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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
audiophil88's avatar
audiophil88
19 posts
 

I currently have Focal Electra 1008BE's powered by Hegel H90 (60 watts). I did not demo them live. I kept listening to a YT vid of Jamaican Heartbeat by Acoustic Alchemy with 1208BE's- the floor standers powered by Naim. It's was 99% of the sound I loved minus a tad off the top end.  did enough research to understand that the Beryllium Tweeter would do better (for me) with a warmer sounding amp. Thought about Tsakaridis integrated but decided I didn't want tubes right now. The Hegel is prefect! I have the Focals on a pair of custom Sound Anchor stands which eliminates any need for a sw. Now, I said all that by way of background so that whenI make my recommendation, there's some objective evidence to back it up. 

FYNE AUDIO F1-8 stand mount speakers and your E800 would be a sonic match made in heaven. Trust me. Upscale Audio is a dealer. 

 

choiceaudio's avatar
choiceaudio
57 posts
 

@mofojo  "You think a 2 way speaker with a 6-7 inch woofer/mid is gonna be good for rock or metal? Maybe at 75db but not much more than that and sound full and impactful."

Actually yes, Led Zeppelin, Stones, Rush, ACDC, Nugent, Metallica, Van Halen...

All sound really good on the QLNs, even Rap.  The thread emphasized "Non Fatiguing" and he mentioned that he is not interested in 120db, so that's why I mentioned them.

I'm not sure how big the room is, but the P3s can work in rooms up to 2,400 cubic ft.   

If SPL is the goal, then I agree with your Founders suggestion, I think the Perlisten R series could be good as well.  I have had the Magico A3s, those are actually aren't that fatiguing, but you will need a good source and a decent amount of power.  

minneapolis_hifi's avatar
minneapolis_hifi
4 posts
 

If you are buying used, Revel Salon 2 all day long, that beryllium tweeter  is one of the least fatigue I’ve ever heard so is their midrange, it has body and clarity at the same time (usually a paradox)  It’s just unbelievably open and clear sounding, plus  they rock the effing house down as long as you have enough power to them. that would be my number one choice by far and I’ve been in this business for a very long time.   

avanti1960
1,471 posts
 

@mikhailark 

save yourself 5k and get the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Tower.  I heard them and the sound was totally unique and unfatiguing.  See the review at Audioholics

vinyl_rules's avatar
vinyl_rules
35 posts
 

Another vote here for the QLN Prestige 3 speakers. They are hard to find, but boy oh boy can they sing!

 

At least read: 

And

Your life will never be the same again, and you will spend WEEKS searching for the subwoofer that someone sneaked into your listening room!!!

 

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