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Speaker candidates/suggestions

Hi everyone! I’m thinking of upgrading the speakers in my second system and I could use your opinions and suggestions. I currently have a Belles Aria integrated and a Sugden A21 integrated that I switch around when the mood hits. I stream via Bluesound Node. My room is approx 15’ wide x 30’ length in size and carpeted. My system faces the long wall. My speakers are Tekton Lore Reference. Budget is $2-3k.My musical tastes are all over the place---I can listen to Ella, Johnny Cash, then Dean Martin then deep house and 80s alternative or classic rock. Listening volumes are average: 70s-80s db. I have a REL T7x if I need one.

From doing some research, I’ve come up with 3 candidates---let me know what you think:

1. Vandersteen 1ci+ (pairs well with Belles and somewhat efficient at 90db)

2. Fritz Carbon 7 SE MkII (also pairs well with Belles and Sugden and efficient, 88db)

3. Totem Bison monitor or Tower (of the 3 listed here, the Totems are the only ones I can audition here in town.) Not sure if the Sugden is enough for power.

Thanks in advance. I’m open to other speakers btw.

bluorion
mesch
3,506 posts
 

I  own the Fritz Carbons you are considering. A very easy to drive speaker. You get a home trial period. Give the owner a call.  With either amp you own they would be provided plenty of power.  I would think the class A  Sudgen could throw a party with them.  I use mine with two different amps in rotation, an EL34 tube amp or the Pass Labs XA25 SS. 

bluorion OP
477 posts
 

Thanks @mesch -- that's good to know. I saw on another post that Davis Belles also likes Fritz speakers. The Sugden class A is sublime.

sifter
72 posts
 

The Fritz Carbon 7 SE MK2 speakers are very fine in many ways. I owned them for a short while. I found the more I listened, the more there was something bothering me on the high end. Nothing egregious, I don't know if it was a roll off or my room ,but there was something almost semi-muted at the top that bothered me, very very subtle, and I fed my addiction and sold them off. I would listen carefully, and if you love them, wonderful. As far as alternatives, I can't speak to amp matching, but some of the NOLA offerings, Boxer variations are held in high regard. Perhaps even some of the more  recent Quads, S2, Z2, etc Just thinking out loud.

iad's avatar
iad
55 posts
 

Vandersteen 1ci are amazing speakers, I had them for many years. Then I moved to another country and had to sell them. The most opened and airy sound I've ever heard, it fulls the room and the whole apatment. 

bluorion OP
477 posts
 

@iad Thanks---good to know. I have a chance to audition them next month when I travel out of town. I found a dealer so I can't wait!

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