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Used speakers for $3k? Oh the confusion

Audio speakers, HiFi speakers, studio loudspeakers....
I need help. My first pair was Altec Lansing 510's. Those things could rock and image very well. They were a little shrill, but otherwise very nice. I went to ProAc Response Ones which I thought were even better at everything except dynamics, so off with them and onto kit building starting with Dyaudio drivers. Too much work and then to a North Creek Rhythm kit which was already designed, much easier. Sold them and purchased Merlin VSM-M. These didn't do anything for me so sold them and have now Tyler's Linbrook Signatures. These are very cool, but don't image like the proacs so I just built a pair of Proac Response 1SC clones. Again very nice but lack dynamics for some rock.

I know electronics play a big part. I am using a Audio Mirror PP1 with some mods, a pair of custom EVS 350 watt mono class D UCD amps with a massive power supply. My cd player is a NAD T585.

I am tossing around, used only, VR4jr mkII, Genesis V, Dunlavy SC-IV, Aerial 10 T and Talon Raven. I tossed around Maggies and a few electrostatics, but don't want only one tight sweet spot. Cliffhanger Bulldogs, with a sub, are at the top of my list, but impossible to find.

I need good imaging and good dynamics at a low price ($3000.00-$3500.00). Used is the only way to get a $7K and up speaker for $3k ie. Genesis V.

My electronics are not bright and a little laid back.

I like good old Genesis from the early 70's Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd and some newer rock like Alice in Chains. Head music is my favorite. I want speakers that can disappear into a room and are easy to set up and can play loud. I also want good bass and don't have a problem using a sub.

I know it's allot to ask, but maybe there is a speaker like Neat Acoustics that I am not familiar with or Salk that will be perfect for me.

I need good suggestions from owners that have gone through the same thing and now very happy with their choice.
stereo
xti16
1,495 posts
 
I would try to listen to all demo's you can at stores or friends homes if possible for starters. You have gone through a lot of speakers. Everyone has a different opinion on what they like. I would suggest Dynaudio Contour 3.4's and depending how far you can stretch you budget maybe the 5.4's. The 5.4's have the esotar2 tweeters and a little more bass.

I have the Confidence C1's and the soundstage is huge - the depth is great along with the imaging. Dynamics are also great. In my opinion they do need a sub and I do have a REL B3 (had it before the C1's). The Rel although very musical dont seem to have the response as the lower end of the C1's. To me it sounds slow. I would love a dyn sub but you need to have a sub-out from your pre which I dont have to intergrate properly.

Just another idea.
audiokinesis
1,872 posts
 
Hello Stereo,

I was a Cliffhanger dealer, and yup the Bulldog was killer! A classy little three-way in an league where virtually everything else was a two-way, and Ian did a superb job with the crossover.

Nice to come across someone who appreciates it. Wish I knew where you could find a pair.

Duke

dealer/manufacturer
iplaynaked
193 posts
 
"My first pair was Altec Lansing 510's. Those things could ROCK" "ProAc Response Ones which I thought were even better at everything EXCEPT DYNAMICS" "built a pair of Proac Response 1SC clones. Again very nice BUT LACK DYNAMICS for some rock." "HEAD MUSIC is my favorite...don't have a problem using a sub." (Stereo)

Not knowing your room, setup, acoustics, etc, (you did mention, besides being a bit of ahead banger, that you want to be able to move around the room, and still hear quality sound), I suggest looking at both active speaker designs, multiple drive designs with good efficiency (yes, larger Dappolito designs), traditional designs with good efficiency, with larger bass drivers, and also designs with powered subwoofers built in. And, lastly, you could do somekind of descent efficiency Dappolito (woofer-tweeter-woofer design) higher end speaker, crossing over to a subwoofer or two!!
Yep, you've got options.
Without getting to much into all those options, and what all is out there to cover those options, and adress your needs, you might strongly consider looking into a used pair of Infinity Prelude MTS full range speakers! (including active 2500 watt 12" powered subs attached to each tower)
At $8k a pair, new/retail, these offer the advantages of powered subwoofers (like a superbly well integrated sub/sat system, but better), with multiple upper/mid-bass/mid-range drivers (like 4 of them per speaker, plus a midrange/tweeter combo, sanwiched between all of that) - These are very high quality, high-end speakers, with a very clear, transparant, deatiled, un-colored design! They are slighly foreward to neutral in pressentation, and mate SUPERBLY with the kind of electronics you have (well balanced, slightly laid back).
Anyway, I think this is an attractive, well build solution (plus the woofers are not only detachable, but come with a parametric EQ to help placement - very good stuff indeed.
While no speakers are perfect, I think these would offer you the best advantages, SUPERB DYNAMICS and extension, while still offering a very detailed, coherent, un-colored, hi-end sound!
Anyway, I can think of nothing right now that would do you better...
Good luck
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