Young audiophile metal head looking to level up speaker choice


Hello Audiogon,

I'm a pretty new to the world of audio and looking to make a signifiant upgrade from my first self purchased speaker, the Q Acoustics 3030i.  I was encouraged by an audiophile friend to join Audiogon and post a question regarding what speaker would be best.

I decided to pick up a much nicer amplifier last year, upgrading from a Cambridge AXR85 to a Rogue Sphinx V3. This 2024 I am wanting to make a similar upgrade to my speakers.  I wanted a more dynamic amplifier and found the Cambridge to smooth when combined with my Q Acoustics.

I have my own listening room but it's rather small 11ft x13ft.  I listen to mostly heavy metal/rock music at 70-85 decibels.   I have looked at been cross shopping the Buchart S400 mkII, Dynaudio Evoke 20, Zu DWX, Arendale 1723 - but have also heard good things about vintage Usher speakers..

Thanks for your consideration and advice here.

cheers

killingforcompany

Excellent suggestions on the Goldenear’s ! I’ve heard them more than a few times and always come away impressed with their open and airy feel, super musical too.

Ive only heard the paradigm founder 80’s and really liked them a lot. I understand further up the line the have powered low end too. May be worth a consideration.

Golden Ear speakers would be just about the worst choice one could make. They will make a meal of Spam out of any metal music. Their tweeters are low-rent distortion machines, both in measurements and sound. The whole product line is a big money grab and the audio mags praising them are on the take—the only plausible explanation for why anyone would give them a positive review. 

Really…… if gonna come hard like that back it up. Where’s your proof of what you are saying? 
 

“Their tweeters are low-rent distortion machines, both in measurements and sound. “

I 2nd. the Tekton Pendragons...They really Rock ...and at $2500 you just can't touch them for a Full Range speaker.