding dynamic speaker I have heard but also the most beautiful. You will love the way these look, Italian design. Serblin was Sonus Faber's chief designer. The Ketemas are also a crazy bargain. They are $40K, but they trounce speakers costing way more, like $300K way more. These are it unless you really want to mess up your life with ESLs. 

gregjacob
114 posts
 

In the $10K - 12K price range, two speakers stand out:   Borreson X3 and Daedalus Muse Studio.  The latter might take some time as it would probably be built to order. They are built in your area, and you could definitely go see Lou Hinkley and audition for them.  You won't be disappointed. Someone mentioned listening fatigue, something you would not be able to blame these speakers for. There is a sweet tone that is rare in speakers costing twice the price.

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