two channel speaker/equipment consultant

+1 Fatdaddys and jayctoy comments.  It's quite possible that the speakers need a lot more playing time to come to full bloom.

+1 inagroove. Learn to trust your own ears on what you like.

@mikeyb9115, anyone who tells you that anything besides your source components and media are less than the most essential part in your audio systems is an ignorant fool. Everything relies on the source and that is irrefutable otherwise that person has no need to babble. You cannot improve anything that comes out of a MEDIA SOURCE. It's impossible. Spend the most on your source equipment  in relation to your overall budget. Trying to take my recommendation of an amp or speakers. Your speakers come LAST. Your system is by definition a synergy. So, rely on your nearby dealer, l You're playing absolute hit or miss otherwise. Plus all the "Champaign taste beer budget armchair audiophiles" tend to be poor opinionaters. Tend being the operative words. The comment about trust your own years is obvious--if you know what you're listening to and for. Dealers are your friend. If you have no one to support you before, during and after a sale, then you get what you deserve a slightly cold shoulder, especially if you did an end around for a lower price--on top of everything that is abusive and misses the mark. Buy new LOCAL only, unless of course you want your local dealer to fail. I owned a high end dealership which I closed in 2003 in NYC. Best of luck!

Deer Creek Audio offers one-on-one Audio Consulting Services. We are not a speaker dealer.

When you find a speaker you think you like get the dealer to allow you to do an in home auction.  A good high end dealer will have no problem with this and will even deliver them to your house and position them to get the best performance out of them.

@deep_333 @curt_d  I've been in KC for 3 years. We like it here.

I'll keep Ryan in mind, but I'm probably done with purchases for a while. 

Yes, i'm a KC and Cali guy.

Im SW of Chicago. I met Ryan over the summer at a get together up here.

@curt_d @deep_333 Both of you guys are in KC?  

we can assist you 40 years of experience and we sell many brands of loudspeakers:

you need to answer a number of questions:

budget?

room size?

styling required?

matching gear?

volume required?

musical preferences, ie do you prefer clarity or a smother perhaps more laid back treble?

musical preferences?

once you have answered these questions can you seek recommendations

Dave and Troy

audio intellect Nj

dealer for: Atc, alta audio, cabasse,dali focal, Kef, legacy and many others

,

Local and Ryan is a great no bs guy. 

https://ascendav.net/

+1, I'd go with Ryan Charpentier too, local KC guy... He has talked me out of some sht i didn't need (when he could have sold me things and called it a night).

Also attend the MWAVE KC show, would be a good place to meet some local KC audio nerds.

Inagroove you nailed it. Agreed 100%!

Local and Ryan is a great no bs guy. 

https://ascendav.net/

"You don't need a consultant just your own ears"

Personally, I think that you need both.  

It will take time for your aural memory to lock-in good, excellent, and just-right! 

Listen to LOTS of various systems.  Visit shop, shows and friends.  I understand it takes time, but it will be a good investment if you find 'just right' speakers.

Everyone seems to agree that in-home demos provide the most assurance.

Balance words with motivation.  Most of us have an emotional investment, as well as lots of cash, in HiFi.  Others of us have a profit motive.  Keep your ears open for all of these motives.

Last of all, be patient!

It's been said already ...

https://www.11stereo.com/

Op what are you trying to accomplish for buying new speakers?

Faradaddy2 I agree ,  eggleston are good speakers. Even the best consultants for speakers can’t help , if you are not patient enough to listen.What happen ? Why are you looking for new speaker? For second system or main system.

OP must've left some significant info out.  Bought his listed speakers in 2023 but only has 20 hrs on them?  Unless you have some other speakers you primarily listen to, with that little listening involvement, why are you looking to spend $$ on anything?

ID recommend Mike Powell at 11 Stereo (OCD HiFi Guy on YouTube). Everything he has recommended to me regardless of price was of top notch sound and reliability wise. He really listens to what you are try to accomplish. He has some great speakers but I would also check out Von Schweikert Audio for great speaker bang for buck.

I love my Livingroom box speaker it is one of the best ever made, but I recently heard an open baffle speaker, and I am thinking this is the future of speakers. I am now in the queue to get one once it is released very soon. Going to keep both speakers (at least that is the plan).

It was the best bass I ever heard. Sure, sounded different. There was a bass musician in the room with me when I heard the speakers and when I commented on the bass, he told me that is how bass is supposed to sound.

