@larry I’m not a dealer, I’m a teacher. I live in Denver. Don’t own Fritz, only Salk.
Speaker Suggestions/Opinions
I’m in the market for some new speakers. Budget up to about 3k. I prefer to buy used. Currently running some Totem Rainmakers. Have also Run Totem Forest and Arros. I love the Totem sound clearly, but still curious what I’m missing out on.
Most important to me is a lush midrange, musical, the ability to disappear, and they have to image very well. I run McIntosh for amplification so I’m comfortable with a speaker that may be a touch hot in the tweeter. I’m very drawn to Harbeths based on everything I’ve read but really don’t dig the look of those fat boxes. And why for the love of god do they have 20 screws visible on the front baffle. It’s almost as if they trademarked the look, but it’s terrible. Proac, Spendor, and Sonus Faber are few others I also find intriguing. Especially Spendor but they don’t seem to have a large market in the US. I also find there line up a bit confusing, lots of options. I really don’t like to purchase anything that doesn’t have good resale value and a fairly high demand on the used market as well. Anyways look forward to all your thoughts.
Most important to me is a lush midrange, musical, the ability to disappear, and they have to image very well. I run McIntosh for amplification so I’m comfortable with a speaker that may be a touch hot in the tweeter. I’m very drawn to Harbeths based on everything I’ve read but really don’t dig the look of those fat boxes. And why for the love of god do they have 20 screws visible on the front baffle. It’s almost as if they trademarked the look, but it’s terrible. Proac, Spendor, and Sonus Faber are few others I also find intriguing. Especially Spendor but they don’t seem to have a large market in the US. I also find there line up a bit confusing, lots of options. I really don’t like to purchase anything that doesn’t have good resale value and a fairly high demand on the used market as well. Anyways look forward to all your thoughts.
Showing 4 responses by hilde45
Given what you’ve said about Totem, Spendor, Dynaudio and some other comments about price range, imaging, disappearing, and midrange, you might seriously consider either Fritz’s Carbon 7 line or his Carrera line. They hover above and below the 3k mark. I spent about 6 months with the Carbons and 3 with the Carreras, and found them excellent. I’ve heard the Dyn 40s and, to my ear, they’re very good but not as warm and simple/honest a sound as the Fritz. I’ve not heard the larger spendor towers mentioned, but I’ve heard the smaller A series and the Fritz are much better for imaging and bass. I’ve also heard the Dali mentioned and, again, Fritz is much better in those same aspects. One value added element about the Fritz, too, is that he’s a small, US based maker, whereas the Dalis, Spendors, Dyns all have to cross the ocean to get here. Fritz will discuss trial with you, too. |
@brylandgoodman Fritz is close to a one man operation, and he's been doing speakers for 40 years. He has a great ear and uses excellent parts. He's very easy to talk to and does not hard sell. If you call him and ask him questions, he'll answer honestly. He knows what works with his speakers in terms of amplification, too. In my opinion, the recommendations you've gotten here are all excellent. You're considering truly excellent speakers. If I were in your place, the question which would be foremost in my mind (after getting close to the sonic type of speaker you want) is, "What can I audition and at what cost for trial?" Because I really think you need to try things in your space and see what turns you on. Crutchfield has an excellent try and return policy, but they don't carry some of the speakers mentioned here. They do carry Dynaudio and Revel and other good brands (Martin Logan, Wharfedale, and more). Safe and Sound and Music Direct also have return policies, but I believe shipping will cost you more. |