I've always like the big floor standing Avalon loudspeakers. They image wonderfully and have all the clarity and detail you could ask for. That being said, I'd rather put together a Linkwitz LX521 system for under $5000, which will equal or outperform even the big Avalons. I'd set 'em up against ANY loudspeaker at ANY price. Drop $5000 on the LX521 and then take your spare $15,000 and tour Europe. Go see some live music there or anywhere and still have speakers at home that won't be surpassed by anyone.
What used speaker would you buy with $20,000-$35,000 and why?
I'm closer to the 20,000 part, but if I get stretched i would like to know higher recommendations. Remember, this is on the used market - not retail. I'm even interested if you think I should make a huge jump (say to 50,000), but I want to know what justifies that jump. I'd like the best bang for the buck and even the worse bang for the buck. Are there speaker lines that are totally overlooked that sound wonderful in this price range that I need to be exposed to? I may go higher, but lets start there.
PS Let's just assume the upstream equipment is adequate to drive any recommended speaker. We are not limited by upstream components.
PS Let's just assume the upstream equipment is adequate to drive any recommended speaker. We are not limited by upstream components.
Showing 2 responses by russbutton
stewart0722 writes: "I also cast a vote for the Linkwitz 521, but the multichannel discrete aspect makes it a difficult speaker.....plus you have to build it yourself......." I don't know what's hard about the Linkwitz being a multi-amplified speaker. Linkwitz recommends a 12 channel ATI amp. I use a B&K AV1260, which is 12 channels at 60wpc, the Linkwitz spec. I paid $500 for my amp used and it's been flawless. I see them going for even less on EBay. You have to use a lot more speaker wire, but Linkwitz recommends 14 or 12 gauge zip cord and nobody hears my Orions and doesn't fall in love. As for having to build it yourself, do what I did and hire a cabinet maker. The stock Orions have a Danish Modern look to them and I live in a 1920 Craftsman bungalow. So I had my cabinet maker do them in a Mission style and they look terrific. http://russbutton.com/Russ/audio/10.jpg Consider that this discussion has a $20,000 budget. The drivers for the LX521 are about $2000. Add in another $2000 - $4000 or so to have a cabinet maker build your enclosures and you're still waaaaaaaaaay under budget. And you'd have a loudspeaker to rival anything anyone here has mentioned. They really do "disappear" and the low end on the LX521 is more than impressive. |