2. speakers
  3. 132865-105325

What are the best loudspeakers under $4000 to re-create lifelike piano

Over the past 4 months I've spent time with five loudspeakers.  On a scale of 1-10 I'd rate them as follows in their ability (with my equipment in my room) to recreate a lifelike piano.  Tekton Lore - 6.5 (great scale but tonal accuracy and clarity somewhat lacking),    Kef LS50 - 7.0 (moderate scale but slightly better clarity and tonal accuracy)  Kef R500 - 8.0  (great scale and very good clarity and tonal accuracy), Spatial Audio M3TurboS -8.1 (great scale and very good clarity and tonal accuracy and very smooth)  Magnepan 1.7i - 9.0 (very good scale with excellent clarity and tonal accuracy - very lifelike).

In your room with your equipment, what loudspeakers are you listening too and how would you rate them for their ability to recreate a lifelife piano and if possible a few comments as to why?
snapsc

Showing 1 response by hifidream

hifidream's avatar
hifidream
141 posts
 
I grew up hearing a grand being played daily. Yes it’s hard to reproduce. . .

I recommend getting a pair of 20.1 Maggie’s or Martin Logan CLX’s used. They are close to your price range on the pre-owned market if you’re patient. 

Then drive them with some clean power with a low noise floor and do a sub array for the lowest octives. My dad (the pianist) came over to hear and was stunned at how real and powerful the system can sound. It is tough to get great recordings that actually offer the clarity and dynamic range of a real piano. I think a lot of properly set up top end systems can re-create the experience but few recordings stand up to the test. For me the sounds of playing: fingers on keys, pedal work, and pianist breathing heard in the quetest moments of decaying notes are the eerie real qualities of the live performance.  
More to discover