devinplombier
Thanks for the additional info.on the Magnapan's
I’am also a little worried about needing 3 feet from the wall,but I would like to hear them.Wish I would have known about the recent audio show.
Picking speakers 3000-5000 budget
Hello,
I'am new to the site and enjoying it very much so far.
I posted in the amplifier section looking to upgrade my modest 25 year old system.
I now have a Auralic Vega g1 into a MacIntosh mx110 tuner/preamp into a Adcom gfa545 (100 per chnl) power amp,then out to a pair of Polk monitor 10 speakers.I also have a Rega p6 on the way for my turntable needs.I think it has a exact cartridge.
I 'am trying to decide which speakers and amplifier I want to get to finish this portion of my upgrade.
To start my room is 20x13 and currently have my system on the right 20ft wall ,and move the speakers out from the wall when listening.
I can put them at the end of the long wall facing me if I want,and do sometimes.
I have a 6,000-10,000 budget for the amp and speakers,but would like to spend less if possible.
I do not have any personal experience with most of the brands of speakers I hear talked about here,but I have bought many guitar amplifiers by listening to YouTube videos and I will probably do the same for my home speakers.
The speakers I have in person experience with that I like are Klipsch chorus 2,JBl Jubal's and L100'sand Thiel's(not sure what model).and some old DCM Time Windows.
The one's that I really like from watching YouTube are Sonus Faber,Wharfedale,Tannoy,some of the B&W's.
I listen to about 40%classic rock,and about 40% pop,soul,blues,with the last 20% jazz classical and misc.
I really need my speakers to be able to rock at a pretty good volume,I know the Klipsch's would probably do that,but also would like them to sound great for pop,soul,and acoustic stuff.I really like bluegrass and Celtic acoustic music.
I need some help to narrow down my choices in the 3-5000 range for those genres.
I'am not opposed to speakers on stands or tower speakers,or needing a subwoofer to achieve the goal.
It seems to me a lot of the high end speakers have a over accentuated treble,but this just could be my background of blues rock music.I just want cymbals to sound like cymbals not a sizzle sound.
I think if I can find a amplifier I like for less I could spend more on the speakers.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks.
devinplombierThanks for the additional info.on the Magnapan's I’am also a little worried about needing 3 feet from the wall,but I would like to hear them.Wish I would have known about the recent audio show. |
unclewilI second that.. I have come to love her voice,it has the ability to release all my stress in a single moment. |
audioman58 The Sonus Faber Sonetto 2'sI think those are one of the models I thought sounded great. Will they do a good job on classic rock on occasion? Thanks. |
paradisecomI would probably love the cornwalls,I’am not sure how they would fit in my space. The end of the room where I would be placing them is 13 ft wide. I might check them out,as I know a lot of Klipsch folks think they are the happy middle ground. As far as a integrated amp,I just purchased the Mac mx110,so I want to try using it for a while. The Rogue amps have been recommended a couple times and I will check them out. I know the 120 is kind of hard to find,and the 150 is not cheap. |
soixYes,I know the speakers I like are not very similar,but they all sounded good to me. I have had the same system for 25 years so I guess I don’t really know what I want more or less off. I’am pretty sure if I could find a Sonus Faber that could do rock well,but also have detail for acoustic music,I would be happy.I also like the Sonus Faber sonetto,again I don’t know if these can do rock music well.the closest I have heard is Dire Strait’s,and they sounded very good. I have heard some demo’s of the olypica 3’s that sounded good to me. I like the JBL Jubla also,but find the bass overpowering sometimes.I guess if I could find something dynamic like the JBL,but able to convey more detail,that would be cool. .
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steaksterThank you,looks like a great resource. |
ganoSo many choices,so many opportunities to pick the wrong one. I'am in no hurry,something will grab me eventually. Thanks. |
fatdaddy2 Klipsh Forte 4'sI really like the old Klipsch Chorus 2's,are the Forte 4's that much better? I know someone selling a pair of the chorus 2's for 1500. But now I'am thinking do I want a pair of speakers that are over 20 years old. |
texasblues1959I have no problem buying used if it's a good value and in very good condition. I will also check sonner audio to see what they offer. Thanks |
soixYes,I was looking at ATC as someone else mentioned them.The only speakers I saw under 5000 were 2 way book shelf's.,or did I miss some? As far as amps,I just picked up the Mac mx110 tuner/preamp so I will be using that for now. |
rmdmooreI have in fact been checking those out,there is a guy on YouTube with quite a few video’s of his 3a sig’s.they sound pretty good. Some commenter’s said they lean more towards polite and favor classical and jazz so that kind of made me take pause. Thanks for the info.I will keep on looking. .
