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

@audioguy85 

The Optimus 10’s were my first “proper” speakers. 

Have zero recollection of their sound. But I sure did play them loud, much louder than I should have I suspect.

The first speakers that had my jaw hit the floor were the Wilson Grand Slams. This would have been one of the first versions of this speaker as it was a long time ago.

Was “window shopping” in a high end store, and it was a slow day there. A sales person knew that I was not in a position to buy such a pair of speakers, but I guess he understood my excitement for audio gear and took me into the listening room so I could listen to them. They were powered by some giant Krell. I was blown away by what I heard.

Most recently, the ESL-57’s I picked up for a comparative steal  in 2021. They are everything written about them, both positive as well as their shortcomings. With the exception that I do not find them lacking in bass. Granted, I am not a bass head, and listen to them in a small room. 

I look forward to hearing the next speakers that move me.
 

 

Magnapan mmg.

I had my system in my treated and dedicated room. Using heavy modified speakers with ALL better parts custom made point to point mounted and so on.

 

I got the tip that if you buy a second pair HiFi Speakers then it is a good idea that they are if a different type then the ones I currently have.

 

The idea is that the sound difference might be a greater contrast. Than just buying yet another "box" speaker that is same same but different..

 

In came dipole magnapan mmg second hand that were ~40 years old (uncommon speaker in my part of the world)

 

I put them up it took me less than a song and I just go "Wow i thought that I HAD HiFi but those magnapan showed me that it were not the case. (The box speaker went into the closet and yes I have two OB 18" for bottom end in the system).

Falcon LS3 and harbeth 30.1 opened my eyes but only my current tannoy ardens made me go wow and that has been 4 years without any niggle or doubt raised. Heard some klipschorn in a posh funk club that made me smile a lot too....

@monacousticusa

LOL, the needle in my arm was referencing our audio addiction, which Ive had since the mid 60s! The glowing tubes I mentioned were cherry(scary) red as in something upstream was over heating them

I think I neglected to mention Mad Scientist Audio’s Graphene Enhanced Contact treatment. A 2 ounce bottle is only $75. First clean all your contacts with 90% isoprophyl, then apply according to directions

 

As to the Nordost cables on Ali Express, they offer Free returns. TRY THEM

 

My musical tastes are all over the map, except for cRAP

 

Bose 901 Series 1 & 2 only !

And now Klipsch Cornwall IV's & a Heresy IV using the 901's for Surround duty. Now I need to buy back a used PS Audio DirectStream DAC Sr. because I sold mine in order to put a down payment on the gently used Cornwall's.