Which pair of speakers changed your Hifi life?


*** I am not trying to create a debate or a quarrel with anyone. My discussions are purely having a talks and to express one's experiences. Also to learn fellow audio lovers passion. Please do not disrespect with hurtful words or expressions. Please be more forgiving and understanding in this discussion thread. Thank you." ***

Hopefully one day, someone would say "Mon Acoustic speakers were the turning point in my Hifi life".  😃

My 2ch-audio journey began when my uncle bought his BOSE system at his home (don't even know the model or never really heard it) in early 90s. Bose was rear and expensive in Korea(South) back then. So I started my own system with Bose Cinematics 2.1. Then moved on to Goldenear Triton 3, then to Triton 1. But more utilizing the speakers for AV set ups, not 2 ch stereo.   

When I had my first house, I bought a pair of Revel M105 speakers and I think these are the pair that really changed my audio life. My initial paring with M105 was Yamaha receiver. Then I tried goofie set up with center speaker 3.1 to see if it improves vocal in the songs I liked. We went through many combinations of system set up. I ended up with Chord Electronics set up. 

I still own them. Always struggle time to time, whether to sell them or not due to the number of pairs I own(out of a guilt). I cannot argue how many pairs of shoes my wife owns.  I pair them with NAD M10 (version 1) for my bedroom since my wife likes the warm and well rounded sound, and 80% its white design aspect. 

So what are the speakers that have impacted your life? 

 

128x128monacousticusa

Epi 100.  

Showed me how a simple, inexpensive, well-designed speaker can sound so natural, clear, and non-fatiguing that I prefer it over almost all other speakers for home use.  Over the years, it has kept my "upgrade-itis" under control because so few speakers actually sound better, to my ears.  I recently auditioned speakers up to $7,000 and while I suppose a couple MIGHT have sounded "better," for the most part they just sounded like the Epi or maybe the Epi with a quality modest sub.

I did end up with a Heresy IV, but for the reason that they sound DIFFERENT, and I wanted to have an alternative experience with my familiar music, at least for a while.  The Epi 100 is not going anywhere, though, and is in another room now, but will be rotated in periodically to the "main room."  

I updated them with Human Speakers parts, but the basic design and sound remains the same with maybe a bit more heft and tightness to the bass and a bit more dispersiveness and clarity to the highs, but only subtle, since Human parts are designed based on Epi design.

Am I open to other speakers?  Of course, and over the decades I've searched for an Epi beater, but nothing has been compelling enough to change out; I have changed out, for a while, with various attempts, but over time I keep going back.  

It's nice not to have to worry about "are my speakers good enough," once you've found your niche for your home.  Saves a lot of anxiety, and of course a lot of money.

@timintexas 

You were not wrong about the Epi, except for burning them!  

The Epi 100 is still around, and can be updated as I describe in my post above... or, get the Human Speakers model 81.  Even the 180 is still around, but I find the 100 to be the best all-arounder.  The 100 reaches down to about 44hz, so if one adds a small quality sub, think SVS 300micro or something, to handle less than 40 or 38, then that's it: done.

The Epi tweeter is still one of the very best; you were right on track.  And it is amazing what the 8" woofer can do in a normal home... tight, accurate, and it just reaches in and tickles the eardrums.

B&W Matrix 801 Series 2...still have 'em, now with North Creek crossovers...lifer speakers :)

Early on maggies sounded impressive...heard Bose 901s in college that made me nauseous...in grad school listened to lots of speakers but only the Acoustats sounded good enough, so bought the Spectra 22s...still have not run across speakers that I love as much...still listen to the 22s every day but do have some Martin Logan Source in a bedroom system that are decent...anyone make something like Spectra 22s today? Maybe for $20K instead of the <$2K I paid back then?