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
ATC SCM40, although they are overpriced in the States (40% markup on UK retail). But they should check all your boxes.
+1 urbie.  I just went over similar agony.   I 'just' bought a new pair of Monitor Audio PL200 II, still waiting for them.   It is just under the top range of your budget, i was willing to spend a bit more but i decided on those anyways.  They are checking several your boxes.   I did not really look at the low volume listening, I mostly dont do that.

Agreed with russ69 too, but panels are something else.  In the world of my dreams, i would have got magies or ML ESK15a.   My system is in a living room and it would be hard to place, so panels not for me.

I considered the Joseph Audio Perspective 2 as suggested here, could not listen at them unfortunately.   Audio Physics codex another good option.   Another finalist was Kef Ref 3, but unless you strike a deal they're a little over budget.  I was in like with Focal Kanta no 3 for a while, they are just a tad above your budget but i hear those can be talked down a bit.  
Wanted it to be different as I have heard some good things about Tektons but they are uncommonly ugly.....Would never put them in my home, let alone my wife's.
Try the monitor audio gold 300 generation 5 or the monitor audio Platinum 200 generation 2
If you had a bigger amp  I would suggest Aerial Acoustic 7T. I have not heard them but own the 7B and greatly enjoy them - fine speakers. 7T will likely be my next speaker.

Something a little more efficient with an attractive cabinet, look at the Monitor Audio G300.G5. 
I wonder if Tekton will consider focusing a little on appearance of the speakers. Every now and then, people talk about them in a negative way based on their looks. I do not remember that anyone said "I really love the way they look". I am sure such customers exist, but seem to be in the minority. Good sound (whatever that is for a certain person) and good looks (again, whatever that is for a certain person) are not mutually exclusive.
Joseph Audio Perspective 2 pretty much checks all your boxes.  Best of luck. 

"...Lots and lots of air and space. Beautiful imaging. Big soundstage. Extended highs (I like the sound of ribbon tweeters as it seems to extend way up and sparkle…airy). 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..."


You just described a Magnepan 3.7 but they are big and demand a lot from the user.


If you are considering Ohms the largest model the 5000s are within your budget.  Those have level adjustments including for treble that can be used to add more “air”than otherwise.    Those are unique.   But lots of good choices for that budget and that amp will drive most anything well.  
There is a pair of Revel Salon 2 here on Agon(might still be available). In your price range one of the best. 
I have a friend who purchase Vandersteen Treo CTs for their ability to play at low levels and exceptionally good 
Revel F228Be. I own them and they sound great. Sounds very open and dynamic. Resolution is excellent too. 
I am only good at recommending stuff that sounds exceptionally good for the money. But you ruled that out. So I fail your challenge. Sorry.