Searching for the most "accurate" speaker (below 15K)


I’m looking for the most accurate and resolving speakers (budget is <= 15K). Paradigm Persona 3F, Kef Reference 3 or Focal Sopra 2 are some of the options I can think of. Any opinions on how these compare? Should I had other options to this shortlist? The amplifier is the (absolutely extraordinary) Nagra Classic AMP.

Thanks! :)
128x128vermeer

Showing 6 responses by gdhal

A lot of great suggestions already herein and I'm sure some others will chime in with even more options to consider. Might as well include Golden Ear Triton Reference as something to think about. 
Regarding the GoldenEar Reference, it happens that I own the Triton One and I do respect the brand a lot. But the fact is that, as I've improved the electronics their limitations became evident. Also I need a speakers who interacts less with my smallish room (and the GoldenEars do interact a lot)

This is a very fair statement on your part @vermeer 

I'm curious if you would/could share what exactly you felt the limitations were as you improved electronics.

I get the impression that few posters realize that under 20 sq m is actually a very small room, both to physically fit some of the larger speakers, and to make them sing without room modes. 20 sq m = 215 sq feet.

True. However, regarding making them sing without room modes, if I recall reading elsewhere on this forum and other sites, given the option between a larger and smaller speaker, larger is preferable from a sound quality perspective. If my understanding is incorrect, I'm sure others will chime back in and impart their knowledge.
As noted here, one has to "go out" and listen to as many speakers as possible. All speakers introduce coloration to the sound, so it is vital to listen and find out what YOU like in terms of sound and which brand YOU favor. Hype about a speaker or any electronics is flat out dangerous if you don’t have money to waste or blow through. Many audiophiles here have listened to dealer hype or went on the advice of a brand "fanboy" only to have bought something that does not sound good to THEM. Dealers have an agenda, sell their products. Owners of products they like, will get over-enthusiastic about the great stereo they have. The smart prospective audio buyer will listen to as many components as they can, and find (in your case) speakers that truly fit what YOU like.

From a practical perspective it is impossible for anyone to audition all available speaker options in one lifetime. There are many hundreds of brands and thousands of brand/model combinations. So at some level, purchasing decisions becomes a crap shoot.

Similarly, to the point of a fanboy club or cult, in the singular sense caution is advised, but once the number of fans grows into the thousands, tens of thousands and beyond you can usually rest assured there is something grate to behold. And should things still not sound good to *you* at that point, it may be time to question *your* hearing and/or change your preferences.