Speaker Decision Paralysis (for large volume loft space)


Hi,

Due to technical issues, I'm posting under a new address. I have been a reader (and infrequent contributor) since 2005.  Folks on Audiogon helped me select my first pre amp, integrated, power amps, and (downselect) speakers on several occasions. I am grateful, even if I only upgrade - or try something different - with a fifth of the periodicity that others here do.

With that, I appeal to the board members' wisdom for some healthy pro/con of my downselected speaker options given the budget, room, and equipment mentioned below: maximum (shipped) budget is $3,400.

I live in a multistory loft with a wall of glass, 20'+ ceilings, and concrete floors. The rears of both floors are open, so while the theoretical volume of the combined dining/living space is roughly 20'w x 16'd x 21'h, the depth measurement of both is closer to 40'.

That said, I will use the speakers only for listening sessions at mid field on the first floor, and for ambience elsewhere. I listen to vocals, jazz, EDM, symphonic metal, show, classical (mostly Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Holst), and Top40 (ha!).

Equipment is Parasound NewClassic 200 Pre + Parasound 2125v2 amp + Cambridge Audio SACD + streaming. I've only ever had monitors, from small to large, although I am not averse to floorstanders. I might be able to add some (mostly hidden) room treatments, but my place is decorated like a contemporary art museum, so the equipment and treatments cannot define the room, as much as they must become part of the décor. 

I auditioned for over two months, and downselected to the point of paralysis (with additional consternation from Crutchfield's current KEF sale):

- Totem Tribe Tower: colleague selling a white pair in my area for $3,150 (they depreciate rapidly); current 2nd choice

- Fyne 502: new, from NH salon (in white, lead time is 4 - 8 weeks); current 3rd choice ($2,500)

- KEF R3/LS50m: heard both with slightly limited auditioning and loved them; tied for 4th choice, although the R3s for the LS50's price at Crutchfield moves favor to the white R3. If the LS50m, would add two SVS 3000 Micro Subs; if R3, would start with one sub. (R3 @ $1,700 + $800*1 = $2,500 or Blue Metas w/ stands on Audiogon for $1,690 + $800*2 = $3,290)

- Tyler Lindbrook Signature Monitors: I know Ty, and have owned these in the past. He will build me another pair with the same stellar SEAS drivers. While no longer in the mode on Audiogon, I loved the pair we owned prior to 2010; currently 1st choice due to history. ($3,250)

After all of the listening, I arrived at those five choices after nixing models I couldn't audion. Additionally, as I'm a physicist by training, I spoke with Clayton at Spatial Audio about a Sapphire solution for my odd sonic situation; while a gentleman, he passed on working with me due to "the red flags" of my loft's design. I'm not asking for perfection, as I know the room precludes anything close. Really, though, the only downsides I could determine are:

1) The R3 needs stands (the blue Audiogon used Metas include them);

2) The stands for the Tylers are incredibly unattractive: huge back stands 15 years ago; same huge stands today, ugh; 

3) The LS50 Meta's distortion really kicks up below 100Hz (AudioScienceReview.com); and, 

4) Home auditioning is, unfortunately, out of the question - at least not easily (no for the two used pairs, no for the Fynes, and only maybe for the R3s).

None of those downsides, amid the current plan, can kick anything from the list. I realize that the LS50m might be the weakest competitor, but even they would probably outperform some of the mini monitors I've had over the years.

With apologies for the wordiness, your insights could prove invaluable! Thanks in advance.
tsequantass

Showing 1 response by b_limo

Not sure if Mafggies would work well or not but you can always try them and resell them for very little out of pocket.

A pair of 1.7i’sand a pair of nice subs would probably sound pretty awesome, but just in your listening seat.  Maggies arent the best once you move around the room.  The “beam” so to speak but that may be an advantage in your room.  Maggies dont project to the sides or up and down like most speakers.

I’ve had a ton of speakers and am just loving the LRS maggies in my room.  They displaced dome $4,000 transmission line Salk HT2-TL’s.  Everyone who heard the Salks vs Maggies went maggies.  Not even close really.  The Salks played louder, and were more refined but theres magic in maggies and1.7i’s are brtter than my lrs’s.

The maggies are so fast, open and the bass is so textured its pretty awesome.

They sound fantastic with edm, classical, jazz, rock, everything.  And they play plenty loud for me and will play even louder if you cross them over at 80-100hz, which I don’t do.

Anyhow, I’ve had Tylers, Fritz, Salk, Atc, LS50, just to name a few.  If you like magnepans sound, there's really nothing like it