"Absolute best" used speaker for $8-10K


I'm in need for some solid recommendation for the "absolute best" used speakers in the $8-10K price range, floorstanding model only.
I'm looking for pinpoint imaging and superb retreival with clean tight low end.
Any recommendation will be greatly appreciated.
queanh74
Very subjective ....do you want great sound or an elegant speaker with a gorgeous wood veneer in a cool shape? There is a mix of suggestions already in both camps.
Greetings Queanh74,

Well I don't know what the "absolute best" is either but let me toss out something for you to consider.

I presume that you plan to sit fairly far back to listen in that large room of yours. In that case, the reverberant field response will strongly dominate the tonal balance. So a speaker that performs well in a much smaller room may sound colored at what would be the normal listening distance in your large room. Several of the speakers mentioned above would have a significantly degraded tonal balance under those conditions. In a large venue (and your room is certainly larger than the average home listening room) smooth power response is more important than smooth on-axis response.

Your requirement for excellent imaging places a premium on a fairly narrow radiation pattern and minimizing diffraction. Good impulse response generally correlates well with good imaging also, though there are speakers with what looks like poor impulse response that image quite well.

The Avantgardes are indeed a good suggestion, and will in my opinion outperform most speakers in a room like yours. Historically getting the powered woofer section to "keep up" with the horns is a challenge, but a large room is conducive to smooth bass which should make it easier to get a good blend between the two. Just don't set the bass level too high, as that will result in a subjectively sluggish bass presentation.

If you might consider a new or demo pair of speakers well within your price range, I have something whose characteristics are in my opinion well suited for an application like yours. E-mail me if you'd like details.

Best of luck in your quest!

Duke
Anyone here have any experiences with Avalon Eidolon as I have heard great thing about them.
Though rarely for sale here at Gon., must be quite an speaker for people hold on to them so dearly. Thank you all.
Queanh74,

I have not heard the Eidolon model but Avalon make great speakers The drivers cost about $1600 retail in total which is pretty expensive compared to what many manufacturers use (you would be shocked at the low cost of primary components in some very expensive speakers). The cabinetry is also beautifully done and hard to make because of the angles...so you would get some good workmanship for your money.

However, you should definitely audition these at home as they have an unusal baffle and this may make the dispersion quite complex...room interaction and your listening position might be quite important compared to other speakers. My guess is that the sweetspot will be small but imaging will be very precise.
Nothing will touch a pair of Vandersteen Model 5s properly installed by a dealer. For your money you can get a pair of NEW Qautros too. I assure you they will make you think before buying anything else. They're amazing for the money.

Have fun and good luck!