@yyzsantabarbara There’s a possibility that what you may be looking for is the sound of a open baffle subwoofer integrated with your current speaker.

But, if going the OB speaker route for sure, try the Tekton Solitude open baffle maybe. It may be a more unique OB (in light of that mid array) than some others out there...

https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/flagship/solitude/#color

https://youtu.be/IqSEq-jqDVE?si=TttTXvxsnkJ_bVeU

Where’s Kinjet when you need him….Haw!

Bent

@mikeyb9115 

My two cents if you feel like traveling to Florida….

i started my audiophile journey as a young man in NYC building Dynakit separates with my old man. I’ve bought all kinds of gear from various shops in NYC over the years. “Park Ave Sound” - “Stereo Exchange” - 

Since then I moved to Miami and I now live in the Uk. I’ve visited “KJ West One” - “Oxford Audio” - “Hifonox” - All top end shops with lovely staff and very cool gear….

But….my fav and most trusted consultant resides in Boca Raton, FL.

AudioSalon.net and owner John Iconomou is the best most knowledgeable and professional audio dealer I’ve ever worked with… Hands Down….!

Take a trip to his brand new shop and have a ball….!! I wish I could go with you….!

enjoy and good luck…!!

https://www.instagram.com/audiosalon_boca_raton/profilecard/?igsh=dGJtcXFrcWdvMWEw

@soix  & all y'all.....

See my post on 'How to PM someone'...
I get tired of repeating myself....

Yes, Really....

you can start at https://speakerchoices.com/

You do not need to make a considerable investment to get GREAT traditional speakers.

I love my Livingroom box speaker it is one of the best ever made, but I recently heard an open baffle speaker, and I am thinking this is the future of speakers. I am now in the queue to get one once it is released very soon. Going to keep both speakers (at least that is the plan).

Interesting thing with open baffle speakers is that they usually run on very low power. I heard the speaker I am getting with a tube headphone amp. The bass section was driven by Class D. The key is how the bass is integrated with the rest of the sound.

It was the best bass I ever heard. Sure, sounded different. There was a bass musician in the room with me when I heard the speakers and when I commented on the bass, he told me that is how bass is supposed to sound.

There is only one guy that’s Mikey at 11 stereo, you can find his number on that site…he has live chat feeds on YouTube Wednesday and Sunday at 9 pm eastern or better yet call him..he doesn’t read emails…best to call or text for first contact 

@mikeyb9115 Have you checked Sound Environment? They sell some high end speakers.  I live in KC, but I haven't actually been in the KC store. I used to go to their Omaha store. 

I have a friend in KC that has Legacy Valors.  Another Agon forum member is in KC. He's taking delivery of two new pairs of speakers this week. 

There is a Facebook page for Kansas City Home Audio Enthusiasts.  Someone on there might have something that you could listen to.. Maybe put a post there. 

I have Von Schweikert Endeavor RE speakers.  I really like them, but you may be looking to spend more.  I run them with a pair of REL subs. 

Agree and appreciate everyone’s feedback above. Much appreciated.  Agree that the forum is rather restrictive with exchanging basic information that may go beyond a public conversation.  

It's because he's the OP if @mikeyb9115 replies to the thread you can click his name and send a PM.

@jond  You are correct.  Thank you!  Now the obvious question — why the HELL can you not PM from the original post but can when the OP posts later?  What is the possible logic there???   That’s just patently and monumentally STOOPID!!!!!  Way to go A’gon!  Geniuses. 🙄

You don't need a consultant just your own ears. Get out to hear as many speakers as you can and you will soon find out what you like or don't like.

@oddiofyl im in Kansas City.  Wyresd4sound monoblocks, Eggleston Kiva’s (bought new August 2023 <20 hours) and Auralic front end.  I’m open to components but would like to start with new speakers 

@soix i sent you a PM. You can email me at mwb9115@gmail.com if PM isn’t coming thru

thanks much to all!

@soix It's because he's the OP if @mikeyb9115 replies to the thread you can click his name and send a PM.

I have an idea that might be very helpful.  PM me — I was trying to PM you but apparently I don’t have that capability for some reason.  

Where are you located?   You really should find a dealer or two close by where you can listen and see things in person especially when spending $$$

Do you have electronics now or will you need an amp and other gear?