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Speaker Suggestions for Next Move

I'm considering moving on from my Klipsch Cornwall IVs.  I'm looking for suggestions on new loudspeakers in the $8-$15k range. Used is fine too.

Here's what you need to know (or what I think you should know):

  • Modifications:  I upgraded the crossovers and binding posts similar to the modifications made by Don Sachs (VCap ODAMs, Rike resistors, better wire/posts, and some internal damping).  I have them sitting on acoustically near inert 1.5" studio subwoofer platforms.  I feel I've juiced just about all I can out of them. 
  • Reasons for Changing.  They do not sound harsh or bright. I'm not thinking of moving on because of that. I'd like to get a bit more depth to the soundstage and more finesse in the overall presentation. 
  • Things I Have to Keep. 
  1. I need to have sizable scale in the presentation.  I have a good group of audiophile buddies and a friend who is a dealer.  I've heard so many high end offerings that don't really scale that well to me. I really like how you feel like you listened to live music or a studio--not a laboratory.  Sound doesn't shoot at you with laser focus, but rather it blooms, bathes and surrounds you. 
  2. Amp Friendly.  I have found the CWIVs to be very friendly with both SS and tube topologies.  Surprisingly, they can sound amazing with great quality SS. I have both types of pre/power amps to service speakers, but I'm not looking for speakers in this price range that need gobs and gobs of wattage.  I'd be happy to commit more so to SS if needed, but I'd like to stay way from very difficult loads.
  3. Placement.  I have a dedicated space and have leeway on placement. That said, I don't want to wrestle with a fickle speaker either. 

Side Note/Stuff I Don't Really Want to Discuss Here.  You can note this stuff all you want and chat with others about it in the thread (won't bother me at all), but I'm not going to engage on (a) Klipsch Heritage is garbage and awful sounding; Trust me though, I do see how Klipsch builds to a pricepoint and could easily better its offerings with better parts, bracing/dampening, etc.;  (b) modifications are dumb, wasteful, hurt resale, etc. I could care less about any of that. I'd prefer not to modify stuff--fyi;  (c) detailed discussions about amplification and sources. I have and have access to various topologies, manufacturers/brands, etc.  

Room:  A bit large for me, historically.  15.5' wide, 23' long, with 10' ceiling. Speakers will be placed along the short wall. 

Music Format:  Vinyl 50%, Digital 40%, CD 10%.

Genres: Pretty much you name it.  Jazz ~30%, Rock/Pop ~30%, Blues/Folk 30%; Classical ~10%. 

I'm curious to trying Fyne, Spatial Audio, Spendor (classic line in particular), Tannoy, Volti, Harbeth, PSB's flagship, Wharfedale's flagship, ATC, Vandersteen, Devore. Open to others. 

Thank you in advance!

jbhiller

Showing 4 responses by ozzy62

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,308 posts
 

I think the Volti recommendation would be a natural progression for you, especially the Lucera. I had thought about that one myself.

But I have another suggestion. I have been living with the Qualio IQ speakers for about two months now and they are very impressive. Our rooms are of very similar dimensions and they have no problem pressurizing and filling the room. They do what you would expect an OB to do, but with very impressive bass down to the upper 20s. Your budget would allow the Ultra version, which I have no experience with, but it adds better xover components.

I have an extensive history with Klipsch Heritage speakers. I did in fact own the CW IV for about a year. My last klipsch speaker was the Lascala II, which I absolutely loved. I can tell you that the IQ does everything the LS could do and ups the game with better resolution and refinement. The soundstage is just as wide, but much deeper. And dynamics are a toss up between the two.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,308 posts
 

There are a lot of things to love about the Klipsch Heritage speakers and I'm certainly a fan. And I think they do image better than most people give them credit. But it's not their strong suit. I have owned many other speakers that have better depth and separation. You just have to accept it for what it is.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,308 posts
 

I had Cornwall IVs pulled off the wall about 3 ft using dual 15" subs. Yeah, the imaging was better in that position but still not as good as non horn speakers.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,308 posts
 

@mofojo 

Makes perfect sense. I over damped the mid horn in a pair of khorns once and had to remove some of it. Too much of a good thing sometimes.

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