“House” Character of Popular $20-$30k Speakers


I’ll be upgrading my speakers in a bit (after I add a turntable to my system). I’ve always thought that people two often end up attempting to correct or compensate for a quality they don’t like in one of their system components. My thought is that speakers and amps shouldn’t try to “correct” each other, but rather, they should complement each other, while sharing many similar qualities in their sonic signatures.

With that in mind, I’d describe my Gryphon Diablo 300 with the internal DAC (fed by an InnuOS Zenith MK3 streamer) as being rich, lively, engaging, slightly warm but moderately detailed, with dramatic dynamic swings that can often simulate a live sound. Smooth but energetic and engaging at the same time. My speakers I’ll be upgrading from are B&W 803 D2’s. Big full and bold sound but with finesse and moderate quickness too.

What brand of speakers would be along the lines of the sound I describe above? I’d be hoping to follow this sonic signature in my next speaker purchase, but adding some small capabilities with transparency and detail, imaging, and low end presence.

The speaker brands I have in mind to look into are:

-Magico (would check out the A5’s. I hear the A5’s could be too analytical for some, but have an excellent and clean bass presence.  Bust most rave about the A5)

-Sonus Faber (heard these are too relaxed for some?)

-Wilson Audio (if I can get over how they look)

-Monitor Audio

-Dynaudio: Maybe this brand could be a sweet spot?

-B&W: I’ve tested many and find them lacking in bass presence resulting in a mid forward style. That said the 802 D3’s I auditioned matched the sonic character of their upper ranges very well.

Would be interested in how others describe the house sounds if the brands above…

 

 

 

nyev

If you can stretch your budget a bit higher the Rockport Avior ii would be well worth an audition. Matches well with your Diablo 300. 

I would consider Sonus Faber or Wilson.  You can get new or previously owned in that range depending on your preference.  I own pairs of both brands.

I concur with @styleman : you really should give the Focal a honest try. The Sopra 2 are within your budget and they excel at "transparency and detail, imaging" as you mentioned you like.

 

Sonos Faber nova 5 - are not bright as B AND W, the silk dome tweeter provides more neutral smooth sound, but in no way that would put it into a relaxed category. 

 If you're happy with the B and W then just upgrade from there but same brand.

 

 

 

How Much Fun...! New Speakers for $20k - $30k....!

 

So...

 

My personal experience..? With My Diablo 300...? (I now run ARC separates)

 

Best Sounding - Wilson Sasha DAW $37k

Best Sounding and Best Looking - Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition or Amati Tradition.

 

I've listened to Audio Note, B & W - Dynaudio - Wilson - Sonus Faber - Magico - Focal - Joseph Audio - 

 

My ear always returned to the Serafino's. (Amatis if I had a larger room)

 

Musical - Detailed and Fast - Real 30hz bass - Imaging like electrostatic with a large sweet spot. I actually have mine toed way out lately. and....they are gorgeous...! They party..! Sweet on voices.... I find the Gryphon a little dark and clinical, so I think the Serafino's really rounded that amp out. 

 

I had the Diablo and the Serafino's for about 6 months. DCS Bartok and mostly Nordost wires and connectors.

 

Have a blast...! Im jealous...!