Speakers - Your "Safest" Choice


Hello All: Many of us have limited access/ability to audition multiple speakers brands. That got me to thinking- If one had a budget of $20K max, a solid state amp rated at 125WPC, and listened to all varieties of music (primarily rock, pop, folk), what speaker(s) would you be most willing to recommend to that person and feel confident they would be happy with the purchase?

gnoworyta

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

@jl35

 

+1!!!! Road trip!

 

No way, unless you know your tastes and the major speaker house sounds should you consider buying speakers like that on a guess.

If you are going from something like $5K speakers and go to $20K speakers, then you are really likely to be really happy… but it is really likely you will be far from getting the sound quality that match your tastes.

Call audio places, have a detailed talk to the owner / head dude / guru explaining your system and tastes. Make an appointment. They should come up with two or three choices of speakers and use electronics roughly the character of your system and have it set up when you get there. I would dedicate two or three hours per shop. Expect to have your head swimming… but if you spend most of the time listening to music… not listening to the speakers… then one should emotionally grab you… that is what you want. Speakers with nothing but details and slam are great to show off, but typically you’ll get bored with after 45 minutes… every time you listen.

 

For what it is worth, I am a Sonus Faber fan. I have upgraded twice, and if again I’ll go up another level. My values are natural presentation and musical.

 

Assuming no road trip.

 

Sonus Faber —- musical / natural.

B&W - slam with bright details. If you like Rock only, this is your speakers. Best paired with McIntosh electronics.

Wilson - Holographic sound stagers great detail

Magico - really fast and accurate… you better have a Boulder amp or big Audio Research system or they will sound terrible.

 

Ok. Sorry 125wpc is not specific enough to recommend ribbon or electrostatic.

Typically speakers first and then choose the other electronics to best support the speakers.

 

A general rule of thumb 35% investment on speakers, 15% on streamer, DAC, preamp, and amp. Each must be carefully chosen to be best of class, synergistic and catering to your taste and venue.

My recommendation contemporary used Sonus Faber Serafino. Natural and musical sounding in mid sized rooms. Why, I love the natural, musical quality… they capture the perspective of real music, not over emphasizing details or bass… correctly rendering music. With Audio Research electronics almost all music is captivating and emotionally compelling. Of course they may sound like sh$t to you.