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Retooling the system upward?? What speakers would be a major upgrade over GET model 7's?

Fishing for opinions about what speakers would represent a major upgrade from the Golden Ear Technology model 7, the rage product of CES 2012. Overall, it is very good speaker. So why so I want to change??. Because, I slowly acquiring much better electronics, and therefore want to experience the sonic improvements of high end separates ( not new but used)  So far, the one major change made has been the purchase of a used BAT VK-200 which has made a notable difference in the sound. However, I have as of yet found a suitable pre-amp

Let me cut to the chase, I have considered the "new" Magneplanar point 7 speaker,  or  possibly the 1.7r  ( which may be too big for my 12X15 living room.)  I happened to run across an ad  on AG yesterday for a pair of the Salk Song Tower QWT speakers which have received good reviews. This  model is Salk's entry level speaker (I think) the higher  models promise better sound.   Therefore, looking for recommendations for speaker that will be a major upgrade over GET's 7 and.not a sideways move.  I will address the issue of new speakers only after I find the right pre-amp for the BAT amp. 

For the record, I have a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp (whose pre-out connects up the BAT amp),  an Ayre CX-7e mp CD player. The interconnect is an older Harmonic Technology "Truth Link" IC, and speaker cable are alternated between Grover Huffman Z series, and Harmonic Technology Pro 11 + speaker cables.  In addition, I used a Blue Circle "Thingee" power line condition ( really a stupid name)   Thank you!! 

sunnyjim

Showing 6 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
@samac 

I like Monitor Audio a great deal, it would be interesting to know if Sunny likes them as I don't think they'll sound the same. Based on liking GE I didn't think they were for him, but listening is free. :) Sunny should definitely give them some ear time.

Older MA he may like more. I think the've gotten a little less bright over time.

Best,

Erik

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Hi @sunnyjim

I would focus on the mid-treble. If you fell in love with the treble of them, then  you should focus on speakers that have those qualities but are even better.

I would think that if you really like the GE speakers, and want to step up B&W will probably be your brand of choice.  Beyond that older Magico's.The new one's are more neutral and could sound dull to you.

I am not by the way recommending these brands in general, just that I think the signature is along the same lines and may be what you are asking for.

Best,

Erik
erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Hey sunny,

You seem to have tried a lot and been dissatisfied. Maye you need to build your own? You might find it much more satisfying, or at least, less expensive to itterate. :)

Best,


Erik
erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Hi Sunny,

I'm afraid that subtlety of language (any) is not my strong suite. To me it sounds like you just told me you weren't dissatisfied, but you were dissatisfied! :)

I used to do the same. Then I built my own speakers, like them so much I completely forgot to think about buying or trading them in.  I still keep up with models and tech, but I've yet to be compelled to further engage in speaker trading.

As always, make yourself happy.

Best,


Erik
erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Well, now, I didn't say DIY a single driver speaker! :) However for some that is exactly what would be most satisfying, and that is what matters.  I'm not on the one driver team, but any speaker building is fun and informative.

One thing that I have found making my own speakers, mind you I have a little background before I did so, was just satisfaction with the end result, and how easily I could change things I didn't like. It's all int he crossover.

This is like when you keep eating out and never find quite the right ramen. Then you realize that the problem is YOU need to be making the ramen to make yourself happy.

Not to mention, being able to play all I want to with droolicious parts. :)

If anyone wants to go that way, I submit the best 2-way speaker kit in the world. Ever. Mainly because i made it, but also because the design is entirely free, as in beer, and the final cost is under $500. :)

http://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-lm-1-bookshelf-version.html

I guarantee the design is worth more at least what you pay for it. ;-)

Best,


Erik
erik_squires
16,644 posts
 
Sunny,

Hi Sunny,

Interesting. Personally I find that few people want to listen in an anechoic chamber, so I never build speakers that way. ;-)

Seriously though, modern tools have advanced time-gating, so if you know where to put the microphone, you can get quasi-anechoic like JA at Stereophile uses for his reviews, or gated far-field like I do. Details on the former are in Dr. D'Appolito's book Testing Loudspeakers.

Part of the inherent problems with JA's measurements is the room response is never there, so speakers will look a lot better in his graphs than a consumer would actually get after purchase, and as a result, I take a hybrid approach.

As for the merry-go-round, if life isn't fun your not doing it right. :)

Best,

Erik
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