Your thoughts on my quest for new speakers


I know this has been asked many times on this forum, but I would really like some input on my quest for new speakers.  I am currently running a Hegel 160 with Linn Majik 140 floor standing speakers and a Rythmik sub to fill out the bottom end.  I use the Hegel's built-in Airplay to stream Tidal (Hi-Fi only) to the Hegel.  I tried the Bluesound Node recently and found it actually decreased the sound quality, so I removed it from the system.  It seems the consensus is that Tidal Hi-Fi Plus is not worth the extra $10/month.  I listen to all types of music - with a focus on well produced recordings.

My listening room is a 30' x 13' rectangle with 9' ceilings and pretty good acoustics (I think).  The speakers are on a 13' wall.

Overall I am happy with my system and get a lot of pleasure out of listening to it.  But like many of us, I get the itch every now and then and wonder if I could improve the sound in some way. I think the Hegel is a solid contributor to good sound, so I plan to keep that and replace the speakers (although the Hegel 390 certainly is tempting).

Regarding price, I am willing to pay for good sound, but I subscribe to the theory of diminishing marginal improvement, i.e. $20k speakers are not twice as good as $10k speakers.  My sense is they are maybe 10% better (if that).  But let's not make this discussion about that.  My sense is $10k should get me speakers that are a solid upgrade from the Linns, but that is just a guess.

I am fortunate to leave near John Rutan's shop (Audio Connection) in NJ and spent a few hours with him last week.  He (as many of you know) is high on Vandersteens.  We listened to the Quattros for a while and they are great, but probably more than I want to spend and they would require I replace the Hegel as well.  We also listened to the Magnepan 3.7s and I was very intrigued with them - they really envelope you in the sound.  I am going back to listen to the Vandersteen Treos next week.

I listened to the 8 series B&Ws yesterday and really liked the 805s and 804s (I like the 801-803 as well, but too expensive).   They are also aesthetically pleasing, but that is not as important as the sound (of course).  I also listened to the Majico A3s, but I didn't find the $ worth it for the sound.

I also will listen to QLN, Boenicke, Focal and Harbeth at Park Avenue Audio next week.  The Boenickes really intrigue me.  The Buchardt S400 MKIIs also interest me, but wonder whether they are enough for my large room (even with the sub)?  I like that I can listen to them in my home for a period to be sure I like them.  They would be a nice low cost option.

So I would love to hear your thoughts on a good choice for me.  As I said, I think $10k is enough, but if there are some $15k speakers that would be a quantum leap forward, I would consider them.  I am open to used as well.

Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

 

 

 

jcs01

Are you looking for end game speakers/amp? Rockport Avior ii paired with the Boulder 866 would fit the bill. Good luck!

Ron 

I concur with bigtwin. The GoldenEar Triton Reference speakers sound great. I have a similar size room as you.  I think you will agree once you hear them. 

 

@g_sysak 

@jcs01 

 

There is so much to go into achieving the best sound out of your system.  I have mentioned this before that we have a listening room in northern New Jersey.  We have different components and can offer you what each part of the system does to the sound.  Once you learn how sound quality can be achieved, I think you will understand more than replacing one part of your system.

We have custom designed preamps, Counterpoit modified, VTL, Tron, Hybrid, class A, VAC power amplifiers, 101D DHT DAcs with R2R, 6SN7 Sabre 32 bit DAC, Audio Note 5 kit DAC, Aurender, Blue Sound, etc. for you to hear and enjoy. 

We invite you to come for a listen as many times as you would like and even bring one of your components to hear the differences.  The room currently has Vivid, Sonus Farber, Horning and Vandersteen Sevens for you to hear the improvements if any that you hear.  Plus, we like to listen and learn also.

Please feel free to PM me.

 

Happy Listening.

 

 

 

Thank you everyone for your amazing array of ideas.  This thread has really opened me up to many new upgrade ideas and brands (that I had never heard of).  It fascinates me that there are so many different ideas and approaches - and what I love about this community. 

I am really intrigued by the Tekton speakers as I had never heard of them before.  As someone suggested, I called Eric (the owner) on Saturday and he picked up first ring - twice.  He was generous with his time as we walked through some of the speaker options he offers.  Although I don't like the aesthetics of the Tektons I get that is what you are not paying for and sound quality is no.1 for me (maybe not for my wife).  I think my next step is to try to listen to a pair. As I live in the NYC area, I am hoping someone will offer me that opportunity?  Perhaps I should start a separate post with that request.