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bbillingsOk,I have not heard of MOFI,I will have to check out the Sourcepoint 888. I totally agree on the balance of treble and the punch of the mids. Speaking on the treble brightness,that is one thing I love on those old JBL Jubal’s.They had a crystal tweeter and they gave a natural treble response to me. What comes to mind is when a jazz drummer is riding the cymbal. On a lot of these new speakers,that just doesn’t sound musical. On the drums,if I’am listening to Lad Zeppelin Moby Dick,I should be feeling Bonham’s kickdrum in my chest,if I have it at a good volume. I’am getting a little older so I don’t need that to be at live performance volume,but there are times I do crank it up for a song or two. Thanks for the suggestion |
jrareformThanks for the suggestion. I been hearing a lot of good things about the Tekton.I will look at the double impacts.I have to admit I not crazy about the look but we will see. As far as cables.Can you tell me how much of a improvement they make % wise over run of the mill cables.thanks |
I really appreciate all the feedback I’am getting. I have been resisting going to the city to look at speakers. I drove through and around Chicago a my whole life and have just become a homebody since retiring in 2023. I may pick one place that has a few speakers I would consider and go check them out. I would like to address some of the suggestions: Spin4cards-Gamut L7 I will look to see if I can spot a pair for near 4,000,but I ’am not going to wait hoping to get lucky. Triton 20trx-I have seen totem around and will check them out.Thanks Muncy-bob311 PolkL600 I haven’t really thought about another pair of Polks.The M10’s have been good to me for 25 years.I guess I should check out what their upscale speakers sound like. Phishhhh 4-Fischer.I never thought of Fischer for speakers,I will look and see what they’re about. Zlone-Elac I have seen them around the inter-web’s .will give them a look. Yakbob-Texton I take it the brand is troll bait around here.I have seen them and read and watched a couple reviews.will give them another look. sj davis 1 Dynaudio I have seen these also and will look closer at them now. I also checked out ATC.I like the scm80 and scm 100,the latter out of my price range.Most reviews were very good.Going to check these out some more. I also was looking at the ProAc Response DT8 There is a pair used for 2500 on ebay. Anyone have any thoughts on these. I really appreciate all the suggestions I received so far,and will do homework on them. Thanks. |
kennycMy life story,always just missed the action.lol I will add the Golden Ear Triton to my list. Thanks |
devinplombierThanks for the suggestion. Will the Tekton's do sweet vocals like James Taylor or Karen Carpenter well too? |
soixThanks,If I decide to make the trip that looks like the best option. The reviews on the Totem really sound like they are definitely worth checking out. The ones that were recommended to me were the dual bison and new there are 4000. so they are at the top of my list.
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speed121I agree with a lot of what you say,I'am the same way with musical equipment. I just recently found a huge box full of guitar accessories that turned out to have have a couple thousand dollars worth of guitar pedals. I'am lucky as I have a local guitar shop that pays a decent amount for used stuff and he loves to trade;I just make sure I eat before going there,because you will be there a couple hours working on the deal. Let me know if you decide to have a equipment swap. thanks
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ericgen94947I know I have heard some of those.not sure of the exact model Thanks I will put it on the list. |
When you have "next level" speakers, they will do a good job with everything. It’s kind of like asking Elvis: "but can you do Old MacDonald?" Thanks,I see your point.
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mapmanYes ,I must say they sound really good. I haven't been able to find any demo's with the type of music I listen to though. The demo's are all modern tight synth sounding stuff to show off their bass That is one thing ,they seem to be tight,and almost to modern for me. I think I might like their smaller stand speakers more. Will have to some more listening. Thanks |
I have found some speakers I’am interested in after a lot of suggestions. This is a ongoing process,as I have more time than money. ! guess I’am looking for off the cuff thoughts on these. Things that would automatically knock them off your list(if you liked rock,and pop mostly) Also after thinking it through some more and listening to demos of some of the suggested speakers,I have come to the realization that I don’t want any huge speakers with pounding bass.Just a good balance with enough bass when I want it,or with a sub. Here are a few that I want to check out more. Elac 249 Black Edition see a pair used for 2800 Totem Dual Bison see used for 3600 Tekton 2x10 perfect pair new 2100 Dynaudio Focus 360 used 2100 Mofi Sourcepoint 888 new 5000 Acoustic Zen Adageo tower used 3000 Klipsch Forte 4 new 4000 Sonus Faber not sure what I can afford on these maybe sonneto or olympica? This is what I’am looking at now. Anybody have the Elas’s, Acoustic Zen’s,or Dynaudio’s? The Dynaudio Focus 360 sounds great to me,but hard to find any clips playing rock. I just wanted say my budget for a power amp is 5000 or less,and I will be using a McIntosh mx110 preamp. Thanks. |
mapmanI don't doubt it. I will try to find some more demo's. Just to be clear,you are referring to the 888's? Thanks |
unclewilburI have heard talk of this strange and mysterious Maggie. Just kidding,I have never looked at them for some reason,I was always under the impression they cost big money. I will take a look at them.I was hoping to keep the cost on the amp to under 5,000,but I guess If I can save on the speakers it's all good. Us there a useful life span on these,as in what is the cut off on the age of these before I should stay away from a particular pair.
