Loudspeakers played LOUD

You are correct in your assesment about Legacy speakers. When it comes to loud, very few speakers can touch these at their same price point, especially if you buy them used. Unfortuntely, Legacys are no where near as refined, or as transparent, as the Dunlavys, etc. Legacys are a no brainer if you want a taste of high end, with "loud" included, if you are on a budget. Wouldn't it be nice if we could get loud and refined, at a realistic price, from one speaker manufacturer?

Ehider, buying a speaker like that was once upon a time possible. Then Hales Design Group went under. Their Revelation 3 (and to a large degree the Revelation 2) fit the "loud and refined, at a realistic price, from one speaker manufacturer" description well. Admittedly, it could use a hair more refinement, but considering the retail price point (>$2,200) they're *very* smooth and adequate volume is never an issue.

To improve the "refinement factor" I've considered swapping the metal tweeter for silk. The stock unit is a Vifa, so it shouldn't be hard to match. Maybe when I grow tired of the current configuration. Or is that if...?

ATC is unrivalled in my experience in terms of its dynamics and raw power that they can cleanly convey at absurdly loud levels. The heart of the speaker is their large dome midrange that itself weighs more than many bookshelf speakers. Listen to anything from the SCM50s on up and you'll have a thrill...like nothing else I've heard for putting the dynamics of a live performance in a room. Find a dealer and hold on tight.

Another speaker with impressively clean and powerful dynamics is the Talon Khorus(the new "X" version). While it doesn't quite pack the wallop of the ATC midrange it comes close and has a more extended high end along with some of the tightest bass you'll hear anywhere. It is also about the quickest speaker I've ever heard.

If you're interested in dynamics find a dealer and listen to these, if for nothing else just to have for reference if you haven't already heard them.

Tim