Proac 1.5
Avalon Opus
Piega P-10
Piega C-8
Kharma 3.2
Marten Coltranes
Marten Birds
Innersound Kayas
Evolution Acoustics MM2 |
1991 Linn index (first hifi set up. Sold perhaps completely the wrong setup for electronic music but oh well...)
1991 Linn helix (index not sounding anywhere big enough,)
1995 Cerwin Vega AT40 (a lot of fun but ideally needed a big amp)
1998 present Rega Jura.
Beginning to demo speakers to replace the Juras which are switching rooms! |
You probably want a 5 channel amp. For what you have Marantz or Anthem or NAD are all good bets. They give real power. I'd personally go with NAD or Anthem as their amps seem to power all channels and don't get overloaded (from what I hear as I only run two channel). I have an older B&K St140 that would power two of your channel nicely. Actually it's a good amp for the price as it is pretty powerful. Then you can get a nice three channel amp for your fronts and use a pre/processor. If you went that route, you keep your upgrade options open as you can just change to better amps later on or eventually save up for a strong 5 channel amp or even just get a new processor when the latest changes. |
Spendor LS3/5a bw (1992, new), KEF LS3/5a Raymond Cooke edition (2006, still new), 1992 Martin Logan Aerius (2011, used). |
Updated:
Legacy Focus 20/20 (4 yrs)
Legacy Whisper (4 yrs)
VSA VR-7SE Mk2 (4 yrs)
VSA VR-9SE Mk2 (0 minutes; currently for sale new in crates)
Focal Grand Utopia EM (2+ months - ?) DONE!
All were great speakers for my system at the time I owned them. Never took the VR-9's out of their crates - disagreement w/mfr over broken promises, etc.(currently for sale at great price on Agon)
Current Utopias are way beyond anything I ever even dreamed about when I started this hobby years ago. I've been very fortunate to know many excellent manufacturers and great audio friends over the years from all over the world. |
now that's a list of speakers to be proud of, lol. |
CTS- If you're talking to me, THANKS - I appreciate it. You have a very nice system - I'm jealous of the analog... :-) |
Interesting, i never thought about it, but speakers are the componet i change the least.
1. Technics Phase Linear were the first decent pair. Ran them from 1976 and to 1992! My nephew still uses them.
2. Definitive Technology powered monitors, 450s i think. 2004-2008. Gave them to a friend.
3. Epos ELS 3 with ELS subwoofer, 2005-2008. Still use them in my office system
4. Tetra 120u 2008-2013. Loved these speakers. Gave them to my son-in-law.
5. Definitive Technology BP8080ST 2013-present. Moved to huge room with high cielings (12 to 18 ft high), took a chance with these based on my earlier experience and am very happy. These really fill the space. Drive them with a B&K Reference 2220. |
Time to update after my recent move to a new home that resulted in my shelfing my Khorns
Started with a home made set of speakers from kit, (3 way set), moved to a set of Bose 201, to Bose 501, Klipsch RF3, Klipsch kg 5.5, Klipschorns, Polk lsi15 and finally my latest Audio Physics Caldera II. These are the finest speakers i have ever owned by a great margin despite being 15 years old |
fplanner, yes i like your speakers....I do love my analog...for the cost nothing was even remotely close... I heard a ton of stuff and most was 5k plus...the Basis/Benz combo with the Heed Quasar is better than most things I heard and it's not close. John at Audio Connections in Verona, NJ knows what goes together.. He's the best I've dealt with and I've been around high end since 71 or so......I've met most of the major names in the industry (met means spent real time with and not just a hit and run during a show or bumping into someone during their store visit. So many different directions you can go, but John just understands what sounds right and puts systems together....not a commercial, but he just gets it and should get props... |
1, grew up with my dads jbl century l 100s. Loved them. He had them drop shipped while in the army in Germany.
2. Yamaha bookshelf speakers, about $200
3 keh satellites with a subwoofer. $300 from the price club in San francisco. They were all highs and bass but sounded really good.
4. Paradigm bookshelves, $400 from the buffalo speaker shop, demos. Sounded more hi fi and had decent mid range but 'boxy' sounding bass.
