Speaker Recommendation up to 70k

Ive heard zellaton. It is equisite but I wouldn't say it's better than magico. I own an m2 and had an s5mk2 before that. all depends on preference and source gear. don't get me wrong, i think the zellaton is real special but, to my ears+with my gear, the magico m2 is a perfect speaker.

[please excuse my bad English]

During the two ‘Brussels HiFi Shows’, my Harbeths demo created a stir, compared with systems that are ten to twenty times more expensive. (source, in French)

(Harbeth’s Brussels dealer)

Indeed, I attended the show, and can testify that his magnificent-sounding SHL5-based high-end system was Best Sound of the Show, and sounded better than a €80K pair of speakers two room further. But the former was setup by a master...
This demonstrate the uttermost importance of a good, experienced dealer. Online purchase is a mistake which, repeated, will bury high-end dealers alas (of course, in some region which are hifi-deserts, one have no choice than going online, I understand; the constraints are very different in some regions of North-America vs Northern Europe).

Now, *some* extremely well-chosen high-end very expensive speakers (much more expensive than Harbeths), if perfectly setup, can run circles around Harbeth though (I am a Harbeth owner). But I only know 3 or 4 of them. And only if one favors timbres.

That said, TBH, and according to his selection, I am not sure that Harbeths would fit @emerald’s demand (OP), who seems to be craving for speed, transparency and dynamics (on top of naturalness).

Lolol Limomangus!

Properly set up Harbeth  could run circles around speakers costing $100k!😄

@emerald Update, please.

What only spending 70k....wait till you have 100k.

I think  you should buy a 1000 dollars bookshelf speakers and two heavy speaker stands made of gold. That will get you to 70K

I recommend Stenheim but hope you don't own CH Precision or Goldmund! Gl😆

What did you buy?

[please excuse my bad English]

I saw your tastes a bit later:

I listen to Classical, Jazz, Funk [...] So i would go for a *lively sound, accurate, fast and dynamic*.

=> I am inclined to think that a Stenheim Alumine Three (USD 30K, relatively compact floorstander, 93dB) will do the job perfectly. Not to listen near-field though ( >2.5m if possible; in a not too reflective room if possible; can be adapted with carpets and gentle absorption otherwise).

Here is a short report made by HiFi-advice of a Stenheim-CHprecision system, demonstrated in Munich. It seemed to match very well:

CH Precision electronics and Stenheim speakers – non plus ultra, not only in terms of cost, in sound, too! Based on looks, one might expect boom and tizz, but this system sounded neutral, coherent and transparent in the best possible way. It ranked very highly in my top 5 best systems of this show.

(source)

NB: please note that I have personally never heard a CH-Stenheim combination. But I can testify that a Stenheim Alumine Two + Aries Cerat (lively, outstanding tube gear) association, is genuinely stellar (I mean: well beyond what the usual big names of high-street high-end audio speakers have to offer).

Sorry, but Revel Ultima 2 is still the end-game speaker. It's just the questtion if you have the skill to bring it all out of them.

@arcticdeth --

Those “hifi”  ATC speakers are some of the very best you can buy.
he prices are astronomical, but if you say you have 70K to dump, he’ll, that is what I would get. ...

ATC speakers, not least their active versions, are actually very fairly priced when you factor in what's included in the package and the sonic outcome that's produced. Sonically it doesn't matter whether it's their pro line or domestically dressed ditto; the predominant difference is aesthetics and price, while the sound is very largely cut from the exact same cloth. That's why I opted to recommend the SCM300 ASL Pro earlier - the sound is the same, and you pay somewhat less for a non-tower, industrial looks version (that needs a stand). At less than $55k a pair here in Europe, considering what's offered and that separate amp(s) and speaker cables are now out of the equation, that's almost cheap compared to passively configured alternatives without build-in amps, none of which I gather would even approach the dynamic capabilities of the ATC's. 

Those “hifi”  ATC speakers are some of the very best you can buy.
he prices are astronomical, but if you say you have 70K to dump, he’ll, that is what I would get. Or the Dynaudio confidence 60’s.

@mofojo --

Add Bose to the list. They are suweeet.

Bose - the finger of Satan dipped in holy (audiophile) water, of something like that. Their Blueetooth iterations may make for a good bathroom background music choice, while contemplating the speaker options for one's home audio cathedral. 

Add Bose to the list. They are suweeet. 

I have already disclosed my system in page 1 comments, please read through.

Wilson Benesch , Gobels, Stenhiem and Zellatons are under consideration.

So exclusively it is down to those 4 ?

@emerald
Perhaps a long shot but you can try to network with “local” audiophiles to see if there might be local speaker owners of the brands you are interested in.  I googled “Dubai audiophile” and got a few interesting results.  Doesn’t hurt to make some local audiophile friends.

Thank you everyone, I am speechless to the positive comments I am receiving in here and WBF. 

Ch or any brand dealer or manufacturer might recommend a speaker based on their business benefit and sometimes it's political (same country recommendations) and I dont want to go there. 

I have already disclosed my system in page 1 comments, please read through. 

