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

I mentioned before but I’ll say it again. If you can find a Paradigm Founder dealer you really need to hear the 120H. Retail 9k, I got mine used in perfect condition for well under half price. They would pair very well with the class A Accuphase I believe. For the money I don’t think there is too much if anything that would compete IMHO. They sound amazing on every genre but Rock, Metal, reggae etc is really something.  
 

Im using an EL84 integrated and it pairs really well, still looking for a ss for comparison. 

I just picked up the NP-1 from Van Alstine .....Power amp with some new technology that Frank invented. I wanted a spare amp for a second system. I’m running a 25K rig and when I hooked the NP-1 that I just received ( the first run is already sold out)....I can’t stop listening to this Amp. It’s Magic.....and at $1199 it’s a steal. It bests other amps I have up to $8K....It has a presence that’s astonishing for a "cheap" amp. It’s staying in the big rig for a while.Use with Tubed pre- Amp.

Been on a similar journey and use both Pass Labs separates X250.8/XP22 and also a Luxman 595ase. I’ve finally picked up a speaker I know I’ll have for a very long time. The Legacy Focus SE’s do it all for me! I’ve had them for 2 months and just listen longer to more music and I haven’t once even looked for anything else. 
They fill the room w incredible imaging and just the right amount of sizzzle on the top and rich bass. 
picked them up from Audioclassics in Binghamton Ny. 

Someone mentioned the Goldenear Triton Ref speakers. I have a pair of those and a pair of the one.Rs.  For a smaller space the one.Rs are wonderful.  Larger space the Refs are great!

Check out the Tannoy legacy series--the biggest one (Arden) is in the 10k range. There's also the Cheviot, and the smallest one--Eaton.  I have the Eaton and have found it very non-fatiguing but detailed enough and it packs a nice low end punch. Imaging is great too. I moved away from the Kef R3 to the Eaton because I found the R3 fatiguing.