2. speakers
  3. 135724-6055

Yesteryears' expensive speakers compared to modern moderately expensive speakers

For the purpose of this discussion, let’s assume that ...
Yesteryears’ -- 10 -15 years old
Expensive speakers -- $25,000+
Moderately expensive speakers -- $8,000 -- 12,000

I often wonder if it’s worth paying 50% of the original retail price for older speakers that were considered state-of-the-art and flagship during their day. So let’s say an expensive Sonus Faber was around $30,000 in 2005. The seller is asking for $10,000 in 2018. Is it worth paying the asking price, or is one better off buying, say an Olympica III, brand new for about $13-14k (maybe less with dealer discounts)?

I feel that due to trickle-down effects and manufacturing advances and efficiencies, the modern speakers are as good, if not better, than speakers that were twice or thrice the price ten to fifteen years ago. Is this a valid assertion? Or do you guys feel that speaker technology really has not advanced to that extent? In other words, is a flagship speaker worth $30k a decade ago still going to outperform a new one at half its price?

The reason I’m asking is that I am going to save some $$$ this year to buy a speaker in the range of $8000-12,000 in about 6 - 7 months. Since it’s a pretty substantial amount (for me), I am planning to do as much research and auditioning in the next few months. So might as well get started now. Given that it is really difficult to audition used speakers -- not that it’s easy to audition new ones, but at least you can if you try, should I just strike used ones (ones that were uber expensive a few years ago but more affordable now) off of my list and just focus on new?

P.S. -- I’m just using Sonus Faber to illustrate my point, otherwise, I’m very open to anything that is in that price range. I am purposely not turning this into a discussion on what I like, room size, music preferences, etc just yet since I want to stay focused on the topic -- yesteryears’ expensive speakers vs not-so-expensive modern ones.

P.S -- I understand that Tekton is going to render all other speakers obsolete in due time, and I respect the opinions of those who agree with the assertions, but please understand that it is not going to be on my list. Period. I will really appreciate if we don’t turn this thread into a Tekton battleground.
128x128arafiq
duckworp's avatar
duckworp
257 posts
 
The problem with not buying new is the fact that there is usually no way to listen to the speakers in your room and with your ears prior to purchase. This is so key, especially with speakers, since your room will change the sound, even if you did manage an audition elsewhere. Buying new from a good dealer will usually mean you can home-demo, and that, to me, is fundamental.

Yes you can always sell on an old speaker if you don’t get on with it, but selling it if you bought it used  from a dealer and sell it back will mean making a loss, and can take forever if you sell privately unless you dump the price.  And the inconvenience of shipping etc is substantial. 

I’ve demoed 8 different high-end speakers in my room in the past 12 months, none were what I was looking for. I am still searching. To me I’d rather pay a new-price premium and get the ability to properly audition.
alanholvey's avatar
alanholvey
96 posts
 
  I agree with newf27 as I myself also have a mint pair of Martin/Logan Sl3's.  They are simply incredible even though they were introduced in 1997.  I got them from a nearby Martin/Logan dealer for $1600 and nothing new could come close for the price.  Certain old stuff is still very good today.  It is just picking the rite ones.  I myself play 35 year old Stax electrostatic headphone systems thru my Audio Research LS27's record out outputs and get fantastic audio reproduction that can compete with much of todays mega priced headphone systems.
gg2414's avatar
gg2414
2 posts
 

Interesting discussion, if after many years we either know or are used to certain types of speakers ie. British warm or leaner US style or even certain types of speakers we should be able to recognise 'best in class' and or major evolution in speaker design.

I think the modern movement to active, and speakers that have their own DACS is for simplicity and better cohesion of the different components in the sound production stages was started by Meridian in the 1990's and their top of the line are as good as any today's speakers, and at todays used price market are tremendous value.

pkvintage's avatar
pkvintage
199 posts
 
I have a complete active Linn Isobarik Bricks system. 3 amps seperate power supplys aktive crossover. Sold for 20k in the early 80's  It is worth about 4k now and is absolutely magical. 
chi_chi
11 posts
 
Bought used Avantgarde acoustic duo omega. The sub speaker foam deteriorated and to repair was very expensive. Decided to add 2 x JL Audio Fathom 12 Subs and the integration was astounding. Highly recommended. Driven with an Ayon mercury tube amp.  For me used has worked perfectly.
More to discover