"What's The Best Value Speaker In $5k-$10k Range?"


I'd appreciate some advice from those experienced with great speakers. I'm hoping that this thread will be valuable to lots of others, as well.

On to my question: What are the best value speakers you can buy on the used market in the $5k-$10k price range? I think it's time to get into something world-class for music, and I've found that in each area of life or hobby, there are gems available that might not carry the most popular brand name - or be the latest fashion - but that do deliver the best performance for the money.

I'd appreciate recommendations from any resident speaker gurus. Thank you!
metalphoenix
There are several good speakers listed above, and the list is devoid of real losers. Funny, the lists for really expensive speakers have many more losers than I see in this list. Are the carriage trade items more prone to being overpriced ripoffs or are those well-heeled folks more easily sucked in by fancy looking but deeply flawed speakers?

I'll vote for a standout speaker, one that is not just "good for the price", which is faint praise in my book, but rather one that is just outstanding in many ways and extremely versatile: The JBL 1400 Array. Smooth, detailed, DYNAMIC, subtle, can play softly and sound great, and can scream and sound great. Lastly, deep deep bass that has great tonal qualities at all bass frequencies to go along with the depth.

It's just a little out of the $10k range but it's close....
Not sure about the best value as I have not had the opportunity to hear many other speakers in that price range. I am using the Aerial 7-T's and would throw their name into the list of candidates assembled above.
I second the JBL 1400 Array option. Odd looking, but those folks know sound. I love Revel, but might also suggest Salk (new Soundscape 8s, perhaps), Focal, and Dynaudio. Some of the English (ProAc, Harbeth) and German and Austrian brands might be worth exploring.

You have great amps, so keep them, regardless, they can feed most anything.