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.

Ag insider logo xs@2xrichardmathes

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!

(And +1 for suggestions on buying used gear in good / trusted condition - it’s how I built much of my system, and it has worked well for me)

+1 for the Philharmonic BMR Towers

I had Martin Logan Monoliths 2 for over 20 years.  They were a little lacking in bass.  A series of events mandated a change.  I considered another ML hybrid but decided against them primarily for cost and the WAF wanted smaller speakers.  I auditioned ML 60XTI and sent them back.

A significant amount of research led me to the BMR Towers.  Unfortunately, Philharmonic sells them direct... no dealers.  That makes it tough to audition them.  Unless you come over to my house.  They don't need a subwoofer.

I strongly recommend them.