Young audiophile metal head looking to level up speaker choice


Hello Audiogon,

I'm a pretty new to the world of audio and looking to make a signifiant upgrade from my first self purchased speaker, the Q Acoustics 3030i.  I was encouraged by an audiophile friend to join Audiogon and post a question regarding what speaker would be best.

I decided to pick up a much nicer amplifier last year, upgrading from a Cambridge AXR85 to a Rogue Sphinx V3. This 2024 I am wanting to make a similar upgrade to my speakers.  I wanted a more dynamic amplifier and found the Cambridge to smooth when combined with my Q Acoustics.

I have my own listening room but it's rather small 11ft x13ft.  I listen to mostly heavy metal/rock music at 70-85 decibels.   I have looked at been cross shopping the Buchart S400 mkII, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Zu DWX, Arendale 1723 - but have also heard good things about vintage Usher speakers..

Thanks for your consideration and advice here.

cheers

killingforcompany

Metal Head here (and Jazz, and Indie Folk, and Blues, and Ambient...) Tons of great recommendations here.  Out of -your- choices, the Dyna are best, accurate and detailed but have more of a powerful sound than the others you are looking at.

Like others mentioned and depending on your budget: ATC would kill it. I ALMOST got a pair of the 19s, but they were just too large for my space (a few feet smaller than your room).

My vote is for the LEGACY STUDIO HD MONITORS.  Others suggested them too.  I have driven them with either a Rega Elex~R, or an Adcom GFA555 and honestly when paired with a decent enough sub (REL T5 or T7) these things really do rock, AND they are very detailed and accurate with great staging.  Legacy is used a lot by engineers and mixers in their studios as the Reference speaker and sound for what they mix. 
Personally what I love about these speakers is that they make me want to listen to ALL music---though they can rock, they aren't a one trick pony, meaning they don't fall on their face or are deficient in other areas with different music.

You can also customize/tweak them a little with the external cross over switches for the woofer and tweeter.   

wow - everyone here rules and for someone just getting into this hobby a very much appreciate the community and direction here ...

Room treatment is inevitable.  Part of the audiophile journey and will probably accompany upgrades in my system/speakers...

Thanks for the Legacy recommendation.  Looking into a pair right now.  Very much appreciated.  I think those brands also give me room to grow over the years.  Doing lots of research as we speak.  I think the ATC would be another brand to look into as I get older and my disposable income increases (crosses fingers).

For your money and impact. As well as Great quality value 

Clayton Shaws new Speaker for $3k a No 🧠 Brainer 

it’s a open baffle speaker Pretty efficient and superb bass Speed and impact 

new record day did a Excellent review on them for $3k you will not get anything 

close ,he builds direct avoiding the Huge 50% markup.

being an ex dealer and having bought 2 of Clayton’s speakers , Audio circle is another place to check out forums  well worth your time !!

+!! on the JBL 100s, great all around speaker and definitely a rock speaker....check around on price though, Music Direct and Sound & Vision have them for $3,300 per pair