5. Tekton lore s used from tekton for $1200. Very refined and natural sounding.
6. Tannoy hpd 12 inch in Cheviot cabinets. Beautiful coloration couldn't be happier. Great balance of mid, highs and bass. Love these. $2000. |
I find it interesting to see everyone's evolution. Go back and reread the posts as they are really interesting. Most of us have gone up and up. Some are happy for the long term and keep their speakers for awhile, while some are always looking for nirvana I guess as they make many moves and some are lateral rather than upwards. Just interesting. |
mm, the answer to that question covers several years :>)
Main System:
Longines Symphony Transistor Radio w/ single earphone
Mom's Sylvania Fold Up Turntable/AM/FM System w/ crappy speakers.
Radio Shack 3-Way speaker with DIY acoustic reflex enclosure
AR 2ax speakers - these lasted through college w/ several blown tweeters replaced
Vandersteen 1B
Vandersteen 2Ci
Vandersteen 2CE Signature
PC System:
Crappy PC Speakers
Less Crappy PC Speakers
Mackie HR824 Mk I powered monitors
Polk Monitor 10 Series 2 |
Remember many of the RS speakers....never understood the hype with many of them, but there was one that I was amazed by for the cost. Cant' remember which one it was, but we put them on over 10k worth of electronics and that was back then. |
AR 2a
AR 3a
Dynaco
Polk Audio SDA2
B&W 802
Verity Parsifal
Wilson Alexia
A span of 48 years.... Im done. |
compare the Verity's to the Wilsons? I got the impression that they were totally different types of sound. Interesting movement. |
Your right, they are different. Its truly an unfair comparison given the price difference as I think Alexia is better in every way. One big difference was I changed from a medium size listening room to a vary large room. The Verity could not play loud or have any presence in the larger venue. The 3D imaging on the Wilson is also amazing. |
For my new home that is under construction and off grid I lucked out and bought a pair of JBL Hartsfield. |
Heard the 33k Wilsons. Sasha I think it is. I was shocked as it's not the Wilson sound I'm used to. It was highly musical and not fatiguing in any way. |
Its funny,
Speakers: I have changed often
Electronics: I have changed often
Tuners: I have changed often
Turntables: I keep for a very long time
Cassette Decks: I keep for a very long time
Interconnects: I keep for a pretty long time
Underwear: I change every day
|
I agree with the underwear approach but keep a lot of what I like. I guess I should dump some of my gear post divorce. I am using bookshelf Hyperion 585s which are only a stop gap, due to living in am an apt. I listen to my Sennheiser HD 700s more frequently. Will sell the Beyers and ATHs soon. Soon to me is timed by glacial movement. |
Paradigm Studio 100 V2
Klipsch RF7
Paradigm S4 V1-
Dynaudio Focus 140
Usher BE 718
Paradigm S2 V3-
KEF 201/2
Golden Ear Triton 1- Done at least for a while |
LS35a
Chartwell LS35a
Unity Fountainheads
Magnepan 3.5 R
Tidal Contriva Dicera
Acapella Violin Cello Mk2
Acapella Violin Cello Mk 4
Franco Serbelin Ketemas |
Have spent a fair amount of time lately to the Wilson line from Alexia on down. They are very fast and neutral. They will let you hear the differences in your components. The Sophia 3 maybe more musical than the Sasha. I also liked the Rockports I've heard. I have heard a few of their line, but was impressed with their lowest cost one (forget the name). I like the Legacy Aeris too but it's very big and ugly to me. I like many of the Avalons too, but their ceramic driver speakers aren't my real cup of tea to live with long term.Exciting, but to me, not as musical or real as the Vandersteen line (Treo CT on up to the 7's).
I need a speaker that doesn't smear and is fast. First order xover and time and phase coherent speakers have been one of the only types that I like over the long haul and then they have to be implemented properly and also offer a WAF package to boot. I put my money where my mouth is by switching over the Vandy's and I'm hoping like heck that I will be able to afford an upgrade to the Quatro's a you can put them where you want (close to the wall) and still get a big soundstage, but you can dial in your bass (the dealer sets them up for you) so that they fit most any room, even small ones. They go really low in the bass for organ music lovers, but are naturally extended in the highs, just like real live music is. I needed something that can play great on every type as I listen to virtually everything.
I rarely even think about the components or speakers anymore as I love my music. It's the first time in my life that I've been able to do this.
Most audiophiles I'm friends have switched with me once they gave the upper line Vandy's a try. Again, I could easily live with some other lines of speakers, but I still keep coming back to the Vandy's just like many of you come back to Verity (I've heard only one pair of these and loved them too) or Wilson or Rockports. We all have our biases and hear for different things. Go listen and let us know your thoughts.
