Your advice needed, speakers to buy $8K to $13K


Hello All - I am shopping/buying speakers and want your advice and recommendations on what speakers to audition that might meet my needs/wants. I am looking for floor standing speakers in the price range of $8,000 to $13,000 with the following info for you to consider:

·       I currently have an older CJ 120 wat system but am now changing my entire system starting with speakers. I am looking at AR LS28 or Primaluna EVO 400 tube preamps and a class D power amp. Right now, the Bel Canto 600 with 300+ wats.  My plan is to add tube magic in the signal path at the preamplifier.

·       I stream mostly via Bluesound Nod 2i but for serious listening I have a Linn LP12.

·       I need speakers that are not to room, location or set-up fussy as I have moved a few times and will move again.

·       My listening tastes are diverse although I don’t listen to rap, heavy metal, pop or much opera. The rest is fair game.

·       I love to crank-it-up, but I listen mostly and moderate to low volume levels – the speakers MUST sound good at low volumes

·       Tied to bullet above - I am partial to highly efficient speakers with 90 db efficiency or more. I have a have the impression that higher efficiency speakers still sound good at lower volume. I have been told, by salespeople, that this is not correct, so I open to efficiency below 90 db.

·       I need and want something pleasing to the eye and not obtrusive. Said another way, and to give you an idea of my aesthetic taste, absolutely no Tektons.

·       The sound that engages me emotionally and I am looking for in speakers:

o   Lots and lots of air and space

o   Beautiful imaging

o   Big soundstage

o   Extended highs (I like the sound of ribbon tweeters as it seems to extend way up and sparkle…airy)

o   I like base but only as a support and foundation for the rest of the musical range, but it is not a big focus for me as it is for some.

·        The sound I do not like:

o   Sound that seems reserved, held back, constrained (i.e., opposite of special and airy)

o   Sound coming clearly from a box or from specific location….as in from a box

o   Lack of extended highs

o   Blooming base

·       Considered to date:

o   Alta Audio Alec, $10K – Spacial and airy to a fantastic level. Imaging is just moderate.

o   Spacial Audio X5, $7K – To date, they have check most of my boxes except they are really large and obtrusive. Basically, I am looking for this sound but in a more attractive package.

o   Ohm – Very open and airy but imaging and top end sparkle missing for my taste

YOUR CHALLENGE – What other speakers should I consider and looking at?   Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

 

Dave


butterman
Bache Audio. I've been living with the Tribeca's now for just over a year and couldn't be happier. 90db, and that modified 8" wide band driver produces a beautiful sounding midrange. Very open and holographic.  I had Quad 57s and sold them because I felt the Tribeca's were much better overall. Plus, they are great from anything from female vocals to acoustic rock, Pink Floyd,  Black Sabbath, Mahler, or Blue Note jazz. 
These are below your budget. I was looking at speakers up to $15K.
Made in the Springfield Illinois, USA, Legacy Audio speakers will blow your mind and check all you boxes. Do yourself a favor and go to their website for a good read. Heck, give them a call with your questions. The staff is very friendly, extremely  knowledgeable and you never know, you may even get the owner, Bill, on the phone. Legacy Audio is a world class audio company, made right here in the good old USA. Their products are second to none, you will not be disappointed. 
Kevin

Amazing, but no longer made. I love my 3.4s, but due to my large room I have 2 @ 12" SVS powered subs, but dual 15" x 4 in the 2.8s will be much better I have a pair of 2.8s coming soon

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649672017-emerald-phyisics-ep-28-full-range-speakers-stunning/


hth
This is tough because each speaker behaves differently in different spaces.  It is tough to say you can get one universal speaker that works everywhere.  But, what I can offer is two suggestions if your room is generally larger (> than 15' x 20') or Smaller.  

If your room is larger and you like ribbons, you have to look at Scansonic.  For what you want, I would consider the MB5 Bs and MB6 Bs.  The 5s are probably best as they are not as imposing.  The 6s are...large but impressive.  Huge, immersive soundstage.  Wonderful imaging and they will give you the top end sparkle you are looking for without drifting to brightness.

If your room is smaller, you should look at MBLs hybrids.  The Radialstrahler 126s are a standmount, in your price range.  Nothing images like them.  You would probably want a subwoofer with them.  Something like a Perlisten D12S would be an incredible match.  For what you are describing, MBL is the ultimate product.   

The final product you should think about is the Audiovector R3.  This is a super flexible speaker in terms of placement, designed to give you an insane soundstage, wonderful imaging.  The only thing I would say is that you should re-think your amp choice.  Despite having an AMT, it is very natural sounding.  Bel Canto will be nice with it, something a hair brighter might be better.  

Full disclosure, I am a Scansonic and Perlisten dealer.  I am evaluating MBL and am likely to become an MBL dealer and continue to flirt with Audiovector.