Willl you spend over $5000.00 for speakers?

This message is for yosemitiesamiam. In regard to going out and buying EAW stacks and subs. I do belive you are on the right track. I live in chicago and one of the local venues uses EAW. I have found a company that trounces EAW, however. And that is Martin Audio. Mindblowing for a live setup. So very transparent and neutral , yet will leave an imprint of your shadow on the wall if you like it loud. That's bigger money than EAW, but amazing. I'm in love with 'em. I'm a student of live sound and am discovering audiophilia and would spend ten thousand bucks, if I had the cash on speakers.

No: Absolutely NOT!!! Here's five reasons: 1. Von Schweikert VR3 or VR4 2. NHT Model 3.3, VT-2 3. PSB Stratus Gold 4. Aerial Acoustics Model 7B or Model 8 5. Paradigm Studio 100 TAKE YOUR PICK!!! Need I say more....I DON'T THINK SO!!!!

magnapan mg-20,s for front, a pair of 18 inch elf bag end subs, a pair of mg3.6's for rears, and a pair of mg12 for center, with theta casablanca control amp/processor driving krell amps. nice system. ultra clean frequency responce.

Martin Logan SL-3's @ $2k to $2.5k used, or ML reQuest for $1k more, are way ahead of anything in the sub-$5k arena for a wide range of music. Their only shortfall is ultimate bass extention(sub 30hz), not a big issue for most music. The sound stage is huge & real enough to just walk up onto & into the stage. If you like a limited variety of musical styles & a more intimate sound stage, there are box speakers like the ProAc 2.5 that work magic on Blues & Jazz, but don't rock & roll. Listen to all you can before you buy, and don't forget, your room is going to have a major influence on whatever you bring home, so pay more if you have to, but find a way to listen to what you like at home with your other components & your music in your room before you decide.

Yes, I would definitely spend more that $5000 on a pair of speakers. (I would spend more than $5000 on a SINGLE speaker in a pair as well) I see it this way: DAC, Transport, even PreAmp and Amp designs will change VERY fast, a GREAT pair of speakers will last a LONG time as the designs don't change as fast. Great speakers are worth the investment for sure. Planars and Electrostatics are excellent (owner - MG 3.5R's - they still sound great). "Exotic" cones are also great speakers. (I normally avoid cones like the plague because the sound sounds like it is comming out of a "box") The Avalon Eidolon's ceramic disc transducers are unique and sound as exquite as the technology that manufactures the drivers. I also just auditioned the Vandersteen 5's (a baffless cone design) and they sound great. Speakers are worth the investement as they will outlast (in terms of obsolescence) much of the other equipment that makes up a system. $5000 for a pair of speakers, definitely. Just be sure to audition them thoroughly first!