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Used speakers for $3k? Oh the confusion

Audio speakers, HiFi speakers, studio loudspeakers....
I need help. My first pair was Altec Lansing 510's. Those things could rock and image very well. They were a little shrill, but otherwise very nice. I went to ProAc Response Ones which I thought were even better at everything except dynamics, so off with them and onto kit building starting with Dyaudio drivers. Too much work and then to a North Creek Rhythm kit which was already designed, much easier. Sold them and purchased Merlin VSM-M. These didn't do anything for me so sold them and have now Tyler's Linbrook Signatures. These are very cool, but don't image like the proacs so I just built a pair of Proac Response 1SC clones. Again very nice but lack dynamics for some rock.

I know electronics play a big part. I am using a Audio Mirror PP1 with some mods, a pair of custom EVS 350 watt mono class D UCD amps with a massive power supply. My cd player is a NAD T585.

I am tossing around, used only, VR4jr mkII, Genesis V, Dunlavy SC-IV, Aerial 10 T and Talon Raven. I tossed around Maggies and a few electrostatics, but don't want only one tight sweet spot. Cliffhanger Bulldogs, with a sub, are at the top of my list, but impossible to find.

I need good imaging and good dynamics at a low price ($3000.00-$3500.00). Used is the only way to get a $7K and up speaker for $3k ie. Genesis V.

My electronics are not bright and a little laid back.

I like good old Genesis from the early 70's Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd and some newer rock like Alice in Chains. Head music is my favorite. I want speakers that can disappear into a room and are easy to set up and can play loud. I also want good bass and don't have a problem using a sub.

I know it's allot to ask, but maybe there is a speaker like Neat Acoustics that I am not familiar with or Salk that will be perfect for me.

I need good suggestions from owners that have gone through the same thing and now very happy with their choice.
stereo

Showing 9 responses by stereo

stereo OP
147 posts
 
Trying everything possible would be the way to go. I don't have any friends into audio like I am into it. Maybe some retail stores in Philly. I always had a fondness for Dynaudio speakers. This is why I purchased the VSM-M. Those Esotar tweeter were supposed to be awesome.

I read allot about the Bulldog and I want them. Those things never come up for sale. I think they would be perfect.

I always thought the Dappolito designs would be superior. The North Creek Rhythm were that way. Proac moved away from that design with some of their newer designs. I am not sure why. I'll check out the Infinity Prelude MTS reviews. Thanks! I am not too much of a head banger. I hate the 80's rock and mostly stick with '65-'78 rock and some jazz. Once in a while some later stuff interests me like Alice in Chains and Ozzy.

I've looked at the ATC speakers the good ones are expensive even used. The reviews are very good and they might work well for me. I like dome midrange drivers over a cone. I think there is more speed to a dome the Altec 510 were this way and so is the Bulldogs.

VMPS always interested me too. I've read mixed reviews. They seem to rock well.

The Genesis seem the most interesting for the money. Some seem to think they are too bright, but I have a mellow system. I am not sure.

Meadowlark...I've look at these too. The Blue Heron with that tweeter...I'd love to hear a pair of those, but support is now gone. I'm not sure about Thiel. Maybe I'll take a listen to some.

Thanks for the comments so far you have opened up my eyes to some more options.

The new Proac 1SC speaker clones I built sound really great, but too laid back and the dynamics are not up to the level I'm looking for., but they can really disappear.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Maybe I am a little afraid of horns. I heard some sub $1k Klipsch years ago and they just screamed at me. Never got any closer to see if they image great or not.

I am also looking at Gemme Audio Tanto and AAD 2003. These are getting some good reviews too especially the Tanto.

I don't want to wind up with the same sound as Merlin VSM-M's. I want to explore all in my used price range.

I am planning to go to a local retailer soon and I'll check out some horns there too.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I've never considered horn loaded speakers. I'm gonna have to give a listen.

My class D UCD module amps were built by Rick at EVS. 350wpc into 8 ohms and 700 into 4. They are smooth. I had Ampzilla's, Melos MAT-180 and a Karan amp. The monos I now own have the best quality's of all of my others.

I've heard of Daedalus, but never looked into them.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I am not familiar with the 8b's I'll need to look into them too. I am also tossing around Gershman Acoustics Sonogram speakers and Reimer Wind River. My Tyler Linbrook Sigs are like these and may resemble their sound. I was considering Legacy Focus 20/20 but read mixed reviews.

It's the dynamic slightly in your face, but not bright and disappears like magic I am looking for.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
There isn't any Aeriel 8B for sale. They seem to be hard to come by. I haven't found any specs. yet, but a few good reviews.

I am ruling out horn and single full range driver speakers. My amps are ready to drive some power hungry speakers. Not that they would be too much, but aren't these high efficient speakers better suited (or designed) for low wattage tube amps?
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I just purchased Gemme Audio Tanto v1. They should arrive next Wednesday. I can't wait. I will report back.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I read good reviews on the lft 8b. I am just not to sure about planer, electrostatic and ribbon speakers as being dynamic. Some that I've heard have a narrow sweet spot. The Tantos have a huge sweet spot (so I've read) and pretty good dynamics. According to a review I read on the Tantos they will disappear as good as or better then $12k and up speakers. I am sure they aren't as dynamic as those speakers, but these fell into my budget well. I'll report back when I listen to them next week.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I received the Tanto v1 speakers last Thursday. They weigh about 76lbs each unpacked. I listened to them for about 2 hours total and so far I am very impressed. The bass is very good (easily betters the Merlin VSM-M with BAM) The top is very extended. The speakers are fast and have very good dynamics for their size. Tyler Linbrook Signatures dynamics may be slightly better, but very difficult to say for sure. They work great with 70's rock and roll and jazz is awesome too. The speakers disappear like no other speaker I have heard. To me they are much better then the Merlin VSM-M with Battery BAM and the Tyler Linbrooks that I've owned. They image slightly better then my Proac response ONE SC that I also have. These speakers are great to listen too off axis as well. When I sit in front of the left speaker, I can still hear plenty of music from the right speaker to still create a good image. These speakers would be perfect for home theater front speakers too. I am going to do some more listening so to be able to comment on the timber, detail, and sound stage.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Update: I still have the Tantos, but found a problem with the crossover in the ProAc1SC kit. I made the change and the ProAc clones came alive. I still haven't had allot of time with the Tantos. The clones with some tweaks are amazing.
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