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unclewilbThank you for the detailed and very informative description. I will give them a look and read up on them I love idea of a large sound stage,and who doesn't love detail. Thanks again. |
kerrybhT+A Caruso S5 Never heard of them will take a look.Thanks chenryThanks,I need to look at a few stand mounts.If I can get a full sound with a sub,then that will work too. blackbag20Revel,another new brand.thanks will give it a search and check it out. |
refastYes,if I'am still looking and I see a show that isn't to far,I would like to see what they have . As far as active systems.I'am might get some powered speakers for my TV,but I'am not into any high tech eq stuff. Thanks |
blackbag20Thanks for the suggestion.I will look at Revel to see what their about. |
vinylrestingplaceThanks for the words of wisdom. I will try and use it going forward. I have had my current speakers about 30 years and have tried them in every placement imaginable,and they have been in 5 different locations. They sound good to me about 20 inches from the back wall and away from side walls. I do put them on the narrow wall and that is where I like them best. Thanks again. |
blackbag20Thanks for the info. The Klipsch is a speaker I heard a few times back 20 years ago,and thought I would love to have someday. I heard them with a tube Mcintosh system,and cranking rockn'roll. I need to give them another listen to see if I'am just chasing a nostalgic memory. You are not the first person to recommend the Studio Electric,and I will definitely give them a look.
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everhardThanks for the advice,I'am definitely enjoying the hunt. With all the choice's we have these days it is hard to sort out the instant gratification sound ,from what might serve you well over the long haul. I like the Wharfedale Linton,and will check out the Eggleston Works. I would love to get a 8000 speaker used for 3000,and that seems totally doable.
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I'am putting the call out for a face off on 2 speakers that I keep coming back to. 1'Elac FS 249 Black Edition 2.Dynaudio Focal 360 these both sound great to me. I know they are older designs,but if they sound good that doesn't disqualify them to me. Anybody have a opinion on either one? My concern is versatility,can they do rock ,pop,and acoustic singer songwriter stuff. They are available for around 2-3000 right now. Thank you. |
Thanks to all for the quick response. I will respond more concisely a little later,as I have to go out soon. Some of you tell me a great speaker can play anything well,and I understand that,but I noticed on the 2, I mentioned in particular ,there is hardly any demo’s of any rock or pop. Another reason I brought those up was, when new they went for over double of what is being asked now. On the downside,they seem kind of large I think both of them sound great,and I’am trying not to rush and buy something, so I need to mellow a bit and take a time out. I will take another look at SVS too,got a lot recommendation's on those. Thanks. |
unclewilburNo worries deep down I know it is my nature to never be totally sure I made the right choice anyway,and the sooner I accept that,the sooner I can be happy. Thanks
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zx10I really like what I have heard of the JBL Jubals. Have you heard them,and if so how do they compare to the ones you mentioned. |
incorrigableThanks but those Moabs are to large for my liking. I will look at the GR research stuff though. |
bishop148I think If I got a sub to go with my Polk M10's they probably could do the loud rock thing,I guess I'am getting old because I want a big helping of classy sweet finnese on speakers. I like the JBLs for what they do though. |
unclewilburMan I thought for sure there was a joke at the end of that story. One thing I can tell you is,I wouldn't of had a problem in that situation because I always go for the Debbie if there is one. I don't know what it is ,but Debbie's and me have always got along.. Matter of fact I kind of wish I would of married one in particular,maybe I would still be married.
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curt_dThanks for the offer. I have been checking out the Revel's this morning. I really like the F226BE for the price.I;am trying to stay around 5,000 What advantage do the 328's have over them?
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guscreekThat is what I would like to do. I'am looking at a pair of Elac FS249 BE that were 8,000 new. They are asking 2,800 now.
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arniecoI only rarely listen to classical,and from what people tell me B&W don’t really represent rock and blues too well. I have listened to them in person,but only as background music levels. Thanks for the info though. |