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Speaker Upgrade Recommendation for Current Analog System - under $10,000 Budget

Music lovers/audiophiles, looking for input.
Considering a speaker upgrade to full range, floorstanders. Current analog system setup - recent full upgrade to Jolida JD 202 intergated amp. (40 watts), VPI Scout w JM 9 arm, Benz Mirco L2 cart, Tyler Acoustic Reference Monitors, ACI Force sub, Jolida JD 100 CD player. Have enjoyed current system for 15+ yrs. COVID and my location presents a challenge to auditioning. Based on articles and reviews narrowed considerartion to Salk Songbird3 BeAT, GoldenEar Triton One.R, Nola Contender S3. Refined to GoldenEar and Nola speakers. Seems GoldenEar may be the easiest for place in room. Reviews show them to share simular sound signature. Alternative option: switch out ACI Force for two Rythmik F12G subs, upgrade phono pre-amp and call it a day.
Listening room - 12' X 30' (configuration - odd shaped third floor (main room has window well, with narrow 6 ft. hallway to steps w/ separate room by steps). Favorite genries: Jazz and R&B, however, love music (1500 LP's). Probably last system change, looking at retirement with more time to enjoy my music. Appreciate the input.              
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Showing 3 responses by ctsooner

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
The Golden Ear speakers to my ears are very colored and as someone pointed out, they are better for home video use. There are a lot of great speakers in this range.  I'm a Vandersteen fan like many above and owned the Treo CT's and now have the Quatro's.  I"m sure you'd have them in your final three if you heard all of the suggestions at the same time.  I just like a speaker that is truly phase and time correct and uses pistonic drivers that won't break up like so many other cones do.  

It will be interesting to see which way you go.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
There are so many great choices under 10k.  Nothing snobbish about it and there is no one company that owns any market.  We all heard differently adn like different gear.  I'm a Vandersteen fan as that's what I've now owned for a bunch of years now.  There are others I could live with, but I have always been drawn to a legit time and phase correct speaker.  I loved the older Meadowlarks in the 90's and I liked Thiel, but they were. a bit on the 'hot' side for me.   

Just subjective and it's not snobbish for folks to fall in love with whatever they can afford.  I'm happy for them as I do have a budget and can't afford what I would truly love to own, but what I own I do love and listen to daily.  It's all good.  
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
So has OP decided on their speakers or is this year a post to get everyone to post about their own speakers, lol.  Some really good posts in this thread. 
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