I do hope you get some higher end components home to see what your speakers can really do for you. |
I'm a Chario devote. I've owned Chario Hiper 1000, Chario Hiper 1000T, Chario Premium 2000T, Chario Constellation Cygnus, Chario Constellation Pegasus, Chario Constellation Ursa Major and now looking for the Chario Academy Sovran. Combined musicality and elegance for great listening pleasure. |
Pioneer -> Klipsch -> KEF -> KEF -> Klipsch |
Coli,
I am curious to know the models of the KEFs that you moved away and to which Klipsch model. Also if you can explain why, that would be helpful.
Thanks! |
KEF LS50 and R700. I'm now using the RP-280F.
KEF got sweeter mids and better sound stage, but my 30watt amp's not powerful enough for it... Klipsch is just so much more dynamic and interestingly, more clarity at the top end. |
JBL 100
Sound Lab A-1
MBL 101E
AN-E/SPe HE |
Sorry, forgot the manufacturer on that last one:
Audio Note (UK) - AN-E/SPe HE |
Through the ages:
Started with Kefs
then Gales 401a - beautiful speaker but not great sound
Lectors I think
Then SD acoustics SD1- transparency defined but the ribbon tweeters kept blowing
VR4jrs more integrated than the SD1 and great value for money but I am now searching for the next level and considering Revel Salon, ML Summit, Wilson Sophia, VR5 SE anniversary, Legacy whisper.
Any suggestions for a large room with very high ceilings would be really appreciated.I am out in the sticks and do not have dealers near me for demos. |
We all really hear differently. I have friends who swear by Magico, however I have never 'got' them. I have heard them on so many occasions now, but they aren't doing anything differently than many speakers in their price range. I have found the Vandy line for me to just be musical and now by using the Ayre AX5/20, they are on a different level than I've heard them in the past (Treo's). I do want the Quatro badly though. I have liked some of the upper end Rockports, Tidal (the smaller ones), but then I go back to Vandy 7's as my dream speaker.
What are you driving the Magico's with? |
Leak 3020 (1978)
ESS Heil AMT-1 (used, 1985)
Martin Logan Quest (used , 1993)
Thiel CS 3.6 (used, 2005)
Martin Logan Ascent II (used, 2010)
Thiel CS 7 (used, 2013) |
Cool thread..
Infiniti QB
JBL L-110
Maggie M something..
KEF 104ab
Quad ESL
KEF 101
Vandersteen 3a SIG then 5a with 7 MK 2 on order.... |
Tom, congrats on those 7's.....What do you run with them? Which dealer do you use? |
Alan at Hi-Fi buys in ATL...but I have had a lot of zip codes ..5 a from Randy at Optimal, 3 a sig from Curtis at Advanced...but I pretty much have heard all the 7 at dealers in USA..I think....?
Naim Uniti into Aesthetix Pandora Sig into arc ref5 see into Ayre VX-R |
Nice. I"m doing the Treo's for now (working on getting the Quatro) with a Basis TT set up into an Aesthetix Rhea and then a rebuilt Mac Mini server with a special power supply built by Empirical Audio into an Empirical Audio OSDE/SE Overdrive DAC into an Ayre AX5 Twenty all AQ cabling though out.
Very emotional speakers Richard makes. I just got sick of 'Hi fi' and wanted that emotional connection. I just wasn't getting that from any of the other speakers mentioned in this thread. That's just me though and I know I"m in the minority. |
Here is my list... :-)
- AVID 110 (do you remember ? late 80's)
- ESB 7/09
- B&W 802 series 1
- Yamaha NS 2000
- B&W 802 series 3 matrix
- Proac EBS *the most time hold, 8 years*
- MBL 303S
- MBL 300D
- MBL 300E
- Spendor SP100R
- Sonus Faber Elipsa RED *actual*
...next ?
cheers, Max |
Ok, I'll play too.
In my primary system, I started with Energy 2.1e bookshelves. Then I purchased my pair of Aerial Acoustic Model 7 which I still use today.
In secondary systems, I've had PSB T45, M&K S100B, M&K S85, Boston Acoustics A40, Polk Monitor 7b, PSB Imagine B, Boston Acoustics A400, and Maggie SMGa.
On my wish list would be something Vandy, Thiel and moving up in the Maggie line. |
My first system was a hand-me-down Sears Console, which was huge, not sure what the speakers were, but that console got me evicted from a few apartments.
I moved to HK components...
DCM TF-700
NAD components...
Polk RTiA7
Yamaha Receivers...
Advent Large Walnut first series
NAD Sliverline...
