Room is 15'x18' open behind listening seats. Ushers are 5' from 15' wall.
Wants:
Low freq in the 30's
Reasonably wide sweet spot, so two people can enjoy at the same time.
Lively top end, dynamic (not warm)
Does not require expensive cabling to sound their best.
Used, bang for buck.
Good sound for most music types.
WAF is not an issue.
Nothing old enough to require service on crossovers/drivers.
Prefer well known brand to facilitate reselling when the time comes.
Do not need a sub to add low end, not opposed to subs for a little reinforcement...
I'm not a tinkerer, so I shy away from complicated setups like active crossovers, etc. I've owned Vandersteen 2ce sig, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Ohm Walsh 2, and various vintage speakers. I am mostly satisfied with the Ushers. Curious what increasing my investment will get me.
I value soundstage, definition, and clarity, and lean toward this over warmth.
My plan is to research some options and audition my final choices. I'm not close to any dealers, so I want to narrow down the field before I travel, etc.
Thanks for your feedback, I hope to hear the Sophia at some point. I've never heard a Wilson speaker.
Soix,
I haven't considered Joseph Audio, I'll read up. I own a pair of Jse Infinite Slope .5's - I think they share some DNA.
Also, I agree regarding Silverline. Minuets are in my bedroom system, and I like them a lot.
Never heard any Reference 3a, but they seem like an option from what I've read.
Thank you both for taking the time to comment. I'm enjoying learning about my options. Meanwhile, I'm really happy with my current setup so it's exciting to consider things getting better.
The first speaker that jumps to mind that ticks all your boxes, other than moving up the Usher line, would be Joseph Audio. Used Profiles can be had under your low price, and used Perspectives would likely be a little over your top price. The other two I'd mention are Silverline and Reference 3a, but I don't know how wide their sweet spots are so with that caveat...
A Vandy fanboy has to recommend the: Vandy Quatro's- They are a definite upgrade to the 2 sigs, and have the integrated sub that can be adjusted for the room. If you like the Vandy sound, you will love these. But if you want to look elsewhere, I can endorse the Maggie's, though I would pair them with good subs like the Vandersteen 2w(q)s for the ultimate experience. As Jayctoy mentioned, Tekton has gotten good reviews. I also own Zu's, which use a full range driver, and can recommend them, as well. There are lots of manufacturers out there. Unfortunately, you aren't near dealers, so trialing speakers from Tekton and Zu might make sense for you. In fact, I think Magnepan has a trial offer, too. B
Uncle Demp read the Double Impact thread, this are very good speakers per user, I do have the monitors they are good..,when I read the thread, I forgot the resale value, although they will still hold their value for local pick up..,
For $5K, I'd be looking for a used set of Legacy Audio Signature SE. You mentioned, "Good sound for most music types." That is what I feel the big advantage of Legacy speakers is -- great "all around" speakers. You get the Air Motion ribbon tweeter, as well as 22Hz bass extension, they are easy to drive, work well in most rooms, great soundstage and imaging.
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