I own Aerial 5T’s and they are a terrific speaker. I’m running them w/a Bryston 2.5 SST2 and a Luxman CL38U SE Tube preamp. For a Floor stander I'd look at the Spendor A-6 or a a bit over your budget the Spendor A-7.
Looking for suggestions on best small footprint speaker under $4K
Greetings
i’m a long time 2 channel system guy that rekindled his interest in music and Is looking to upgrade speakers. I just currently upgraded from a small tube amp to a 150 W Krell amp and have really enjoyed the improved response from my 7 year old KEF LS50’s. My favorite Brands of speakers over the years have been Maggie’s and B&W. I have also downsized homes and size of speaker is an issue. Looking for the best sounding speaker for jazz and lite rock. Attractive cabinets are important to me so I don’t like the looks of golden ear speakers.. 25 years ago I loved Vandersteen speakers but they were just not attractive.
As I begin my search what would yoou suggest. I have started looking at Monitor Audio and Salk but have not heard any. My budget is $4K.
i appreciate your feedback.
i’m a long time 2 channel system guy that rekindled his interest in music and Is looking to upgrade speakers. I just currently upgraded from a small tube amp to a 150 W Krell amp and have really enjoyed the improved response from my 7 year old KEF LS50’s. My favorite Brands of speakers over the years have been Maggie’s and B&W. I have also downsized homes and size of speaker is an issue. Looking for the best sounding speaker for jazz and lite rock. Attractive cabinets are important to me so I don’t like the looks of golden ear speakers.. 25 years ago I loved Vandersteen speakers but they were just not attractive.
As I begin my search what would yoou suggest. I have started looking at Monitor Audio and Salk but have not heard any. My budget is $4K.
i appreciate your feedback.
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- 70 posts total
If you're hell bent on dropping $4k, I can't readily help you. But if you're willing to spend a lot less than that and be willing to live with some real magic, then here's a completely different thought. One of the most wonderful systems I've ever heard was a pair of late 70's vintage KEF Calinda loudspeakers being driven by a Marantz 8B tube power amp. Absolutely spell binding! That vintage of KEF loudspeaker is hard to find in the USA, but is readily available in Europe. Do a search at https://www.hifishark.com/ The Calinda typically sells for around $400/pair. Shipping extra. The next model up, the Cantata, typically sells for about $600/pair. As for the power amp, the Marantz 8B is a classic, but an expensive classic. What's a much better value is the 35 wpc ST-70 from VTA. They also have a 60 wpc amp for a reasonable amount. You can either build the kit, save money and get a ton of satisfaction, or have them make it up for you. Even pre-assembled, the prices are modest. ST-70, preassembled with tubes - $1275 ST-70, kit - w/tubes - $879 ST-120, preassembled with tubes - $1435 ST-120, kit w/tubes - $1159 In your shoes, something like this is what I'd do. |
Sorry for the slow response, but have been visiting my new granddaughter this week. Thanks for all the feedback I truly appreciate it and have a lot of research to do. I have never bought used speakers though I willing to as long as I can see and hear them first. Russbutton certainlynot hell bent on spending $4K, I have been using a tube amp for the last seven years and really like the sound character. I just bought a recapped Krell amp and have been blown ay by the sound. My next amp will be a high powered tube. |
- 70 posts total