DCM TF-1000
JBL 4311 wx-a
JBL 4344
all done :) |
pagawan, I bet if you get to hear the Vandy vs those others you will fall in love. With Theil being owned by a new company, they seem to have changed sound. Personally, I felt Theils have always been a bit hot, but I can see what some folks like aspects of them. The Maggies are also a bit bright for me (my Vandy dealer sells both). I have heard some of the Maggies run with great gear and the sound was pretty good, but personally I've never been able to connect with them. Great big sound though. I just like balanced best I guess, but others hear and want other things. Great luck. |
Technics - Polk - Paradigm - Tyler Acoustics - JM Reynaud - Daedalus (waiting on them to be shipped) |
Act 1:
JBL L88 (present on my 16th birthday, never loved them, desperately wanted AR2ax)
JBL L100s (much better, enjoyable, not my dream speakers, traded to cousin for auto repair)
KLH 17 (me and 10 million others took these to college)
AR 2ax (FINALLY. 1972 was a very good year)
... much later...
Act 2:
Maggie 1.2 (lovely, a little colored...but - look ma! - no boxes!!)
Spica TC50 (for the den, interesting experiment)
Alon V MkII (back to cones & domes, albeit dipoles, paired with Herron pre and amps. Happiness at last!)
Nola Mini's (office/HT - GREAT, fun speakers)
Life is good.
...and then...(cue funeral march)...Recession/crash of 2008-2009.
Downsize. Move. Sell off big rig. Nola Minis stolen during house break-in. (SOB!). Reduced to Dad's office lifestyle system. Adieu, high end audio. Darkness ensues.
Act3:
Near field listening with significant other's Genelec 1030a's. Very accurate speaks but do not work well for normal listening applications. (Duh.)
Spousal unit (Opera Beau) and self now speaker shopping for living room system. Searching for musical, affordable and smallish speakers plus nice integrated amp for happy listening with money left over for live concerts and travel. He wants standmounts. I like floorstanders. Visited local dealer. Bad news: B&W Diamond series not in our price range. Auditioned a highly lauded, "giant killer" monitor du jour which sounded like crap with massed strings. Also, terrified Opera Beau by expressing enthusiasm for vintage Apogees. (Just foolin' honey!) Good news: several promising options within our price range.
To be continued...
Listening use: 70% classical, mostly opera and large scale orchestral, along with vocal, instrumental and chamber; 15% movies and opera DVDs; 8% jazz; 7% rock. |
rackon-
May I suggest looking into Thiel loudspeakers? If you enjoy Vandersteen speakers, get yourself a Thiel demo. Specifically, the CS 2.4 model for openers. Happy Listening!
|
- Infinity Reference 3 large bookshelf speakers, bought 1988 $?
- Infinity Reference 60, oak, 1991, $2kAUD
- Infinity Renaissance 90, black oak, 2009, $1400USD
- Marten Coltrane Alto's, 2009, $14.5kUSD
- Magico S5, M-coat titanium, 2013, $lots
- Magico S5 Mk2, M-coat titanium, 2016, $lots
|
Waiting on my Vandersteen Quatro's to be built and delivered. Very excited about this upgrade. I never thought I'd be in the position......ever. Cant' wait. Audi Havanna Black paint and not the wood finish too! |
Marantz Silver 7'S, $400? new. It's been so many decades since purchase...:)
Dan D'Agostino Point Three satellite/sub system, $400 new
Thiel CS2, $1500, new
By far the Thiels best the others. Still listen to the Thiel's today. Recently rotated the D'Agostino Point 3's out of the line up but won't give them up due to nostalgia.
|
-System in a box (Sharp) when I was 15 years old
-A few thrift shop speakers (idk what brand names)
-Bowers and Wilkins DM630i
-Bowers and Wilkins Matrix 804
-SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speakers
-Legacy Audio Studio HD Bookshelf
-Magnepan MMG
|
I can see that i tend to hold on to speakers very long, as i had not had many different ones.
Bose 201
Avance Dana ( Original )
Focus Audio FS.788
|
resurrected thread.
Ok, have had the Quatro's hooked up and running for months. What a GRAET speaker. I'm shocked at how good they are for the price. 14k is not that much for higher end speaker and these beat all the 30k plus speakers I've auditioned. They are the sweets spot in Richrd's line. No doubt about that. It's a must audition for anyone in this range or higher. The built in amp frees my amp and it shows in the sound. So easy to set up. Sorry, I'm amazed that I could afford this type of system. I'm really blessed. Fun thread for sure. |
