What used speaker would you buy with $20,000-$35,000 and why?
I guess this is just the type of question that stimulates every "I-haven’t-heard-anything-like-my-last-speakers" speaker’s owner (just like me in fact). How lucky you are to be able to ask such a question. And also to cope with the multiple answers everybody can read here. I’d like to thank many of the gentlemen who took time to answer (and pleasure certainly), because I discovered a few names I had never hear of. Linkwitz seems to be that one I read most. I’ll pay a visit to them when I’m able to, for sure. Let’s come to the most personal view, which is the speakers I would recommend in such a case. Difficult choice, because, I must confess, I will mention speakers I never owned myself, unaffordable… I’ve been lucky enough to listen to them many times in my favorite hifi dealer shop in Paris (I’m French btw). I never owned them because they were (when new) and still are on the expensive side of my possibilities. But I’m only 54 so I still have some hope ;) I’m talking about the wonderful Cello Grand Master (http://www.celloseattle.com/ctdocs/prodserve/speakers/grandmasters.html) for their ability to play anything with appropriate physical impact ; and the extraordinary Apogee acoustics Grand (http://www.stereophile.com/content/apogee-acoustics-grand#tG3tSR5EHGxwW1Wt.97) for their airy and incredible sound (the Diva can do too, and are easier to find. Depending on you room’s size). I live presently with the babies, Apogee Stage. In a small sized european style room they are marvelous, driven by a Cello amp and Wadia CDP. That’s an old-fashioned advice, I must admit. But your question is nice to be answered ;) I wish you a nice way to your dream, that’s probably the funniest path in life, after the first kiss to a woman you love. Then I’m pretty sure that once you’re set up with the speakers you’ve chosen, you will start thinking about how you will ask here: « I’ve got wonderful XY speakers that actually do more than well. What would you suggest for the next step? ». Am I wrong? ;)) |
I would get Magnepan 3.7i and the best tight subwoofers and crossover I could find. Maybe twin server subs like REL or GR research. I would have lots of money left over. Also I really like the Volti Audio Vittora 5 piece speaker system with a tube amp. http://voltiaudio.com/vittora/. Very, very nice. |
I have attended the annual CES for about 35 years. This year my vote for the best sound goes to the Magico S5. The imaging must be heard to be believed. I have seen a few used S5s on Audiogon. I would strongly urge you to have an audition if there is a dealer near you. I have no qualms with the other suggestions as they are all good but Magico has my vote. |
