Speakers for leading edge, transients, speed and big sound

@saummisra --

Look for a pair of used Meyer Sound X-10’s. They’re active speakers and are about the best that can be had in the 15" woofer/midrange + horn/waveguide class of speakers out there. That’s including the JBL M2, K2 S9900, Everest’s etc., and yes, you’ll have to take my word for it. They don’t sound like horns but deliver a big, effortless, delicate and coherent presentation. Great tonality as well. There’s a "domesticized" tower version in veneer, but I’d seek out the regular duratex finished pro-look version that needs to be lifted up on some low stands. They’re no longer in production and are hard to find, I gather, and they’re industrial looking for sure, but if you’re in this for the sound and what you’re addressing, they’re the real deal and not some overpriced, prettitied home stereo so-so stuff. 

Another interesting option could be the the dutch Stage Accompany speakers, namely the M57 and M59 models. They house a high sensitivity ribbon midrange/tweeter (SA 8535) that plays down to 1.5kHz and up to 20kHz. A friend of mine is using the M57’s (a 2-way MTM design with the SA 8535 and SA 1205 12" woofers) actively configured and subs augmented - a great setup. Personally I’d go for the X-10’s, but the SA speakers are very, very good, and they can be had new within your budget. Like the X-10’s they’re no audiophile beauties but rather made in rugged duratex finish. They’re not about looks, popular audiophile brands, vanity or other but just great sound. EDIT: actually the SA speakers can be had in a range of finishes and colors, other than duratex. 

Then there’s ATC’s SCM300ASL Pro. Outboard actively configured speakers, great sounding to boot, and with a little luck you might be able to find them used within your budget. 

Lastly: Sound Labs ESL speakers, 7ft version on up and with a dedicated sub setup. 

@ozzy62 wrote.

Ok folks, you heard this genius. Sell your horns.

I was about to reply to poster @secretguy on his horn statement, in all earnesty, but yours is better, and not least funnier :)

@deep_333 wrote:

I have heard the Meyer bluehorn. It’s a bit of a shame that most audiophiles will never hear some of these pro audio gems...because, I suppose, it didn’t have the gloss finish for the cabinets, in spite of all the engineering that goes into it.

+1

I can only assume the Bluehorn’s sound fantastic. Going to a cinema that has their EXP range speakers will give an indication, no doubt. 

I currently have some tad ’influenced’ horns.. Pioneer’sXY series (not that cheap) in my lake cabin...with modest electronics tied to it most times. It easily puts most things I heard at axpona this year to shame...if one doesn’t mind the lack of that glossy cabinet finish, that is..

The Pioneer XY-3B speakers are seriously interesting speakers, kudos. I bet they can both bring down the house and be a refined, coherent listen as well?

When Levinson takes a pa speaker, i.e., from that ethos, puts a nice finish on it and sets the price at 200k, it stays backordered with audiophiles running after it.

That’s about the Maggi cube on the mechanisms at play here indeed.