Wilson Benesch , Gobels, Stenhiem and Zellatons are under consideration. 

There is slow used market in Dubai after COVID, mostly sub 5k stuff floating around. Whatever I buy must be initially satisfactory (the most challenging part), or else once used for a day , it will sell for 30-40% off it's MSRP at best if I can't live with it. It's big risk and less rewarding due to the law of diminishing returns. So I have to shoot my shot with 101% confidence to the right match and musicality. 

Hence , the more feedback the more it becomes clearer of which speaker brand is worthy of investing on. 

Thank you again , it's a journey for all of us. 

@emerald
You may want to find out what speakers CH Precision uses to voice their electronics.
Also, reach out to other CH Precision owners (WBF may be best source) on how they derived at their speaker choices vs others.

Assuming similar speaker voicing throughout a brand’s product line,
you can cycle through (buy/sell) used speakers until you find a brand you favor, then buy the final model you like. Also, online comments/reviews comparing Sonus Fabre speakers vs other brands may yield clues to help with your decision.

Audio sonic preferences amongst speakers are highly subjective, wishing you the very best in your endeavor

I must be living on another planet, I don't spend that $ on homes, hookers nor hallucinogens 😁! Seriously, good luck in your quest.

You might check out Wilson Benesch... Wilson Benesch – High End British Loudspeakers (wilson-benesch.com)
Quite fantastic

Best

[please excuse my bad English]
Emerald,

SUGGESTION ______________
Maybe you could *also* ask Christiaan Punter owner of HiFi-advice website.

He owns CH Precision gears (pre+power, L1 & A1.5) and makes a lot of comparisons. In my opinion, he does amongst the most thourough (subjective) reviews of gears. I discovered HiFi-advice quite recently, and found it is well worth following.


QUESTIONS______________
Christiaan Punter (HiFi-advice) will surely ask the same questions as me:
1. What are your electronics (that you cannot disclose...)? This paramater is of paramount importance;
2. How far from your speakers do you listen (in meters, pls)?
3. "i would ask myself "do i want a hifi speaker that is a bit highlighted?" "exciting", "a specifically ’big’ sound?" or do i want something that makes me forget i’m listening to reproduced music and gets out of the way. with a more coherent and flowing sound?" ( < Mike Lavigne)
4. What do you listen to? Acoustic, unamplified instruments (=> timbres do matter, very much => Harbeth?), or "A little bit of everything"?


FEED-BACK ABOUT SPEAKERS ______________
Your "Final contenders":
- Zellaton //never heard; only heard the Swiss Ensemble 2 ways speakers years ago, which used the same zellaton cone. They were impressively transparent and fast-sounding.
- Stenheim // I know *very well* the fantastic Alumine Two, 2 ways. Nevers heard the Alumine Three (USD 30K). So I did a WhatsBestForum member this suggestion. But maybe not the most comfortable speaker for near or mid-field, as they reproduce the isntrument with all its detail, timbres and dynamics. AFAIU from the Alumine Two model, the Stenheim do not emphasize treble, nor low-mid; they sound very flat; but they are extreeeemely revealing. (though for near or mid-field listening of acoustic instruments, nothing beats a Harbeth, imho - then prefer the M40.3). Therefore question 2 !
- Tidal- Marten- Wilson:
* Tidal - I know a €80.000/pair model, power by Vitus; did not like the Tidal (transparent, but not enough body, and lack of naturalness),
* Marten - until now, no speaker using ceramic cones convinced me on timbres.
* Wilson - I know and like the DAW (a Harbeth M40.3, or 40.2 Anniversary, has still better timbres; but has less to offers on other aspects, especially imaging).
- Borresen //never heard them.

My suggestion:
Deises Roma, MBL, Ascendo. 

When are you buying 70k speakers or are you just kicking tires?

Not on your list, but i own Focal Stella Utopias, 100k list but you may find them discounted or ex-dem at 70k

If you want to recreate the live experience, these are the kiddies.
I considered Zellaton but the consensus was that they aren't man enough for my musical tastes,  ie electronica, deep house, drum and bass, trip hop and a little akt rock.
Combined with Boulder 2160 i get club- level performance, insane bass and extreme musicality- such a rich, complex, polished presentation. So no hesitation in recommending this combo

naturally, you'll get 100 answers.   mine would be the following.
YOU DON'T need to spend that much to get a fantastic speaker system.
I'd buy Revel 228BE's, and one or two high quality subs,  JL Audio,  REL,  SVS, etc.  ...... and for under $20k, you have a speaker system that will run with about ANYTHING at $70,000.   

A shame you won't consider ESLs. Sound Labs make classical music sparkle. For 70K you could get 945s and 4 subwoofers. IMHO no dynamic speaker can compete.  

I suggest you take your 70K and use it for a downpayment on a house

go listen to the monitor audio platinum 300 Gen 2 or 500 Gen 2 they're going up against speakers four five times the cost and sounding just as good. the MPD tweeter that they developed is the best tweeter on the market right now goes up to 100,000 clean.Their driver technology is amongst the best on the market. magical just copied their sandwich driver technology.

