Opinions on the Nola Contender please


So Nola has a new speaker called "The Contender" which sits above the "Boxer" in their entry level portfolio. Beyond the creative product names what are forum members opinions about these speakers?
kiwi_1282001

Showing 3 responses by wah8dy

Music lovers/audiophiles, looking for input. Considering a speaker upgrade to full range, floorstanders. Current analog system setup - recent full upgrade to Jolida JD 202 intergated amp. (40 watts), VPI Scout w JM 9 arm, Benz Mirco L2 cart, Tyler Acoustic Reference Monitors, ACI Force sub, Jolida JD 100 CD player. Have enjoyed current system for 15+ yrs. COVID and my location presents a challenge to auditioning. Based on articles and reviews narrowed considerartion to Salk Songbird3 BeAT, GoldenEar Triton One R, Nola Contender S3. Refined to GoldenEar and Nola speakers. Seems GoldenEar may be the easiest for place in room. Reviews show them to share simular sound charateristics. Alternative option: switch out  ACI Force for two Rythmik F12G subs, upgrade phono pre-amp and call it a day. 
Listening room - 12' X 30' (configuration - odd shaped third floor (has window well, with narrow 6 ft. hallway to steps w/ separate room by steps). Favorite genries: Jazz and R&B, however, love music (1500 LP's). Probably last system change, looking at retirement with more time to enjoy my music. Appreciate the input.               
Thanks soix for the recommendation and input. Created a new post as suggested. Funny, I've spoken with Wally and he indicated either will work with my curent system. Also considered Raven CeLest and Blackahwk before upgrading my Jolida 202. Will rethink to include CeLest and LSA. Are you familiar with the sound of the Contender S3, reviews I found were raves? Spoke with a dealer who will sale a new pair for $5500 shippped ($6900 Sugg. Retail). It appears you consider the LSA the better performance/value buy? or is it the 30 & 45 day trial period that makes them a better consideration?          
I appreciate your honest straight forward recommendations. Value/performance equipment, hidden gems and start-up companies with talented craftsmen who love music and want to provide superior performing audio equipment at prices "we mere mortals" can afford is how I put together my current system. thank you for leading me in that direction. its never about brands and brading but how well the equipment renders muscial enjoyment. I don't listen as often as I'd like but when I do its usually 4-5 hours at a time and at times back to back days.
That being said, you seem to suggest LSA will provide a sonic character and enjoyment simular to that of the Nola's at a savings of $2000 dollars. That being the case, I be crazy not to try LSA. Especially since I considered them earlier in this journey and have spoken with Walter before I upgraded my Jolida amp. 20 Statement vs 20 Signature, what does the current $1200 dollar differnce in the two transducers price offering provide clarity and detail retrival aprticularly in the low bass range. One last quiry - Taylo Reference Monitors received high praise when introduced, I spoke with Ty Lashbrook on several ocassions before purchasing them, wouldn't adding two highly regarded subs bring them to the same full range sound as the floorstanders under consideration. Or is it about the crossover and coherence of the sound coming from a transducer housed in the same cabinet? Thanks again for your input and time.