Speakers for leading edge, transients, speed and big sound

Where most speakers err in speed is the decay more than the attack. Poor decay muddles the sound and affects the next attack plus it reduces dynamics because it creates a higher noise floor for following tones.

For what it's worth, Gordon Holt, the creator of Stereophile and the man responsible for the current form of audio reviewing did lots of live recording. The last speakers he paid for were ATC50a active speakers. He told me they were among the very few speakers that reproduced sound so it sounded like the live performances he recorded. Plus for what it's worth I've always been impressed with ATC speakers, especially the active versions. All things being equal active speakers are superior including transient behavior.

@saummisra:

See here a nice used pair of JBL K-2 S9900 speakers for sale. 

Mike

The JBL K2 S9900's have my vote for what you want. You won't hear much better than these for smooth, powerful and clean reproduction. As for lack of extreme bass, you could move the speakers closer to the corners or add subs. personally I would chose the former.

So, guys, wait a second. The JBL K2s have big honkin 15" woofers mounted in big-arse bass reflex cabinets like it’s 1975, but they’ve got no bass. No bass. And a used pair is asking $18K. Am I reading this right? Can someone please describe what makes these speakers attractive?

Thanks again. What do we feel about the Wilson Alexia 2? for electronics, I have some leftover Crown amps from my JBL M2 system that I may replace