Yes. Fly to go listen and see. 
Please add Tannoy and Sonus Faber to your thoughts.  

Hi emerald,

Interesting how aggressively some guys respond... 

I share the assessment that providing a GOOD answer to your question is tricky, however as I can relate to your situation let me try it. 

Again, if you can realize demos, do so. In this price range it is worth it. If you cannot, I would approach the problem by figuring out the "house sound" (this will raise other questions and evoke funny comments) or better "line sound" of some brands and how good they work with your electronics. Hands down, there is some brand coloration up to a price range close to a fortune. 

CH was the first brand that popped up in my head before you posted it. Congrats. They are on the neutral side. 

The following part of the equation relates to your listening preferences. 
Magico e.g. differs considerably between the lines. If you start a google search you should find a very good post, if not please tell me.

Just a personal hint: Wilson Benesch often demos with CH and they do so for a reason. I am a classical guy and if your room is at least "ok" in terms of acoustics, my personal choice would be the WB Resolution. Sound characteristics also pretty neutral. WB speakers are often picky regarding electronics but with CH no issue. What is special about WB sound? The coherence is better than anything else I listened to (so on the other side of the spectrum to e.g. MBL). I am hypercritical in terms of coherence, timing.
You will get more bass elsewhere, but here we speak about nuances on a very high level. My alternative would be Tidal Audio Piano. 

To be clear, what you get in this chain is on the neutral side. 
I you like it a little warmer, SOME Magicos or other brands might be a better choice for you, if you are on the analytical side there are some options but I won't give recommendations here as listening fatigue then kicks in quickly in my opinion. 

Keep us posted what you did and how it worked out. 

cheers

YG Acoustic 
Wolf Von LangaDiesis Audio with Kondo setup...

MBL 101E MK ll    They are the most real sounding speakers I’ve ever heard. Spooky real. Nothing else sounds like them, In the best way possible. 

So,
If you bought this SOTA Swiss front end new, then what does the dealer recommend? What are his other customers using?

FWIW: One of the dealers I use carries the Swiss “Merging” gear, and he is also a Vandersteen dealer.

One could probably not go wrong with the Carbon Kentos. At least I don’t know anyone that has regretted getting them.

If the gear is not “Merging” or Nagra, then what else is there that is Swiss?

And where does one even hook up the speakers “+ & -“ with Swiss gear? I always thought that the Swiss were neutral? ;)

I think we are drifting away from the subject. I did some reading and calls. 
Someone named TechnicalPie who's pretty much gone to most shows mentioned that Zellaton is in another league than other high end brands such as Magico, Wilson and others in terms of refinement of sound. 

I am currently considering Zellaton Stage or Plural Evo. The Zellaton Plural Evos that cost as much as Magico M2 sounds better than M6 itself as someone claimed. This is hard to believe and confusing. Did anyone compare ?

However very little is mentioned on the internet. Appreciate some feedback. 

Dynaudio C-4

@richopp All box speakers distort the reproduced sound.

"All speakers distort the sound."
There, I fixed it for you.

I think we should try to find speakers we like regardless of the type. Some of the world's best speakers are box speakers so it is possible. They are all compromises but we may like some more than others.

People do that. People who want to control other people.

Talk about FreeDumb.

@cleeds about 800 k in the usa alone….not bad for a “ hoax “…..

funny how the pro virus crowd are just pro birth, anti life….

millercarbon

Just a thought, no virus ever stopped anyone going anywhere.

The virus stopped some people stone cold dead.

Just a thought, no virus ever stopped anyone going anywhere. People do that. People who want to control other people. We now return you to our regularly scheduled stream of irrelevant commentary.

Just an idea, if it is covid that is stopping you from flying to France or Italy and listen to some speakers, you could perhaps wait a few months and go then?

I have only heard speakers in this range at shows except for MBL which I have heard at a dealer. Shows are not the best place to make a decision but I have an opinion anyway.

The ones I've heard from your list that I really liked and that I think can work with many rooms and amps are Stenheim and Borresen. 

I really like MBL too but they must match the room. And Magico M6 but they are much more costly. 

I see Black Rhodium is promoting its Deep Cryogenically Treated Silver-Plated copper stranded Flamenco speaker cables. 3m pair terminated with rhodium plated locking plugs £12,000.00 - 8kg per pair.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0565/0638/4554/files/flamenco_HI_RES.jpg?v=1633610238

@mid-fi-crisis....good point, but.....

...isn't that what one would wish for...neutrality to allow the speakers' true voicing to speak 'truthfully' ? 😏

I suppose one could have worse problems...;)

@ parker65310

I have already shared my whole system, previous and current.
please read page one comments. Can't edit the original post. 

I am shortlisting to Raidho/Borresen 03, Magico M2, Wilson Alexia 2, Zellaton Stage, Vivid Giya G1/2 , Stenhiem Alumine 5, Marten Mingus 20. 

The rest of the recommendation, i will do my research about all speakers mentioned by reviews, forums and youtube. 

Thank you all, great recommendations.

I would point towards Magico.  

Radio Shack Linaeum!

I think he meant Macan.