What speaker could safely be ordered without hearing it first?


Hi everyone,

I’m in the midst of my speaker search and curious about something.......as noted above. There are some brands I would be interested in based on reputation, reviews, looks etc but may never be able to hear first.

I’m curious what the collective group thinks would be a safe choice having never heard them first. I know there are variables as in size of room, current gear etc. Just want to see what people would suggest. The one I would note based on what I have read is Joseph Audio. I’d also be curious if people would say the same about Borresen.

So it may be a frivolous exercise but I’ll ask the question anyway. Let me know your thoughts.

128x128mtbiker29

Sure, the listed options are great but it's all so subjective. Can't possibly seriously recommend any particular speaker that's a lock for customer satisfaction having never heard them but,... if there were one,... my money would be on LS3/5A. Have yet to find anyone with a serious rig that doesn't love all they represent and the sonic signature they present. All things considered, room size, gears, budget. I could easily toss the speakers I own into the abyss and live with a set by any of the licenced brands. I did exactly that and played a set of Rogers, 11ohm from the mid 80s exclusively for almost 3yrs. Yep, I liked them that much; enjoyed every second with them. Just my opinion.

I'd try Zu Audio's Dirty Weekend ...

Have never seen a poor review ... around 1600 and returnable ...

Gutenberg loves them!

https://www.zuaudio.com/loudspeakers/dw6

 

 

 

I brought my Kharma Ceramique Grand with enigma upgrade over 12 years ago without hearing them and it has been a love affair ever since. It took me 40 years and many speakers/systems before I finally got off of the merry-go-round. They pair up perfectly with my ASR Emitter II Exclusive & Basis Exclusive along with my Brinkman LaGrange/Breuer tonearm/ZYX 4D.

Maybe and it is very straight forward.  Speakers are going to sound good or bad based on the room you are in and the equipment you have paired with it.  If you have no equipment and will build the system speakers first, any speaker can be ordered as it will be matched after.

if you have existing gear, the answer is a vehement no without knowing what gear you have. Then, maybe but you need to work with someone you know.  Joseph audio is neutral.  System match can be easy but I can show you horrible gear to match with it.  Borreson is relatively bright, especially compared to Raidho.  Horrible with certain gear. 
 

 

This topic is kinda like target shooting w/a blindfold on. But here goes nothing. I see 2 generic possibilities:

1 - If speakers are to be located near the back wall: go for high quality sealed/acoustic suspension design. Easy pick of those: pretty much any of the ATCs. Even a stand mounted 2-way gives killer sound with great dynamics

2 - If speakers are located anywhere you want in the room, just go for high quality, period. Easy pick there would be a Harbeth 30.2 or 40.2. These need stand mounting but really don’t require subwoofer augmentation unless you want the absolute best deep bass.

 

(that’s my 2 cents)