Pondering a change after 30 odd years...


After 30 years I think it's time to move on. I have a set of Acoustat 1+1s that I've owned since new, paired with an RHLabs passive sub. It's been a great combination and still sounds pretty nice but it's all long in the tooth. Sooner or later a panel will quit then I'm dead in the water. I love the soundstage with it's "fullsized" presentation even if it's a PITA to get them dialed in just so. Maybe I'm just getting restless! I've heard many "box" speakers but damn no matter the price point it seems I can hear the "box". Granted I haven't listened to some of the big $$ stuff like Wilson but that's way outside my budget anyways. LOL! I'm wondering how some of the smaller "monitors" on stands sound? One thing I'm thinking I'd miss is the vertical part of my large soundstage. I've read about the Golden Ear line which get decent reviews. Or should I just stick with a panel of some sort, like Maggies? I've about 110 watts/side of tube power to work with. As for budget, I'm thinking somewhere in the $5-7.5K range. I'm listening to a lot of jazz these days with a dash of classical. But I'd hate to think my old rock vinyl wouldn't be welcome anymore. I know this is all pretty vague but hoping to get a nice discussion with things to think about versus "buy this" sorts of recommendations. AdThanksVance!
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Showing 1 response by wimpydaschund

I am kind of in same predicament I had a solid state 1990s era system with a pair of Linn Katan bookshelf speakers and a B&W ASW700 powered subwoofer for about last 16 years it was good setup but last year I decided to go vintage tube gear I have a midcentury style house and furniture plus always wanted to try a vintage system. Anyhow i bought a restored Mcintosh MC225 and a MX110 and got a Rega P3 (not vintage but looks good lol)
Anyway I wanted bigger old school style speakers and also more efficient the Linn only 86db 1w. I put together some vintage Altec stuff but that didnt sound very good so pondered larger Linns or saw rave reviews on Tannoys. Unfortunately I am nowhere near a Linn or Tannoy dealer so was flying blind. I ended up taking chance on Tannoy Cheviots they were out of my price range but went for anyway am not sure if I am thrilled with them or not they are very laid back sound in midrange area which am not thrilled about
The bass and soundstage are good but honestly I dont think that pound per pound they are not any better sounding than the Katans in fact Katan better midrange and horns seem to have more depth and air in the Katan the Tannoy seems more flat sounding.
I only have about 30 hrs on Cheviot have been told will improve when broken in but I dont see it what is you guys opinion? I can send these back but clock is ticking. I thought about Linn Majic 140 are about 3k pair I dont want the typical black stick speaker with bunch of 6" woofers, didnt really like the b&w 7 series stuff, dont want klipsch or jbl retro lines they sound like crap and way overpriced. Any advice be apreciated
Thanks