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$3000 Speaker Search

I'm celebrating my 20th year working for the same company this coming spring (knock on wood). I decided to treat myself to some new speakers to celebrate. My budget is about $3k. I generally purchase used/demo gear only, but I'm open to something new since this is a special purchase for me. I stream music only and my current system is a Primaluna Dialogue One integrated, Eastern Electric MiniMax Dac Plus and Totem Acoustic Hawks. I like the Hawks a lot but I think the highs are a bit "etchy" and sometimes a bit bright. I'd prefer a 3 way speaker and something more efficient that the Hawks since I'm pretty committed to the tube integrated. I generally listen to indie rock, jazz, and acoustic rock. I listen to a lot of other music, but these are the genres most important so the speaker must excel with string and percussion instruments as well as vocals. I'm also more interested in a speaker with excellent imaging and soundstage over detail, but I also want a natural and dynamic sound. My listening space is a nook off the main living space. It's supposed to be a dining area I think. It's about 11x12, but open on one side to about 1000-1200 sq ft living space. You can watch this youtube video to see my system and room. Since the speaker is in my main living room it will have to be a good looking speaker, preferably in a wood finish, and it can't be huge.

I'm looking for any suggestions given my equipment, music tastes, room, and preferred genres. My current favroite is the Salk Song3 or maybe Song3-A, even though I haven't listened to them. I had Songtowers before and loved them so I'm pretty sure I'd be happy with these, but not sure if going the Song3-A is worth the extra money for me. If you have any other suggestions let me know. I'm in Portland, OR so I have a lot of good brands to listen to around here but its not a huge audiophile town. Thanks!
abd1
helomech
1,521 posts
 
If you can get the speakers a couple feet away from the walls, you might try the Vandersteen 1ci. I just picked up a pair and I'm amazed at how much better they are than many higher priced speakers I've heard, some of which are on that extensive list in the second post. I've also heard the 2CE but that was years ago. Vandersteen speakers play the the full decay of notes that other speakers simply cut off. They also have far more pleasant tonal balance than most.

The 1ci is about 88 db sensitivity (realistically) with a minimum impedance of 4.8 ohms, which is no sweat for a tube amp in your room size.
sancho22
106 posts
 
I would add WLM Diva monitors or La Scala floor standers given the gear
cquinn's avatar
cquinn
15 posts
 
Used something, because you can get like-new speakers for a little over half price (plus shipping).  This is particularly true in this price range, as people are always upgrading to macho-grade audio equipment.  I got Revel F212's for $2700.  Love 'em.
vitop
221 posts
 
The Double Impact are by far the best I have heard at that price point. You need to get them in the gloss finish to look nice and get the grills so the unconventional driver array is covered for your wife.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
In threads like this, everyone will inevitably recommend their favorite brand of speaker(s), and in many cases, with no considerations for the placement challenges or the gear. The MMG suggestion is a perfect example. I said this before, you can get a lot more performance from the Hawks by some very simple room treatment and/or placement tweaks. That would apply to any new speakers  you get if you have the burning itch to change.
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