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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 3 responses by sns

sns
3,660 posts
 

I'd stick with horns or open baffle speakers, I went from open baffle to box speakers, never could quite deal with the box speaker presentation. After that went to Klipschorns, I've modded them extensively, only bass bin remains stock. Klipsch Heritage can image and sound stage with tractrix horns, in case of three ways, tweeter on custom baffle, need at least physical time alignment and independent movement of mid driver and tweeter in case of Klipschorn.

 

Of speakers you mentioned I'd go with the Volti's, I'm using Volti tractrix horns on my Klipschorns. Greg's modded Klipschorn crossovers were inspiration for my crossover mods.  You were onto something with your modded Cornwalls, the Volti's can take you the rest of the way.

sns
3,660 posts
 

@jbhiller If you're open to further modding the Cornwalls changing out the inductors was extremely worthwhile, stock Klipsch not so good. I went to Jantzens, higher resolving, greater transparency, more natural timbre.

 

Klipsch Heritage can image if correct mods to speaker undertaken, room and setup optimized. High racks between speakers is no, no, diffusion on front wall is a good start. I've owned both box and open baffle speakers placed well out into room, my Klipschorns don't lack in depth of sound stage even though required placement has them right up against front wall in corner, I do have bay window between speakers which obviously serves to help in providing sound stage depth.

 

In regard to replacement speaker, assuming you like the horn presentation I'd stick with horns. As for myself, I know all about never saying never, but my Klipschorns are my end game speakers. Horns all about presence, you get an overwhelming sense of performers in room that is simply intoxicating for me. High resolution/transparency, dynamics inherent to the design. Get the imaging, sound staging and timbre right, you can have it all.

sns
3,660 posts
 

Certainly there are certain designed in limitations with wide baffles of stock Klipsch Heritage. All the more reason to really pay attention to physical setup of system in room. Close to wall positioning in order to reinforce bass will compromise imaging, sound staging, pulling out from wall means opposite compromises. Only cure if keeping Corwalls is adding subs or dsp (equalization).

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