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Speaker upgrade help needed: 4500$ used

Like you all I have the upgrade itch and have decided that the speakers are what I want to change out next.

1. My goal is the most holographic soundstage and best imaging I can afford at this price range
2. I have no preference between bookshelf and tower speakers
3. I have no bass requirements as I currently live in an apartment and wouldn't want the bass to annoy the neighbors anyway!
4. Resale value and demand is very important, so rare/old models or companies that come out with new versions/revisions each year are out of the question.
5. My next speaker upgrade probably wont be for 2-5 years
6. Appearence isn't important, although I'd like to keep a reasonable footprint for the speakers
7. This is for a 2 channel only system

My current system:
Tyler Reference Monitors
Plinius 8200 mkII integrated
Muse model 9 Sig version 4 (cdp)
Ridge Street MSE gII interconnect
Harmonic Tech ProAC-11 powercord
Signal Audio biwire shotgun speaker cable

Current room is 14x18, but I do consulting work and move every year or two (so not shopping for room specific speakers!)

The cd's I've been playing a lot of lately:
Cyndi Lauper - At Last
Patricia Barber - Cafe Blue
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions
Paul Simon - Graceland
Peter, Paul & Mary - 1st LP
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Steely Dan - 2 Against Nature
Laureena McKennit - The Visit
Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac and Rumors

I have enjoyed the Tylers. They are my first step into home audio unless you count NHT SuperTwos. The Tylers were an ENORMOUS step-up from them in terms of clarity, seperation, imaging and soundstage. However, they dont get me to the toe tapping, emersed in the music state that I am looking for eventually.

My ear and audio vocabulary isn't at a point where I could say what I would like to improve upon or what in particular I'm looking for.

Speakers I'm considering:
B&W N 803
SF Electa Amator II
Merlin VSM-M
Aerial 10T
Von Schweikert VR4 JR
Martin Logan Request

any of these stand out above the rest?
any to remove? other recommendations?

Thanks for any help!
Geoff
geoffgarcia
mthieme
74 posts
 
I will agree with Kck in that Maggies come with a few more demands than some speakers. Placement and power have to be considered carefully. They have a large dealer network and a respected history, and don't seem hard to get rid of here. Seek them out in your area, then make your call.
nzera
68 posts
 
I have used a Plinius 9200 with the Carolina Audio single driver (medium efficiency Jordan JX92 drivers)- very holographic, nice combination. Jordan based single driver speakers (Carolina Audio, Konus, others?) are easy to place in any medium or small room, amazing imaging/soundstaging, surprisingly accurate and coherent bass. These are the only single driver speaker I am aware of that match well with solid state.

You might also consider a system with digital room and speaker correction (DEQX, Tact). I have been using a DEQX preamp on multi-driver speakers, resulting in coherency and a holographic sound similar to single driver speakers. NHT has just introduced a DEQX-based system for about 5K that also includes the amplifiers. A set-up like that might get you a lot closer to what you are looking for than another overpriced pretty box.
bigfish427
17 posts
 
Take a look at Martin Logan Ascents. They sometimes can be a bit bass light, but mids and ups are tremendous. Used pairs are well below your budget.
celebrer_le_temps343b
49 posts
 
Hyperion HPS-938; I'm enjoying what you are trying to achieve right now :)

Roy
geoffgarcia OP
92 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations!

I've only heard planar speakers a few times and have not been fond of the sound. I suppose I should take myself to a few stores and give them another chance though since between the Maggies and ML's there has been some chatter on them!

Prior to the Plinius I was using a tubed Rogue 66/88 combo (amp/pre) and while I did like it, I would rather stick with a SS front because I use my 2ch audio system to provide sound for my projector television and would feel guilty burning through the tubes that much faster.

I'm debating upgrading my int to the Rowland Concentra as my next front end upgrade, or at the very least giving it a demo in my house.

That said, I'm going to be hitting some local stores in the Philly area tomorrow and I'll add some notes here to share how it goes.
Geoff
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