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What should be my next speaker - the never ending question

I am not in a rush but I am starting to think about upgrading my current speakers.  I currently own my second pair of 3A MM gen II (not the Reference 3a de Capo).  What is wrong with those?  Well, that will sound stupid but, nothing is really wrong, I love them (and so does my spouse) but I am sure something better out there is waiting for me...  Very difficult to visit audio shops those days with the COVID, not to mention that I usually buy used stuff (I am cheap..., I know).

I normally visit annual audio shows in Montreal and I must admit not many speakers over the past few years impressed me or sounded better (IMHO) than my current set up.  A handful made me stop and listen for half an hour each time: Klipsch Heritage (La Scala and Klipschorn - oh boy, wait too large for my room), pro monitors from Focal (used for quadraphonic demonstration of Dark Side of the Moon) but curiously the Focal Kanta serie (high WAF!) made me say "bof...", and some planar speakers (forgot the name).

Not too sure which direction I should now take.  My budget: between $3K to $8K (used).  I am thinking of Reference 3a like De Capo I anniversary version or Grand Venaa, Possibly Maggies but low WAF for such large panels.  What else?

Additional info: room (terrible sounding) approx 15x17 (9' ceiling) with no real room treatment beside the furniture, type of music: everything but recently more focusing on solid rock (System of a Down), Classic Rock (Pink Floyd), female singing jazz (old recording of Ella, Melody Gardot), classical (chamber music) and Folks.  Only listening streaming from Tidal (highest quality).

System: ROCK on NUC for ROON, streamer Lumin D2 with SBooster, preamp Audio Alchemy DDP1+power supply (I use the DAC from the DDP1 for critical listening which is more detailed and in your face, and I use the Lumin DAC for easy listening which is smoother sounding and well balanced), main amp Bryston 2.5B3 (cubed), amp for subs Bryston 4BSST through a minidsp, speakers main 3aMM gen II (used full range), subs DIY Bass Modules for SBA-741 designed by Troels Gravesen.  Cables: a bunch of Cardas XLR (Golden Ref and others) and Prisma for speakers.

Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance.
explorateur

Showing 8 responses by explorateur

explorateur OP
39 posts
 
@ Rego.

Interesting, I have never heard of Clairaudient. I will for sure read about it. I am naturally attracted by single speaker (as well as 1st order crossover). Thanks for the suggestion.
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
@douglas_schroeder

I have been attracted to single speakers only in specific situation such as horn loaded or transmission line driven with a SET. This is nice but likely not what I am looking for at the moment. Thanks for the recommendation of Tri-Art - I will look at it.

Not sure I understand what you meant with your first statement. Are you saying you prefer panels or are you simply saying to not assume one type of speaker will always sound similar what ever the brand?

@rego

Reflectors speakers looks exceptional. A few people suggested that the De Capo Special Anniversary starts to serious get closer to Reflectors from a SQ point of view.

@twoleftears

Thanks for the suggestions. Have seen those names for years but never got the chance to listen to those. I’ll try to get more info.
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
@douglas_schroeder


OK, I got what you mean.  Thanks.
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
@lwin @dascar @baylinor

Thanks for your suggestions
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
I have never heard Dali Helicon,  but Wow, they are beautiful.

I will try to know more.
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
@soix 

I dis not really answer your question.  Most insportant criteria is dynamic (like live performance), details (i want to hear the Gardot's lips opening when she attack a new sentence, i want to have to finger point in the space every instrument.  All of this at a live show loundness.

I know, i am asking for the moon....
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
@soix

Bigger 3d soundstage, but the room is less than optimal and speaker placement is a compromise for better WAF. I always have the feeling i have to choose between details and warmt - i would to get more of both at the sme time. For example, i would like to get the smootness that my Lumin is giving me but with the details my Audio Alchemy is providing me. I was hearing something like that with Klipsch La Scala. Pretty sure i can find something like that for my moderate size room with a reasonable WAF. I am insisting on WAF because she is good sport as long as it looks ok. It is fair.
explorateur OP
39 posts
 
I have not answered for the last 2 days - i was moving my son to his first new house in Montreal.  I am too old for that stuff...  my knees will hurt for a few days.

Thanks everyone for all those suggestions.  I turned that exploration exercise into a couple thing activity.  I will be reading lots of reviews in the next few weeks and we will try to listen to a few when we can.
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