For an exquisitely fine speaker contact Stuart Jones of Chapman Audio at 206-463-3008. He'll build you a custom pair of speakers that will be a treasure for years to come. And his T-7's are right at your price point at $3k. You will find almost nil on the Chapmans online, but they have a loyal following on the West coast. In fact, just today I put in my order for a custom pair of T-77's, their flagship model. Stuart is hand selecting and matching all the components, not just drivers. He is also utilizing specific wiring for each driver to optimize performance to my tastes. He also breaks in the speakers for you. Just a couple examples of the "over the top" service he gives to his customers.
The very best new/used under $3k for classical?
Rather than a list of "interesting" speakers, I am looking for opinionated individuals here who regard one or two models as very best for the following purpose:
1. Mostly listen to classical, but all kinds. Extended listening at both high as well as low volumes.
2. Non-fatiguing nature, musicality, quality of sound most important.
3. Full-range floorstanders, small footprint.
4. Medium size room, placement may have to be within 2-3 feet of walls.
5. Should work with a 60 w ss amp (can't upgrade everything at once).
6. Should be sturdy against normal use. No sound is good enough if you are afraid to turn up the volume or the speaker needs repair all the time.
7. Adequate WAF.
8. Must be noticably better than the speakers I have (Spendor BC1) or already know about (SP1/2, Proac D15/25. Dynaudio Contours).
9. New or used, under $3k (tops, 2-2.5 preferred). As the best values may lie in discontinued models and used units, I may have to be prepared to buy without audition.
I am open to small audiophile companies as well as established big names.
1. Mostly listen to classical, but all kinds. Extended listening at both high as well as low volumes.
2. Non-fatiguing nature, musicality, quality of sound most important.
3. Full-range floorstanders, small footprint.
4. Medium size room, placement may have to be within 2-3 feet of walls.
5. Should work with a 60 w ss amp (can't upgrade everything at once).
6. Should be sturdy against normal use. No sound is good enough if you are afraid to turn up the volume or the speaker needs repair all the time.
7. Adequate WAF.
8. Must be noticably better than the speakers I have (Spendor BC1) or already know about (SP1/2, Proac D15/25. Dynaudio Contours).
9. New or used, under $3k (tops, 2-2.5 preferred). As the best values may lie in discontinued models and used units, I may have to be prepared to buy without audition.
I am open to small audiophile companies as well as established big names.