I think your gear may be the issue; you have some excellent gear but maybe some of it is not exactly warm and lush. Your DAC for one is well regarded but I have not read one review that puts it as a warm, lush listening experience same with Bryston. Horns will only make this more apparent, although they will sound better at lower volumes than most. Also, if you’re going horns you won’t need very much of that 300wpc probably closer to 20wpc at full tilt. Most Horns are very efficient. Potentially a tube swop may help some in the preamp, I’d look for some NOS Mullards. Or take some of that speaker budget and upgrade your preamp, or sell both the pramp and poweramp and get somoething warmer and more luch sounding. maybe a Cary, CJ, Mac, etc.
Seeking a new loudspeaker, horn, single driver, concentric or open baffle
My current system consists of the following:
- 1. Martin Logan 11A Impressions (hybrdid)
- 2. Bryston 4B3 cube3d power amp 300/channel into 8 ohms
- 3. Rogue Audio RP-1 preamplifier
- 4. Lumin U2 mini streamer with LHY linear power supply
- 4. Weiss 204 Dac with Modwright power supply
- 5. SVS 2 subs SB-2000
Looking for a loudspeaker that sounds rich, full bodied and alive at 50-55 decibel levels. My hearing just checked is within normal limits at 73. Above db levels of 60 is uncomfortabIe. Also purchased the Schitt Loki Max equalizer to counteract the Fletcher Munson curve but did not help. I have read about many speakers, such as the Volti Razz, Lucera, JBL 4349, JBL 4367, Devore 0/96, and Zu audio. Would any of my choices listed above meet my goals? Would appreciate any suggestions that as well. The other issue is that I live on Long Island and not many dealers that I know of have speakers on hand for audition. My price range new only is $12-$15,000.00. But at those numbers, want to hear first, before buying. Not willing to drive or fly to Tennessee to hear the Voltis. Am I asking for too much? Appreciate any input.