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Speaker Recommendation: 20K range

I’m looking for new speakers in the <20K range. 

I am not looking for used, unless it’s a demo model straight from an AD.

I am hoping to find a line that clearly beats speakers in the ~10K range like Magico A3, Revel 228BE, Legacy Focus SE etc.

I will be pairing the speakers with a Lumin D2 streamer, Mcintosh C2600 pre and MC452 amp. Changing those components is not going to happen anytime soon and so system synergy with those pieces is important. 

I also would like the speakers to be rated at 500W given the amp I will be using and the fact that the listening space is quite large. 

While I mostly listen to jazz, rock, pop, classical and vocals, I am really looking for speakers that sound amazing with any genre. I also need them to sound great at moderate levels of volume. 

I currently have Focal Kanta No 2s, and while they are quite nice, I want something much better in all respects. 

I am not really up to speed on all the audiophile terms that describe the various traits of sound – I just want my jaw to drop when listening to the speakers with any genre at all volume levels, if that’s possible :) 

I am close to NYC and would like to narrow down the list to ~5 candidates before I start auditioning.

Hopefully you guys can help me compile a list!

Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions.

chandybe
smer319's avatar
smer319
138 posts
 
Some products I have in my store that are an amazing deal.1. Vandersteen 5A Carbon in Birds Eye Maple at $19K2. Wilson Audio Specialties Yvettes at $19,5003. Audio Physic Aventara ++ with AudioQuest WEL Signature cabling inside. $11995.004. Vivid Audio Kaya 90 $26000.00sunnyaudiovideo.com


ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,216 posts
 
Well I demo’ed the Magico A3 and the Focal Sopra’s 3 this last Saturday. They were connected to Ayre equipment. Both types of speakers sounded excellent with each having a different presentation. I kinda liked the Sopra’s 3’s a little better. But they are twice the price of the Magico A3.

Since I own 4 JL Audio Fathom F-113 subs, I’m thinking the Focal Sopra 2’s would suffice nicely. Unfortunately, the dealer didn’t have them to demo.

But, the true test will be when I bring my Carver Tube amps to play with them. The speakers compatibility with the amps might swing the decision.

ozzy
gpana
7 posts
 
Goldnote XS-85!!!!
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
OP, your experiment of "lesser" speakers sounding as good as "better" speakers underscores my earlier recommendation of addressing the room acoustics before making the investment in getting even "better" speakers. You have lots of reflective surfaces in that room and they are robbing you from getting full potential from your speakers. 
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,650 posts
 
@steve59

Sorry, but no, going off the Stereophile measurements, Vienna Acoustics are terrible for the money, way overpriced, just look at his listening window measurement for their Klimt the Kiss speaker, utterly atrocious, not even $100 speakers are as poorly tonanly balanced as those, and it’s directivty is super poor as well.

I have a pair of Revel salon2's I bought to replace my VA Beethovens which like your Kanta's didn't really rock out, but despite measurements the speakers from Vienna Acoustics sound amazing next to anything in their price. Your Kanta2's image really well and when you go to a larger speaker you risk losing that. Axpona had a lot of big speakers in small rooms and the carver line source sounded great also Raidho 2.1(used)would be worth an in home demo and is on my short list along with the VA 'the music' if I tire of the Salon2's.
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