Thanks all. We are getting the ProAc Response DT8's
Sweet new tube amp needs better speakers
I am trying to move up from my old Martin Logan 40"s. I recently bought a Cayin CS-55a 30 watt Integrated tube amp. It sounds really good with EL34s or the KT88s. I bought a pair of Triangle Borea Br-03 bookshelf speakers (under $500 / pair) and was Wowed by the improvement in sound. Now I want to move up. My goal is to upgrade to a set of speakers in the $2000 to $4000 price range. they should be floor standers under 43 inches tall and with a sensitivity of over 90db. I don't want them to be excessively bright and I don't plan on using a subwoofer.. We mostly listen to blues, rock and roots music (African, Brazilian and Middle Eastern). My room is about 14 by 20 and open on the short side to the kitchen. I have been looking at Teckton Perfect Set 2- 10, Zu Omen MK II. Kef Q-950, ProAc DT-8 and the Triangle BR-09 and Gaia EZ.
thank you in advance for any feedback and suggestions
Tectons are 3 months out
Zu's out of stock
thank you in advance for any feedback and suggestions
Tectons are 3 months out
Zu's out of stock
33 responses Add your response
Crites Speaker. Look and size of Klipsch Cornwall. Make yourself or premade in unfinished birch. Bass down to 35 Hz or so. But I use a couple subs. Selenium tweeter update. About 2000 to your door. They have a live accurate sound with nice punch if needed. Sound good at lower volumes. Some will say mid range coloration due to no bracing in cabinets but they don't cost 10k either. ALK makes a different crossover if preferred. I clear coated mine. My wife likes them without the grills. PI makes another DIY or assembled. Cost varies with options but less than 2500. |
I’ve heard the ProAc DT 8 powered by tube amps of similar output and I liked what I heard. I heard the Zu speakers powered by solid state amps. The Zu’s are extremely dynamic and exciting, but they have a hard edge to the attack of notes and can sound quite brittle. This is a speaker that I think is very polarizing; I know a number of listeners who thoroughly hate it (I kind of like it, but I also understand why it can be so off-putting). I haven’t heard the Triangle speaker you are considering, but, I’ve heard others and generally like the brand. Good luck on your search. |
@blue-magoohe Super Nines are $10,000 new. I've seen them for $7500 used. The original Nines can be found from 3-4k used. Great value there at that price. I'd just make sure the parts are still supported. I've had 2 pairs of Nines since they came out and went on a speaker merry go round after I sold them. Worth a look. |
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stereo5
The OP has a Cayin amp that is made in China. So I doubt he would have a problem with that. Many other recommendations like Klipsh and JBL are also made in China! |
The KLH 5 is getting great reviews. Do a Google search and you will see all the reviews. It just might be the speaker you are looking for! https://klhaudio.com/model-five-pair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYi4mptKrfo Another! https://www.therobinsonbrand.com/journal/klh-model-5-speaker-review-is-it-better-than-klipsch And another! https://darko.audio/2021/06/klhs-model-five-the-levi-501-of-loudspeakers/ |
Is there a reason why it has to be a floor-standing speaker instead of a speaker on a stand, particularly where the speaker/stand combination takes up an equivalent amount of space?: If you can locate the speakers somewhat close to the back wall, I would recommend looking at used Audio Note speakers/stand combination. They make really good sounding speakers for use with tube electronics. In your price range, I like the Rethm Bhaava speaker. It is essentially an extremely efficient full range driver coupled to a powered woofer (built into the speaker). I like the sound of ProAc speakers. I think their more compact speakers on stands actually sound better than some of their floor-standing speakers, so don't overlook their box speakers. I know people go crazy here if you mention Tekton, but, the Double Impacts are quite good speakers in the $3,000 range. |
Based on your taste of music and wanting more laid back (as opposed to up front and bright), I'd look at JBL L100, KLH Model Five, or Klipsch Forte III or IV (which are highly sensitive). I do run ProAc Tab 10s in one of my systems...granted, bookshelf, but the fidelity is outstanding. I haven't heard the floorstanding versions, though I imagine they pack a punch and are brilliant. I just think they might lack some warmth you might want for your type of music. |