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
