I agree most with @bigtwin - up-level by buying more expensive gear, used, in great condition. I'm one of the rare fans, here, of Meridian speakers and have never paid anywhere near full price for them. Find the brands that excite you and look for deals (sometimes, for me, it involved waiting a while; now, with the audiophile business releasing a lot of new, must-have products it's much easier for me to get great gear as [those of greater means] move to the next level); the patience pays off in getting products you never would have considered ... but listen/consider first and have some fun on the journey.
Candidates for best speakers in the $2000-5000 market
I’m asking for listeners’ experience in this bracket, buttressed by reviews and/or data; I am not a fan of "whatever sounds good to you." Ultimately, yes, that will be the case. But in getting to that point, I’m looking to benefit from the advantage of a thousand pairs of ears rather than mine alone. Those ears can include the inanimate. Thank you.
My experience has included my own Elac 403, Elac 407, and Dynaudio Special 40. Auditions have included various Sonus Faber, and Magico. All of this is in preparation for justifying the leap for an Electa Amator lll or its equivalent. But that’s for another day, another forum.
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@retrocrownfan You nailed it. The OP didn’t feel it necessary to share what sound characteristics he’s looking for, and the result is recommendations from all over the place that may well have nothing in common with his own tastes — like throwing darts at a board blindfolded and mostly useless. As with all posts here, you get what you give. |
I really like my Canton Reference 9k stand mounts. Fantastic finish in walnut and a great sound. Also available in black or white if that matches your room better. More bass than most small speakers and voices are wonderful. I also looked at Fyne. F700 and F1-5 was over my budget but may fit on yours. |
I have been very happy with my Harbeth SHL5+; I imagine a previously owned pair from a good source would be in your price range, and/or that a model by them in your price range might be worth a listen (If my memory is correct I compared them to Dynaudio and Sonus Faber when I purchased them). Bought mine from Sound by Singer in NYC, they always have discounted gear on offer so might be worth checking the webpage. Tell us what you decide, and enjoy! |
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