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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
krell_man
827 posts
 
My personal favorites are the Meadowlark Osprey and Thiel 2.4, although the Thiel need power, room and maybe a too narrow window for what you want. The Osprey, if you can find a pair, are fantastic speakers.

Chuck
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Trying everything possible would be the way to go. I don't have any friends into audio like I am into it. Maybe some retail stores in Philly. I always had a fondness for Dynaudio speakers. This is why I purchased the VSM-M. Those Esotar tweeter were supposed to be awesome.

I read allot about the Bulldog and I want them. Those things never come up for sale. I think they would be perfect.

I always thought the Dappolito designs would be superior. The North Creek Rhythm were that way. Proac moved away from that design with some of their newer designs. I am not sure why. I'll check out the Infinity Prelude MTS reviews. Thanks! I am not too much of a head banger. I hate the 80's rock and mostly stick with '65-'78 rock and some jazz. Once in a while some later stuff interests me like Alice in Chains and Ozzy.

I've looked at the ATC speakers the good ones are expensive even used. The reviews are very good and they might work well for me. I like dome midrange drivers over a cone. I think there is more speed to a dome the Altec 510 were this way and so is the Bulldogs.

VMPS always interested me too. I've read mixed reviews. They seem to rock well.

The Genesis seem the most interesting for the money. Some seem to think they are too bright, but I have a mellow system. I am not sure.

Meadowlark...I've look at these too. The Blue Heron with that tweeter...I'd love to hear a pair of those, but support is now gone. I'm not sure about Thiel. Maybe I'll take a listen to some.

Thanks for the comments so far you have opened up my eyes to some more options.

The new Proac 1SC speaker clones I built sound really great, but too laid back and the dynamics are not up to the level I'm looking for., but they can really disappear.
undertow
1,032 posts
 
Highly recommend looking into even for new prices the Klipsch Reference like the RF83's for around 2000 a pair... Rarely you will find used pairs on the market, or the older heritage series like the new herseys or Cornwalls people will argue are still better, mostly with tube gear however...

They are all pretty smooth, have dynamics that are not nearly as "Nasal" sounding as much of the other dynamic drive speakers you list above without having a really good amp.. You can go and audition most of these locally as well. You can look at K-horns as well klipsch big ones, but need corners open to optimize them, and buying used for 3000 you will most likely not get to hear them until you buy.

The other good thing with the klipsch is you can rock with 50 watts or less of power in most cases and beat out the frequency response and output of most of the other speakers like most above that have 88db to 93db efficiency using a 100 to 200 watt per channel amp.
jkw1
30 posts
 
Stereo,

Tough question, there is so much out there used at this price. You are correct that the Bulldogs should be high on your list, they are special, but do need the power which you seem to have, except I'm not familiar with the sound of class D amps. Although I have never heard any of Duke's designs (Audiokinesis) the Jazz modules if available used might be worth looking into. As Duke answered above he used to sell the Bulldogs he would be the one to ask. Another speaker that might meet your requirements could be the Daedalus line, again I have not heard Daedalus but forums suggest they may be to your liking.

Good luck!
Jim
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I've never considered horn loaded speakers. I'm gonna have to give a listen.

My class D UCD module amps were built by Rick at EVS. 350wpc into 8 ohms and 700 into 4. They are smooth. I had Ampzilla's, Melos MAT-180 and a Karan amp. The monos I now own have the best quality's of all of my others.

I've heard of Daedalus, but never looked into them.
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