“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

The Sound Environment in Kansas City carries Rockport, Focal, Wilson and Gryphon.  You could likely hear several from your list in the same place.  

I have owned Focal and they can be analytical depending on the Amp.  I traded Sopra 2 for Wilson Sasha 2 and as much as I enjoyed the Focal's, I like the Wilson's better.  That said, I did not care for Wilson Yvette with Gryphon.  It was too warm for my taste, but you may like the sound.  

I have a friend who just got a set of Paradigm Persona 9H. I haven't heard them yet. He is super picky and says they are phenomenal. I'll try to invite myself over soon for a listen and will report my findings. 

Been using the Focal Sopra 2's for 6 years now with the Esoteric F-05 and K-03XD. Sopra 2's are stunning. Wide deep soundstage, great imaging, tight articulate bass. They don't seem analytical to me at all. I auditioned them against several of the aforementioned speakers. It was like buying a puppy. Take the one that jumps out and comes to you.

That is called chasing your tail - one component making up for another.  I hope you don't spend a lot of money, just to spend it all over again.

OP,

 

After decades of making audio choices I found that the best thing to do after a few minutes of critical listening. Just listen to the music… let it soak into your subconscious. Does it move you? Drop the jumping from one sound to another trying to memorize all the notable attributes. There is likely going to be a pull to certain components.

Took me years to figure this out for myself. Would not be surprised if it could help you.

Actually most of our intelligence comes from our subconscious… let it decide. Ultimately this is what is listening to music once you have your system at home… it is what connects with the music.