Speaker shopping?


Hello,

I am considering a new pair of speakers. I currently own Focal 826W which are powered by a Pass x250. I only listen to vinyl. I listen to rock, jazz and classical. I would like to find speakers that are not as bright. Otherwise, I do like these very much. I appreciate their low end, but I am not obsessed with bass. I like that the bass is tight and punchy and not distorted and booming. How/where should I begin? Should I consider the used market or is it too risky? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.
tswisla
There is a pair of used Reference 3A Grand Veena's on AG located near Seattle for around $3,700.00 That I think that would pair well.
You may also consider a Martin Logan or another electrostat.
At least thats what I would consider if I had that model of Pass Amp
Could be your room, cables, phono stage or even the cartridge making the brightness unbearable with your Focal.

Maybe outline your components so we can advise or if you’re already committed to change speakers, what‘s your budget and how big is the room they will be used in?
There are some used Vandersteen 2c's listed here. I had
Vandersteen years ago and I think they would fit the bill! One
thing for sure is they are not bright!
"01-02-15: Yogiboy
There are some used Vandersteen 2c's listed here. I had
Vandersteen years ago and I think they would fit the bill! One
thing for sure is they are not bright!"

I recommend the Model 2's as well, but if you are looking for a dull sounding speaker to offset what you have now, they are not it. Set up properly, they are more neutral than you're current speakers, and also have better bass. But they're more detailed. I wouldn't say bright, but they are not going to hide anything.

Looking at a picture of your Focal 826W's it looks like they have a very similar tweeter to the one's in my Wilson's. Wilson uses a Focal titanium tweeter like the one that's in your Focal's. It could even be the same one. Comparing that to the Aluminium tweeters that are in the Model 2's (current production) I have in my main system, the Wilson's are actually a bit more forgiving on the top end. And if it looks like I'm trying to talk you out of buying them, I'm not. Vandersteen is one of those speakers that you need to audition first. A lot of people comment that they are a warm/forgiving type of speaker. After 4 pairs, I have yet to hear that quality.
The brightness is coming from you system not the speakers. Find a way to filter the AC first to see what happens.
"01-03-15: Bigkidz
The brightness is coming from you system not the speakers."

How do you know that? The OP hasn't listed his entire system.