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Which speaker for my system?

Right now the speaker I've had for the past 5 years is an almost unknown speaker company here on Audiogon. The company is AUDES (from Lithonia). The particular model is the well reviewed BLUES. I heard this speaker at a local audio store in NJ. and was very impressed, especially its mids and highs. At $2000 I thought it was a good deal. I feel its time to move away from the Audes speakers to another brand with a higher level of sound reproduction. I'm not sure what I need to spend but I will go used if needed.(that will keep price down)

My system: Origin Live "Aurora" TT with a modded OL-1 arm and a Shelter 501 cart. My amp is a Pass Labs X150.5. I also have a Pass Xono phonostage. My preamp is the Aleph P (I really like Pass Labs). On the digital side I'm playing CDs on a modded Denon 2900. All components are sitting on Maple platforms. Cabling is from Nordost and AZ. Room size is a bit small (10X20 with a vaulted ceiling). Room is treated with acoustic panels and bass traps behind speakers.

What I listen to: Mostly early 70's rock. (Beatles,Bowie,Elton John,supertramp,Billy Joel,etc....)
Also Female vocalists, Kate Bush,Heart,Beth Orton,Holly Cole....

Recently I was able to listen at a local Audio store these speakers. Vandersteens Quatro
Sonas Faber Cremona
Audes Orpheus
Martin Logan ?
I personally liked the Quatros the best. I really appreciate any feedback. Again, I'm not quite sure how much money it will cost to reach a higher level(detail,wide soundstage,fast tight bass,great midrange for realistic sounding vocals and highs to die for). The speakers I listened to were between $5000 and $12,000. I would like to stay at the lower end of the scale. Possibly used ones are OK.
Thanks Ziggy
ziggy333a

Showing 1 response by shadorne

shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I've not heard your Audes...so take this with a pinch of salt.

If you like the Audes design (which looks like a very sensible use of the drivers - although the midrange might be crossed over a wee bit too low for clean low distortion at higher SPL's - something you may not even care for - I just thought it worth mentioning).

Given your taste, then I'd continue to audition designs with a smallish midrange driver (4.5 inch or less) covering the essential 3 octaves of midrange (roughly 300 to 3 Khz).

Quattros are definitely on the right track - a little laid back for my tastes but a great speaker.

One word of caution, the Quattros have a crossover at 900 Hz which is in a rather critical spot for a crossover (your hearing being at its absolute best and most sensitive/discerning at this frequency - and a crucial range for vocals). Since it uses a first order crossover you are probably going to find they are rather sensitive (presentation will change) according to the height of your listening position with respect to the speaker. An in room check might be wise before a purchase - just to see if it works for you in your room. Good Luck with the auditions!
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